Issues&Impacts
Back to News Center REALTORS® know “strong schools” and “public safety” are two of the most important factors homebuyers consider when looking for a home in a neighborhood they can afford. Our primary focus remains fixed on “housing supply” and “affordability” because that’s where REALTORS® can provide unique expertise. Even…
Read MoreBack to News Center Seattle King County REALTORS® is working throughout the region to encourage cities to adopt flexible and bold comprehensive plan policies to not just accommodate, but encourage ADUs and middle housing in their cities, in compliance with HB 1110 and HB 1337. We are encouraging policy makers…
Read MoreBack to News Center Kittitas REALTORS® identified an emerging issue involving lack of access to homeowner insurance for (a) homeowners needing to renew their coverage, (b) buyers purchasing a property, and (c) properties previously insured under homeowner insurance policies that have expired or been canceled. Increasingly, wildfire-related losses on properties,…
Read MoreBack to News Center In 2023, Seattle voters approved a nearly $1 billion renewal of the Seattle Housing Levy. Accordingly, this year marks an all-time high, $340 million, in spending on income-qualified/subsidized housing for households earning 80% and below area median income. While SKCR’s focus is on increasing market-rate housing…
Read MoreBack to News Center All 39 cities in King County are continuing their work to meet the Legislature’s December 31 deadline for each city to update its 20-year comprehensive plan, including new requirements to accommodate middle housing and more ADUs. In addition, cities must meet a June 30, 2025, deadline…
Read MoreBack to News Center The Board of Health’s Stakeholder Expert Technical Team is in the process of recommending changes to the regulations governing on-site sewer (septic) systems in King County. The revisions, which are required by April 2025, will likely be adopted before the end of this year to ensure…
Read MoreBack to News Center The cities of Duvall, Lake Forest Park, and Bellevue are in the process of revising their sign codes. SKCR continues to guard against any changes that would constrain the use of on-premises for sale signs and off-premises open house A-boards. Sign codes updates are complicated and…
Read MoreBack 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® Support City Initiatives for Homeownership Changes to Kittitas County Real Estate Excise Taxes (REET) REALTOR®-Proposed Lot-Splitting…
Read MoreBack to News Center Tiny Villages The city of Tukwila has been embroiled for more than a year in disputes and litigation with King County regarding housing for asylum-seekers, including the tent encampment at Riverton Park United Methodist Church (RPUMC). Recently, that dispute spilled over into the city of Kent.…
Read MoreBack to News Center Homeownership Demonstration Ordinance Seattle King County REALTORS® have requested the Planning Commission recommend to the City Council, and the City Council adopt, an ordinance making the Affordable Housing “demonstration” code provisions (regarding affordable housing homeownership) a permanent ordinance in the city code. As a result of…
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