ADUs, Pragmatic Seattle & Grassroots Advocacy…Oh My!

At the May Government Affairs Committee (GAC) meeting members discussed ADUs on multi-family 0roperties, a Seattle initiative to bring balance back to the city and NAA grassroots advocacy.

In 2023, the legislature passed HB 1110, the middle housing bill, which was intended to be a step towards addressing Washington’s housing supply crisis. The bill required higher density in areas previously zoned as exclusively single family and included provisions for allowing accessory dwelling units (ADUs). A few members who are also operating in California recognized an opportunity for ADU expansion in multi-family zoned areas in Washington and brought the idea to WMFHA.

Alda Howard and Carl Shorett with Avalonbay Communities presented the concept to the committee. Beginning in 2020, multi-family property owners have been allowed to add ADUs to their properties as attached or detached units, with specific requirements and density prohibitions for each type. In addition to creating more housing units to address the supply crisis, this opportunity can provide lower priced units, increase the efficiency of portfolio by repurposing underutilized spaces, generate additional revenue and add density at lower overall cost. WMFHA staff and GAC are researching the issue to understand the feasibility and political will of making a similar change in Washington.

Randy Bannecker, Bannecker Public Affairs, joined the committee to update the group on a grassroots initiative led by small business leaders and trade associaitions, to support pragmatic solutions in Seattle, especially regarding regulations and policy decisions affecting the business community and public safety in Seattle. If you would like more information or how to get involved contact Director of Government Affairs, Ryan Makinster.

The GAC was also joined by Seth Turner, Senior Manager of Grassroots Advocacy & Stakeholder Engagement for NAA, who introduced the committee to NAA’s “Data-Driven Advocacy” approach. The presentation highlighted research on effective advocacy as well as NAA’s “Key Contact” program and the upcoming Advocacy Academy.

At the direction of the GAC, your government affairs team are either pursuing more information on the issues or already actively involved in these initiatives. Look for more information in the future