On February 18, Mayor Katie Wilson signed CB 121093 and CB 121135 into law, streamlining SEPA review for infill residential and mixed-use development citywide. MBAKS staff were invited to attend the bill signing and provide brief remarks — an encouraging sign of early collaboration with the new administration.
The event was recorded by Seattle Channel.
A Strong Start
As Seattle enters a new chapter of leadership, MBAKS is focused on partnering to create productive, solutions-oriented outcomes. Being included in this milestone reflects the ongoing dialogue between our association and the Mayor’s Office around housing supply, affordability, and regulatory modernization.
Housing outcomes improve when policymakers and housing providers work together. Early engagement helps ensure policy is practical, predictable, and effective.
What the Legislation Does
CB 121093 exempts qualifying residential and mixed-use development from project-level SEPA review until the City’s residential growth targets are met. After that, fallback thresholds exempt residential projects of up to 200 dwelling units citywide.
The reform reduces duplicative review while maintaining environmental protections already required under Washington’s Growth Management Act and the Shoreline Management Act, along with Seattle’s existing land use and critical areas regulations.
Continuing the Work
MBAKS testified in support of the legislation at the February 4 Land Use Committee hearing and submitted a formal letter of support.
We appreciate the Mayor and Council’s leadership and look forward to continuing our partnership with the administration to advance balanced policies that expand housing opportunities across Seattle.
Making home happen requires collaboration — and this is a strong step forward.