Advocacy News

Empowering Advocates: Key Takeaways from the NAA's Advocacy Academy

Participating in the National Apartment Association (NAA) Advocacy Academy was an enlightening and transformative experience. The program provided a robust platform to deepen my understanding of the intricate relationship between the multifaceted housing industry and the legislative framework that... Continue Reading

Primary Colors, An Election

During even years, half of the Senate, all House seats, and select county positions are up for election. Every four years, statewide seats such as Governor, Lieutenant Governor and others are also up. WMFHA focuses on statewide and legislative seats during these years, however there is one local... Continue Reading

Biden Announces Plan to Limit Rents Nationwide, NAA Responds

President Biden called on Congress to pass legislation forcing landlords with over 50 units in their portfolio to cap rent increases on existing units at 5% or risk losing federal tax breaks (faster depreciation write-offs). This would affect over 20 million units in the U.S. Rent control has... Continue Reading

Tapas, Topics and Politicos

We had the pleasure of hosting elected officials at both of our Tapas and Topics events this month. In Everett, we welcomed Mayor Cassie Franklin, who updated attendees on the impressive growth Everett has seen in recent years, as well as some exciting things coming up in the near future. On the... Continue Reading

NAA Advocacy Academy Selects Two WMFHA Members

Advocacy is a team sport. Like any team sport, success requires good coaching and advanced training that aims to develop a diverse and deep team bench with the knowledge, capabilities, and team fluidity needed to perform on game day. That’s where NAA’s Advocacy Academy comes into the... Continue Reading

Primary Colors - Endorsements Announced

One fish, two fish, red fish, blue fish. The WMFHA Board of Directors recently voted to endorse two candidates for the state legislature: Senator Annette Cleveland for Senate in District 49 and Jim Henderson for House in District 26. Senator Annette Cleveland is a pragmatic legislator who does... Continue Reading

Housing Providers Finally Given a Voice at Seattle City Council

On Wednesday July 10, the Seattle Housing and Human Services Committee, chaired by Councilmember Cathy Moore heard from housing providers about the difficulties they are currently experiencing. After open public testimony, mostly by housing providers with a few tenant advocates, a select panel of... Continue Reading

Supreme Court to Hear CARES Act Notification

The Washington Supreme Court has agreed to review whether the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act's (CARES) eviction notice requirement only applies to tenants late on rent, or all tenants including those who have violated other lease provisions or who pose a threat to the property,... Continue Reading

Corks, Forks & Brews

We are excited to have a few team members celebrate summer in Spokane Valley tomorrow! Your WMFHA Advocacy Team is working hard to incorporate more of our elected officials and partners to our events, for you to know and get to know, and for them to see the faces of our industry. We are looking... Continue Reading

Spokane Ordinance Guarantees "Right to Air Conditioning"

Spokane landlords will no longer have the authority to prohibit tenants from installing air conditioners following a unanimous vote by the Spokane City Council on Monday. The ordinance, introduced by Councilwoman Kitty Klitzke in May, goes into effect in mid-July, coinciding with the anticipated... Continue Reading

Court of Appeals Opinion May Affect Stipulated Agreements

On Wednesday, June 12, Division II of the Washington Court of Appeals published an opinion that will affect stipulated landlord/tenant agreements in Division II, Clallam, Clark, Cowlitz, Grays Harbor, Jefferson, Kitsap, Lewis, Mason, Pacific, Pierce, Skamania, Thurston, and Wahkiakum... Continue Reading

Business Community Hosts Tanya Woo Reception

On June 6, prominent leaders in the Seattle business community gathered at the AGC building in South Lake Union for a reception to meet and support Seattle City Council member Tanya Woo. As an at-large member, representing all of Seattle, CM Woo is an important part of the new council majority... Continue Reading