Members in Action: REALTORS® Testify at Seattle City Council

The Issue

Washington continues to face a housing crisis. There are not enough housing units for the people who currently live here or are planning to move here. Washington ranks 49^th out of 50 states in housing units per household. We need to ensure more housing is built in the communities we live and serve in.

Background

In 2023, the Washington State Legislature passed legislative measures aimed at tackling our region’s housing crisis. One of those bills was HB 1110, which requires cities to adopt development regulations allowing for middle housing on all lots zoned for residential use. Since HB 1110’s passing, Seattle King County REALTORS has worked with cities in King County to ensure their Comprehensive Plans allow many middle housing types.

Comprehensive plans allowing density were due at the end of 2024. Seattle City Council continues to work on theirs. Council needs to pass a comprehensive plan before June 30^th, 2025, if they fail to do so the State’s model ordinances will automatically apply to the city. The plan now, is to adopt interim legislation to meet compliance deadlines for HB 1110.

REALTORS® in Action

On Monday, May 19^th, four REALTOR leaders participated in the Seattle City Council’s Select Committee on the Comprehensive Plan’s Public Hearing. 2025 SKCR President Garrett Nelson, 2025 President-Elect Cheyenne Gillooly, 2025 Vice President of Governmental and Public Affairs Sol Villarreal, and Craig Walker all joined the hearing virtually to provide input into the comprehensive plan. They asked the council to pass the interim ordinance now and then continue to work on and adopt the One Seattle Plan this year, which will allow all of the middle housing options the city should provide to accommodate the needs of today's housing consumers.

The REALTORS® position is simple, we can and should add housing in a manner that makes neighborhoods and our cities more vibrant and affordable. Changes like middle housing take dedication, support, and coordination from the REALTOR® Association. We are there every step of the way!

Helpful Resources

Our strength as an advocacy organization is in our numbers. Seattle King County has over 6200 members county wide. Dedicated leaders like Garrett, Cheyenne, Sol, and Craig engage in the civic process to advocate for changes that benefit our industry and clients.

If you are interested in getting involved and supporting REALTOR® issues, please contact realtor@nwrealtor.com. Volunteering with the association benefits your business, your clients, and the communities you serve.

For more information on HB 1110, middle housing, and more please visit realtorsplushousing.com

View our video on how REALTORS+Housing can help you and you clients navigate these changes across the Puget Sound region.