Issues&Impacts
Back to News Center Issues & Impacts is a quarterly publication produced by Seattle King County REALTORS® to inform members about current issues and successes within the Government Affairs Department. IN THIS ISSUE: Supporting Co-Living Housing Models Expanding the Multi-Family Tax Exemption (MFTE) in Maple Valley REALTOR®-Endorsed Candidate Wins by…
Read More
Back to News Center Last year, REALTOR®-supported King County Councilmember Reagan Dunn spearheaded an effort to add new housing court commissioner positions to the King County Superior Court. The Council approved the legislation in November 2025. This initiative aims to address the significant backlog of unlawful detainer cases, which has…
Read More
Back to News Center This month, the City of Bellevue will introduce a new permit type designed to speed approvals for middle‑housing projects-townhomes, stacked flats, and cottage clusters with three to six units on a single parcel. The updated process creates clearer steps, reduces complexity, and reflects direct feedback from…
Read More
Back to News Center 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…
Read More
Back to News Center Issues & Impacts is a quarterly publication produced by Seattle King County REALTORS® to inform members about current issues and successes within the Government Affairs Department. IN THIS ISSUE: REALTORS® Poised for Major Wins in Seattle REALTORS® Testify for Maple Valley Townhomes CAOs Must Balance Environment…
Read More
Back to News Center In Seattle, Seattle King County REALTORS® is poised for a number of wins that will unlock major housing capacity throughout the city. For more than two years, we have been advocating for a bold, housing-focused update to the 20-Year Seattle Comprehensive Plan. The City Council’s recent…
Read More
Back to News Center Seattle King County REALTORS®’ public hearing testimony in support of allowing townhomes in the city’s commercial business (CB) zone was well-received by Maple Valley Planning Commissioners. REALTORS® emphasized the importance and value of quickly updating the city code to incorporate Unit Lot Subdivision changes approved by…
Read More
Back to News Center Under Washington’s Growth Management Act (GMA), every city is required to adopt and enforce a Critical Areas Ordinance (CAO) to protect environmentally sensitive areas and safeguard the public from natural hazards. Cities must update their CAOs every 10 years using the Best Available Science. While the…
Read More
Back to News Center Under the leadership of Burien Mayor Kevin Schilling, and with the help of a skilled planning staff, the city of Burien not only met the minimum requirements of State comprehensive planning legislation, but the city council also stepped up to address the housing crisis that has…
Read More
Back to News Center REALTOR®-supported Seattle City Council President Sara Nelson has delivered on a campaign promise to cut red tape with new legislation that will reduce barriers and allow small businesses to setup storefronts faster and cheaper. SKCR believes energizing small retail businesses will add safety and positive energy…
Read More