Advocacy News

Find the latest summaries and policy updates for all multifamily housing regulations and policies.  

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Seattle Office of Housing Incentive Program Announcement: Update Property Contacts
Seattle Office of Housing Incentive Program Announcement: Update Property Contacts

Incentive Program (MFTE/IZ/MHA, etc.) Announcement Update Property Contacts Prior to the 2024 Annual Property Certification Reporting Process The Office of Housing (OH) is employing a secure SharePoint site for properties to populate their Annual Property Certification report and upload all... Continue Reading

Postedby Carter Nelson
Date posted11/20/2024


Winner, Winner, Chicken Dinner!
Winner, Winner, Chicken Dinner!

Although the votes aren’t all counted and the election isn’t certified until November 26, we can pretty confidently provide a final wrap-up of what happened. The big question now; what does this mean for the legislature? Both Democrat majorities picked up one seat for 30-19 control... Continue Reading

Postedby Ryan Makinster
Date posted11/20/2024


Seattle Clean Building Standards, What You Need to Know
Seattle Clean Building Standards, What You Need to Know

The Clean Buildings for Washington law (HB 1257), being implemented by the Washington State Department of Commerce, applies to multifamily buildings greater than 20,000 SF. The law includes several requirements to improve energy efficiency including meeting a minimum average energy use intensity... Continue Reading

Postedby Ryan Makinster
Date posted11/20/2024


Day on the Hill 2025- Tickets on Sale!
Day on the Hill 2025- Tickets on Sale!

This is your chance to make your voice heard on the issues that matter most to multifamily housing. On February 6, we're bringing our passionate members to Olympia for a powerful day of advocacy at the State Capitol. Whether you're a seasoned advocate or new to the legislative process, this event... Continue Reading

Postedby Carter Nelson
Date posted11/20/2024


Woodinville Passes Tenant Protections
Woodinville Passes Tenant Protections

Last night, Woodinville City Council passed Ordinance 755, which will implement tenant protections. Your Advocacy Team engaged with staff and submitted a letter in opposition, but were unfortunately unsuccessful. Despite the ordinance passing, we were successful in receiving an extended... Continue Reading

Postedby Carter Nelson
Date posted11/20/2024


Spokane Rental Registry Update
Spokane Rental Registry Update

As we shared last month, Spokane City Council voted on an ordinance proposing amendments to the rental registry ordinance. This ordinance was passed by council to force compliance and make the $15 registration fee more streamlined, exempting housing authorities and various subsidized programs... Continue Reading

Postedby Carter Nelson
Date posted11/20/2024


King County Unlawful Detainer Update
King County Unlawful Detainer Update

At a virtual roundtable on October 30, WMFHA Advocacy staff gave an overview of the “new” unlawful detainer process in King County. In addition to the brief overview and current state of the process, the majority of the roundtable was dedicated to getting feedback from members about... Continue Reading

Postedby Ryan Makinster
Date posted11/20/2024


Gentlemen Start Your Engines
Gentlemen Start Your Engines

Now that the election is over and we know the makeup of the legislature, we can start to look ahead to the 2025 legislative session. Although how things play out will depend on committee structure and assignments in the House and Senate, to be decided in a few weeks during organization, we do... Continue Reading

Postedby Ryan Makinster
Date posted11/20/2024


Join Us for a Lunch & Learn with Gregg Colburn
Join Us for a Lunch & Learn with Gregg Colburn

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

Postedby Carter Nelson
Date posted10/16/2024


Tukwila Postpones Changes
Tukwila Postpones Changes

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

Postedby Carter Nelson
Date posted10/16/2024


Spokane Passes Rental Registry Changes
Spokane Passes Rental Registry Changes

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

Postedby Carter Nelson
Date posted10/16/2024


Do You Seattle MFTE?
Do You Seattle MFTE?

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

Postedby Ryan Makinster
Date posted10/16/2024