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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The MBA held its annual Hill Day in Olympia last Wednesday, February 8, providing an opportunity for members to advocate for our top-priority housing issues. Twenty-five members and Government Affairs staff met with over 30 King and Snohomish county-based legislators throughout the day.

Members discussed our core issues with senators and representatives, including the need to restore vested development rights, improve the process for measuring buildable land supply, find a path forward for permit-exempt wells in the wake of the Supreme Court's Hirst decision, and support workforce development.

MBA members also shared with legislators our new housing attainability piece, describing steps needed to bring housing supply more in line with our region's strong demand.

During the lunch break, Rep. Joe Fitzgibbon (34th District) met with the MBA to provide a legislative update. Fitzgibbon is sponsoring a bill, HB 1862, backed by the MBA, that would allow final subdivision plat approvals to be conducted administratively.

Thanks to all our members who participated and helped make sure our association's voice is heard in Olympia!

Contact:
Stephanie Giralmo, Public Relations & Media Manager
Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties
p 425.457.7067

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MBAKS Inducts Cameron McKinnon as 2022 Board President

BELLEVUE, Wash., Feb. 3, 2022—The Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties (MBAKS) inducted Cameron McKinnon as its 2022 President of the Board of Directors during the annual holiday gala in December 2021.

Born and raised in Everett, Washington, Cameron has over 15 years of experience working in the development and construction industry. After graduating from the University of Denver with degrees in Finance and Accounting. Cameron joined Gamut360 Holdings, LLC to launch and oversee the company’s new division in Seattle which focused on infill residential development of single-family homes and townhomes.

Cameron joined MBAKS in 2013 and has been an active member within the Seattle Builders Council since that time. In 2018, he joined the Board of Directors and within 6 months was elected the 2nd Vice President. As one of the youngest Board Presidents in the history of the organization, Cameron is embracing tomorrow and focusing on growing a younger membership base. He also will work to expand MBAKS’ advocacy work within the housing industry.

“As we look ahead, we are beginning to see a shift in our region’s mindset around what housing and density should look like,” says Cameron. “It is the responsibility of MBAKS to help guide our jurisdictions towards responsible growth to allow for more housing options for all.”

In addition to his role as Partner and the Director of Acquisitions and Development at Gamut360, Cameron recently co-founded Confluence Development, LLC, a Seattle-based residential real estate development firm that focuses on infill developments of townhomes and single-family homes in the Greater Seattle area.

The newly inducted 2022 Board of Directors is rounded out with First Vice President Traci Tenhulzen (Tenhulzen Residential), Second Vice President Trevor Johnson (Blackwood Builders Group), Secretary Cameron Kartak (AAA Kartak Glass & Closet), and Immediate Past President Todd Levitt (Murray Franklyn A Family of Companies).

For more information on this release, contact Stephanie Giralmo at sgiralmo@mbaks.com

About MBAKS

Founded in 1909 and headquartered in Bellevue, Washington, the Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties (MBAKS) is the nation’s oldest and largest local homebuilders’ association. Like our founders, our members continue to take a leading role in all facets of homebuilding and support the planning for a growing region. From new technology to advances in sustainability, from collaborative public policy efforts to investing in our communities, our commitment to a thriving, inclusive and well-planned region never wavers. We are the professional homebuilders, architects, remodelers, tradespeople (carpenters, framers, roofers, plumbers, electricians), planners and engineers, suppliers, manufacturers, and sales and marketing professionals in your community who believe everyone deserves access to a healthy and productive place to call home.

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