By MBAKS Senior Policy Analyst Allison Butcher

The Office of Financial Management (OFM) has posted its annual population update, which shows continued growth in the Puget Sound region. As of April 1, 2021, King, Kitsap, Pierce, and Snohomish counties added 66,200 people. According to The Seattle Times, the Seattle metropolitan area, which includes King, Pierce, and Snohomish counties, now exceeds 4 million people.

The Builders 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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In criticizing Fox "News," the late Steve Jobs famously said, "The axis today is not liberal and conservative, the axis is constructive-destructive, and you've cast your lot with the destructive people." Nationally, destructive policy comes from the right.

On the Planet Seattle, however, a good deal of destructive policy comes from the left. Chief example is the demand for construction impact fees by some on the City Council and among candidates for mayor and council posts. The claim is to "make growth pay for itself." And the implication is that developers are getting a free ride.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Sharon Couts
Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties
425.499.1723

Local Remodeling Companies Win Big at Master Builders Association’s Biggest REX/T-REX Awards

BELLEVUE, Wash.—May 7, 2018—On Saturday, local remodeling companies gathered at the Seattle Design Center to celebrate their craftsmanship and talents at the annual Remodeling/Trade Remodeling Excellence (REX/T-REX) Awards, produced by the Remodelers Council of Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties. Overall, 87 entries were submitted, the highest number in the 32-year history of the event. Entries were judged by independent remodeling professionals who chose winners based on the following six criteria:

1. Aesthetics—Is the project visually appealing?
2. Special or unique design solutions—Does the project reflect optimal space planning and livability?
3. Quality workmanship—Does the project exhibit special crafting or exceptional features?
4. Use of appropriate building material—Does the project complement existing structure and design?
5. Budgetary consideration—How did the remodeler successfully utilize solutions to budgetary constraints?
6. Challenges and obstacles—Did the remodeler overcome unique challenges in completing the project?

Here are the 2018 winners (Additional photos available upon request):

About the Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties

Founded in 1909, the Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties has grown to become the largest residential homebuilders association in the United States. With nearly 3,000 member companies, the association is dedicated to membership value, housing advocacy, community service, and financial stewardship throughout the Puget Sound region.

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