Local Issues
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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Back to News Center Enumclaw is the latest city in King County to take steps toward streamlining its permitting process by reforming its design review procedures. In January 2025, Jeff Potter of Integrity Land LLC submitted a privately initiated code amendment request focused on townhouse development standards. Seattle King County…
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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: REALTOR® Advocacy for Housing Supply Planning Commission Assist in Black Diamond Seattle Addresses Tree Canopy Concerns Burien…
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Back to News Center Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell signed an executive order in late June to create an interdepartmental team that is tasked with streamlining the process to build homes and start a business. Titled PACT, or “Permitting and Customer Trust,” the measure represents “the most significant concerted effort in…
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Back to News Center Seattle King County REALTORS® (SKCR) has successfully collaborated with the Bothell City Council to modernize the city’s sign regulations, ensuring alignment with recent U.S. Supreme Court rulings. This important update removes content-based distinctions in signage laws, strengthening compliance. Previously, the city’s code limited on-premises temporary signs-such…
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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: REALTOR® Support for Increasing Housing Supply and Affordability REALTORS® Advocate for a Positive Regulatory Environment for Middle…
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Back to News Center Background During the last 5 years, the Legislature has tried several different approaches to address our state’s housing crisis: Incentives Beginning in 2019, with support from REALTORS®, the Legislature provided financial incentives to cities if they made specific modifications to development regulations to quickly accommodate more…
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Back to News Center Seattle King County REALTORS® (SKCR) continues to work throughout the region to encourage cities to adopt flexible and bold comprehensive plan policies and related development regulations to encourage ADUs and middle housing in their cities. REALTORS® are encouraging policymakers to view increased housing supply through zoned…
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Back to News Center Currently, Renton’s city code provides that decisions on land-use-related development applications are made by a professional Hearing Examiner. Once the Examiner’s decision is made, the City Council acts as a “quasi-judicial” appellate body for appeals of most land-use decisions. Seattle King County REALTORS® are making good…
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