By MBAKS Senior Policy Analyst Allison Butcher

Recent building permit data for the Seattle metro area shows single-family and multifamily permits fell in King County by 8% and 26%, respectively, in September year-to-date compared to the same period last year. Meanwhile, permits are up in Snohomish and Pierce counties during the same period.

The Builder's Bulletin is intended to provide a convenient way to track housing in our market and includes information from the Northwest Multiple Listing Service, State of the Cities Data Systems, Office of Financial Management, and the Washington State Employment Security Department.

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Washington becomes the 11th state to adopt background check reform within the private sector. 

Today, June 7, marks the date the Fair Chance Act goes into effect in effort to ensure applicants are judged by their work and experience qualifications—and not by criminal or arrest histories. The act, HB 1298, is designed to get figurative feet in the door or, in other words, to keep companies from discriminating against potential hires until applicants at least meet minimum requirements for various job types. 

If an employer determines that the applicant is qualified, the law does not restrict the employer from inquiring into or obtaining information about a criminal record.

Maurice Emsellem, program director with the National Employment Law Project, says “HB 1298 represents a major step forward for Washington state’s business community and economy, while providing hope and opportunity to all those qualified workers who have struggled to find work with a conviction record but who are ready to give back to their communities.”

Penalties for not adhering to the act are as follows: 

• First Violation: Notice of violation.
• Second Violation: Penalty of up to $750.
• Third Violation and beyond: Penalty of up to $1,000 for each instance.

HB 1506, Washington's Equal Pay Opportunity Act, also goes into effect today. Learn more about complying with both laws from BIAW.

Media Contact:
Nona Raybern, PR & Media Manager
Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties
p 425.457.7067
m 425.208.6308

Master Builders Association Names Brian Holtzclaw President of Board of Directors

Born and raised in Washington state, Holtzclaw has been a practicing lawyer since 1993. His main interests have revolved around development and land use issues in the Pacific Northwest, focusing on meeting the ever-rising demand for housing across all segments of the market. He holds a law degree from the University of Puget Sound School of Law (now Seattle University) and a degree in economics from Whitman College.

The newly inducted Board of Directors will be rounded out with 1st Vice President Todd Levitt (Murray Franklyn Family of Companies), 2nd Vice President Cameron McKinnon (Gamut360 Holdings), Secretary Luellen Smith (Rhino Wine Cellars & Cooling Systems), and Immediate Past President Bonnie Geers (Quadrant Homes).

Holtzclaw currently serves as in-house counsel for Village Life, a community and housing development firm, as well as mayor pro tem for the city of Mill Creek in Snohomish County. MBAKS is thrilled to have his expertise to guide the Board of Directors into the new decade.

Founded in 1909, the Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties (MBAKS) has grown to become the largest local residential homebuilders association in the United States. With more than 2,700 member companies, the association is dedicated to membership value, housing advocacy, community service, and financial stewardship throughout the Puget Sound region.