Advocacy News

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

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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 (deleted)
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 (deleted)
Date posted11/20/2024


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


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


WMFHA Represented on National Board
WMFHA Represented on National Board

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

Postedby Ryan Makinster (deleted)
Date posted10/16/2024


Vancouver to Consider Rental Registry
Vancouver to Consider Rental Registry

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

Postedby Ryan Makinster (deleted)
Date posted10/16/2024


Seattle Police Change Security Alarm Response Policy, WMFHA Responds
Seattle Police Change Security Alarm Response Policy, WMFHA Responds

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

Postedby Ryan Makinster (deleted)
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 (deleted)
Date posted10/16/2024


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


Understanding WMFHA PAC: Nonpartisan Advocacy for Multifamily Housing
Understanding WMFHA PAC: Nonpartisan Advocacy for Multifamily Housing

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

Postedby Carter Nelson
Date posted09/18/2024