The MBA and the homebuilding industry in the city of Seattle won a decisive victory recently. In the matter of Bendare Dundat v. City of Seattle (Master Builders Intervenor), Judge Barbara Mack issued a decision overturning the City's 'qualifying lot' design review ordinance for being in violation of RCW 82.02.020.

The Court determined that the ordinance imposes direct and indirect costs on projects and developers that are neither reasonably necessary nor the direct result of the proposed development. As the Court stated, "It is hard to fathom how costs and fees could be reasonable and necessary for the smaller project, but not for the first, more impactful project on the adjacent property." Finally, the Court found the city admitted that the ordinance was designed to mitigate collective impacts, not the impact of any individual project—this is the very thing that violates RCW 82.02.020.

The MBA is very happy to have been able to provide financial support to pursuing this matter in court, and the outcome is a collective benefit to developers and builders in Seattle. The MBA will continue to identify ways in which it can work to improve housing affordability within Seattle.

Primary ballots are being mailed out this week so please look for them in your mailbox and make sure to vote! Tuesday, August 6 is the last day to return your ballot either by mail or at a drop box. The election is crucial for housing policy as it will determine which candidates advance to the General Election, potentially shifting the balance of power and philosophical approach to housing initiatives. This election serves as a barometer for public sentiment on key issues and sets the stage for future legislative actions. Counties will certify the Primary Election on August 20 and the General Election is Tuesday, November 5.
 
You can find drop box locations, ballot questions, candidate statements, and more information related to the election at King County Elections or Snohomish County Elections.  

You can review candidate endorsements by the Affordable Housing Council (AHC) below and see the full AHC list HERE.

MBAKS hosted our annual Housing Solutions Breakfast on October 14 at the Meydenbauer Center in Bellevue. This year’s program focused on unlocking housing supply and featured Justine Underhill, economist, journalist, filmmaker, and Falls Church, Virgina Council Member, as our keynote speaker.

Justine shared valuable insights on how to use storytelling to convey the benefits of increased housing supply. She also showed examples of her videos explaining why housing at every level helps improve affordability. Visit Justine’s YouTube channel to learn more about her work.

“We’re grateful so many members and public officials could be part of this important conversation on ways we can work together to make home happen,” said MBAKS Government Affairs Director Jennifer Anderson.

As part of the program, MBAKS recognized Domestic Violence Services of Snohomish County as our Housing Solutions Community Partner of the Year.

Here are some Housing Solutions resources MBAKS shared at the event:

• MBAKS’s 2026 Legislative Priorities
• MBAKS’s Housing Toolkit

We encourage members to keep the momentum going by attending our monthly Builder Council meetings, following legislative updates on MBAKS Connect, and voting for pro-housing candidates on Election Day November 4.

Your voice matters. By staying engaged, you help amplify our collective efforts to advance housing solutions and make home happen for everyone.

View Housing Solutions Breakfast Photos