South King County Updates Q4 2025
January 28, 2026
Supporting Co-Living Housing Models
In 2024 the Legislature passed ESHB 1998 regarding Co-Living Housing. The new law is intended to assist with the state’s housing affordability crisis. It requires each city to modify its code to accommodate Co-Living Housing by December 31, 2025. Cities must allow co-living housing on any lot within an urban growth area where at least six multi-family units are allowed, including lots zoned for mixed-use development. The statute defines co-living housing as “a residential development with sleeping units that are independently rented and lockable and provide living and sleeping space, and residents share kitchen facilities with other sleeping units in the building.” We have been advocating for cities to timely comply with the law. For example: On October 14, SKCR testified in support of changes Burien is scheduled to approve on December 8. Kent has been working on the effort since October, and Renton approved the required changes on November 17.
Expanding the Multi-Family Tax Exemption (MFTE) in Maple Valley
On November 5, Seattle King County REALTORS® testified before the Maple Valley Planning Commission in support of expansion of the MFTE because it stimulates the development of new housing units, which helps to address the state’s housing shortage/affordability crisis by: (1) Enhancing project feasibility—making it more likely that new housing gets built, (2) Increasing the supply of both market-rate and affordable multifamily units in designated urban and transit areas, (3) Encouraging housing in specific targeted areas, and (4) Allowing cities to tailor exemptions to meet local planning and housing goals, while providing flexibility in how the incentive is used.
REALTOR®-Endorsed Candidate Wins by Slim Margin
John Adler won the election for mayor of Black Diamond by 28 votes (1%).