By MBAKS Senior Policy Analyst Allison Butcher

The Office of Financial Management’s (OFM) annual population projections have been released, showing strong continued growth in Washington. The 2020 estimates indicate Washington’s population grew to more than 7.6 million people as of April 1. The Puget Sound region’s population, including King, Snohomish, Pierce, and Kitsap counties, grew by more than 60,800. According to OFM, most of the population change occurred before the COVID-19 crisis.

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

Shannon Affholter Resigns as Executive Director of the Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties

BELLEVUE, Wash—September 6, 2017—The Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties (MBA) has announced the resignation of Shannon Affholter, the executive director since 2013. A recognized and effective regional leader for the MBA, Affholter leaves a successful and flourishing organization in place. Affholter's last day will be October 6.

"During the past four years, Shannon has done a remarkable job for our association," said Mike Walsh, the current MBA president. "Shannon and his staff have developed relationships throughout the region and the MBA is on the forefront and involved in critical community issues involving attainable housing, as well as essential planning for our region's continued growth. We have been fortunate to have a professional and dedicated executive like Shannon. His achievements both external and internal have been extraordinary and will provide a strong foundation for our future initiatives. We can't thank him enough for his work!"

Affholter made his announcement last week after accepting a position as Chief Operating Officer for Oakpointe Communities, one of the Pacific Northwest's premier land and commercial development companies. "While this is an exciting opportunity for my family and myself, I recognize the hard work and commitment required to help lead a company of this stature and size," said Affholter. "While it was a hard decision to leave the MBA, I understand that my success would not have been possible without the support of my staff and the latitude granted to me by the Executive Committee and Board of Directors. I will be forever indebted to both."

Mike Walsh will welcome Erich Armbruster in January as the 2018 MBA president and board leader. "Working closely with Mike, who has been instrumental in elevating the advocacy of our association, we must now focus our immediate attention on the responsibility of finding an executive leader with the right qualities to lead our organization," said Armbruster. "The MBA has a prestigious history, and while Shannon helped transition the association to another level, both Mike and I recognize how important it is for the future of our members and the Puget Sound Region to advance our ongoing presence and influence, while working constructively and jointly with other organizations to maintain the quality of life that we enjoy here in the Pacific Northwest."

About MBAKS

Founded in 1909, the Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties (MBA) has grown to become the largest residential homebuilders association in the United States. With nearly 2,900 member companies, the Association is dedicated to membership value, government advocacy, financial stewardship and promoting the residential building industry in the Puget Sound Region. The Association and its members address many of the concerns and issues affecting the residential housing industry. If you are looking to buy, build, remodel, or maintain your home, trust MBA for industry professional referrals and practical information to get the job done. mbaks.com

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By Mike Richards, The Lens News

Washington homebuilders and realtors are praising a new law that would clarify what land is considered buildable under Growth Management Act (GMA) comprehensive plan updates—a move stakeholders say will help address housing inventory shortages across Washington.

The Senate approved SB 5254 in a 47-2 vote on June 29. On the same day, the bill passed the House in a 85-9 vote, with four excused. On July 6, Governor Jay Inslee signed the measure into law.