Washington REALTORS® Hill Day: When Member Voices Move Policy

Every year, hundreds of REALTORS® from across the state take time away from their businesses, clients, and families for one simple reason: to show up for our industry. Hill Day is more than a trip to Olympia, it’s a powerful reminder that when REALTORS® engage directly with lawmakers, our collective voice shapes the policies that affect our industry, our clients, and the communities we serve.

From first-time advocates to seasoned leaders, over 100 SKCR members arrived ready to listen, learn, and speak up. The day was filled with energy, purpose, and a shared commitment to advancing smart, balanced housing policy.

"At the top of the year, I issued a call for action," said 2026 SKCR President Cheyenne Gillooly. "That call for action was to our members asking them to show up and participate however they can and, boy, did they show up for Hill Day!"

Throughout the day, REALTORS® met one-on-one and in small groups with elected officials, sharing real-world stories from their markets. These weren’t abstract policy conversations; they were grounded in lived experience: buyers struggling to enter the market, sellers navigating affordability pressures, and communities working to grow responsibly.

For many members, Hill Day is their first direct interaction with a legislator. For others, it’s a continuation of long-standing relationships. In both cases, the experience reinforces a critical truth: lawmakers value hearing directly from REALTORS® because we bring practical insight and solutions to complex housing challenges.

This year’s conversations focused on the issues members consistently tell us matter most:

Rural ADUs: Expanding Housing Options

One priority members championed was supporting detached Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) in rural areas. This policy would allow homeowners outside urban growth areas to build affordable, smaller housing units that help ease local housing pressure and provide flexible living options for families and caregivers.

Residential Uses in Commercial Zones

Members supported bills to allow residential development in commercially zoned areas for cities with populations over 30,000 without unnecessary permitting barriers. This priority is directly tied to REALTOR® experiences in markets where desirable sites sit underutilized simply because current zoning doesn’t reflect today’s housing needs.

Public Marketing of Housing Opportunities

Ensuring transparent, public marketing of housing for sale or rent was another key issue. REALTORS® emphasized that open access in the marketplace promotes fair competition, expands consumer choice, and supports REALTOR® businesses by preventing restricted or siloed marketing practices.

Incentivize Stacked Flat Condominium Construction

To further diversify housing types, members advocated for policies that incentivize stacked flat condominium construction. By supporting up to four-story buildings with up to 12 units under newer warranty options and without requiring ground-floor parking, this priority can help increase attainable housing supply in urban and suburban communities.

“Do No Harm”: Oppose Cost-Driving Taxes and Fees

Finally, REALTORS® urged lawmakers to oppose substantive budget and tax policies that would make housing and real estate more expensive. This includes resisting increases to the Real Estate Excise Tax (REET), Business & Occupation taxes, and other excise tax proposals that could add costs for buyers, sellers, and professionals alike.

"By grounding these priorities in real client stories and local market realities, members help legislators see the direct connection between policy decisions and the people they represent," said Matthew Huddleston, SKCR's VP of Governmental and Public Affairs.

Hill Day isn’t about a single bill or a single meeting. It’s about visibility, credibility, and relationships. It’s about REALTORS® being recognized not just as industry professionals, but as trusted advocates for housing and community stability.

“This was my first Hill Day and I have to tell you, I get it," said SKCR member Lura Noyes. "I get the impact. I get the hype. I understand what my dues dollars are doing for me and my clients.”

The strength of REALTORS® advocacy lies in its members. Hill Day is successful because REALTORS® choose to participate, to speak up, and to represent their clients and communities with professionalism and integrity.

Whether you attended in person, supported the effort from home, or are considering participating next year, your engagement matters. When REALTORS® show up, policy changes and Hill Day is proof of that impact.