Ryan Makinster, Director of Government Affairs recently attended the Annual Board of Directors Retreat for Up for Growth in New York City. The meeting was an opportunity for industry leaders to touch base and plan for the strategic success of the organization in 2025 and beyond. Up for Growth... Continue Reading
Blog
We keep you up to date on the latest industry news, trends, legislation, education, and celebrations.
The City of Vancouver will be considering a proposal in the coming months that, if passed, will affect your business; a rental registry referred to as the Rental Habitability Program. WMFHA Director of Government Affairs, Ryan Makinster represented the industry on the Vancouver Rental... Continue Reading
On October 1, Seattle changed their security alarm response policy. Currently, police will not respond to alarms unless there is supporting evidence such as audio, video, eyewitnesses or a panic alarm. This policy is often referred to as verified response. Most security alarm systems do not have... Continue Reading
Exciting news for the multifamily housing community! Next week, IREM and the Washington Multi-Family Housing Association are joining forces to host a special Lunch & Learn featuring esteemed researcher Gregg Colburn. Gregg has traveled extensively, sharing his insights on the structural... Continue Reading
Your Advocacy Team and a handful of members operating in Tukwila met with Tukwila City staff yesterday to discuss their proposed tenant protections. Our members shared their concerns with the proposal, as well as gave some insight into what housing providers are experiencing across the... Continue Reading
Spokane City Council met on Monday, October 14 and voted on an ordinance proposing amendments to the rental registry ordinance. This ordinance was presented to force compliance and make the $15 registration fee more streamlined, exempting housing authorities and various subsidized programs (such... Continue Reading
The Seattle Multi-Family Tax Exemption (MFTE) program is up for reauthorization so now is the time to make your voice heard about the program. What is working, what isn’t and what can make the program better. If you currently participate, are considering participating, or even considering... Continue Reading
The City of Vancouver will be considering two proposals in the coming months that, if passed, will affect your business; a rental registry program and green building codes for multifamily and commercial buildings. The green building code update quietly emerged from a workgroup who intends to... Continue Reading
In response to a lawsuit filed by the Washington Business Property Association (WBPA), which WMFHA financially supported, the City of Kenmore has repealed certain provisions of the tenant protections they passed in 2022. Specifically, to comply with the settlement agreement they repealed their... Continue Reading
Spokane City Council is considering amending the rental registry ordinance to do a few things to force compliance. This proposal will make waiver of the $15 registration fee more streamlined, exempting housing authorities and various subsidized programs (such as HCV and VA vouchers). The changes... Continue Reading
The City of Tukwila is considering adopting tenant protections. Originally discussed in April, Council heard recommendations from their staff again last week. Council decided to bring the conversation back to committee. We have been in contact with staff running the Planning and Development... Continue Reading
As we approach the general election in November, it's crucial to understand the role of the WMFHA Political Action Committee (WMFHA PAC). Our nonpartisan PAC is dedicated to supporting candidates not based on their political party but based on the willingness to advocate for the multifamily... Continue Reading