Local Issues
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…
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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…
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Back to News Center Recently, the city of Seattle adopted Ordinance 127292 (effective October 18, 2025) which establishes consumer protections for homeowners targeted by unsolicited offers to purchase residential property. This legislation is a response to the growing prevalence of predatory home-buying practices that disproportionately affect vulnerable homeowners-particularly seniors, those…
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Back to News Center As wildfire risk escalates across the Pacific Northwest, homeowners in Kittitas County are confronting a troubling consequence: rising home insurance cancellations, non-renewals, and sharply increased premiums. Seattle King County REALTORS® (SKCR) is sounding an alarm, urging stakeholders and policymakers to address the crisis and keep homeownership…
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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: REALTORS® Poised for Major Wins in Seattle REALTORS® Testify for Maple Valley Townhomes CAOs Must Balance Environment…
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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…
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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…
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Back to News Center Seattle King County REALTORS® was proud to support legislation in Seattle sponsored by REALTOR®-supported Mayor Bruce Harrell, Councilmember Joy Hollingsworth, and Councilmember Mark Solomon to prohibit predatory home-buying. The legislation will encourage prospective home-sellers to consult and retain experts like REALTORS® before entering a real estate…
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Back to News Center There has been growing concern over the use of software services that provide algorithmic analysis of public and non-public data to assist landlords with setting rental prices and other leasing terms (algorithmic rent-setting tools). Lawsuits and legislative materials allege these services reduce competition and artificially inflate…
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Back to News Center This fall, Seattle voters will be asked to decide on an increase to the city’s Business & Occupation (B&O) tax. The proposal comes from Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell and Councilmember Alexis Mercedes Rinck and could have significant implications for REALTORS®, real estate firms, and the broader…
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