Issues&Impacts
Back to News Center For nearly four decades, the SKCR-supported Housing Levy has been an important funding mechanism for the creation of subsidized housing in Seattle. The levy has funded the construction and preservation of more than 12,000 homes and assisted organizations, like Habitat for Humanity, promote homeownership. The 2023 Housing…
Read More Back to News Center Voters in the City of Maple Valley have approved a “Levy Lid Lift” to increase property taxes to pay for police services. The November ballot measure, which was approved by 66% of voters, restricts the use of $2.2 million in additional funding for police services only.…
Read More Back to News Center SKCR continues to work with the City of Woodinville Planning Commission as it contemplates amendments to its sign code that would affect real estate signage. Our goal is to guard against any changes that would constrain the use of on-premises for sale signs and off-premises open…
Read More Back to News Center Covington is among the cities working to bring its development regulations, specifically its permitting processes, into compliance with new mandates on cities and counties in Senate Bill 5290, which the legislature passed during the 2023 session. The bill requires that: Within 20 business days of a…
Read More Back to News Center Under Washington’s Growth Management Act (GMA), each county must adopt Countywide Planning Policies (CPPs). Along with GMA and Multicounty Planning Policies, those countywide policies govern and guide the comprehensive plan and development regulations in each of the county’s cities. Those CPPs are updated periodically, typically after…
Read More Back to News Center The outgoing Seattle City Council did not go quietly. They considered several new or increased taxes as part of the 2023 budget process. SKCR urged the council to evaluate current spending, use all available revenues, prioritize spending, and generate economic activity before considering any new revenues.…
Read More Back to News Center The 2023 legislative session in Olympia was dubbed the “Housing Session” based on numerous bills passed by legislators to increase the supply of housing throughout the state. Now, cities are working to implement the new legislative mandates, with early action focused on Accessory Dwelling Units and…
Read More Back to News Center Outgoing Councilmember Lewis passed legislation that would impose significant limits on personal guarantees and security deposits associated with commercial lease agreements. While the bill applies only to commercial property, SKCR views it as an opener to commercial rent control and a reduction in property rights. We…
Read More Back to News Center The City of Tukwila is moving forward to implement changes to its SEPA environmental review process. According to city staff, the proposed changes are intended to streamline and update the permit process, reduce staff effort, reduce permit review times, and cut down on paperwork in a…
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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: Seattle Councilmember Sawant’s Rent Control Bill Dies Seattle Councilmember Lewis Slows Commercial Lease Legislation Tukwila Approves Annexation…
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