Advocacy
Property Tax Increase for Police Funding
Property Tax Increase for Police Funding Back to News Center January 31, 2024 Voters in the City of Maple Valley have approved a “Levy Lid Lift” to increase property taxes to pay for police services. The November ballot measure, which was approved by 66% of voters, restricts the use of $2.2 million in additional funding…
Read MoreWoodinville Sign Code Update
Woodinville Sign Code Update Back to News Center January 31, 2024 SKCR continues to work with the City of Woodinville Planning Commission as it contemplates amendments to its sign code that would affect real estate signage. Our goal is to guard against any changes that would constrain the use of on-premises for sale signs and…
Read MoreCovington Revisions to Permitting Process
Covington Revisions to Permitting Process Back to News Center January 31, 2024 Covington is among the cities working to bring its development regulations, specifically its permitting processes, into compliance with new mandates on cities and counties in Senate Bill 5290, which the legislature passed during the 2023 session. The bill requires that: Within 20 business…
Read MoreCountywide Planning Policy Amendments
Countywide Planning Policy Amendments Back to News Center January 31, 2024 Under Washington’s Growth Management Act (GMA), each county must adopt Countywide Planning Policies (CPPs). Along with GMA and Multicounty Planning Policies, those countywide policies govern and guide the comprehensive plan and development regulations in each of the county’s cities. Those CPPs are updated periodically,…
Read MoreSKCR Helps Kill 3 of 4 Seattle Tax Proposals
SKCR Helps Kill 3 of 4 Seattle Tax Proposals Back to News Center January 31, 2024 The outgoing Seattle City Council did not go quietly. They considered several new or increased taxes as part of the 2023 budget process. SKCR urged the council to evaluate current spending, use all available revenues, prioritize spending, and generate…
Read MoreCities Act to Embrace Various Legislation
Cities Act to Embrace Various Legislation Back to News Center January 31, 2024 The 2023 legislative session in Olympia was dubbed the “Housing Session” based on numerous bills passed by legislators to increase the supply of housing throughout the state. Now, cities are working to implement the new legislative mandates, with early action focused on…
Read MoreSeattle Passes Commercial Lease Legislation
Seattle Passes Commercial Lease Legislation Back to News Center January 31, 2024 Outgoing Councilmember Lewis passed legislation that would impose significant limits on personal guarantees and security deposits associated with commercial lease agreements. While the bill applies only to commercial property, SKCR views it as an opener to commercial rent control and a reduction in…
Read MoreTukwila Categorical Exemptions/SEPA
Tukwila Categorical Exemptions/SEPA Back to News Center January 31, 2024 The City of Tukwila is moving forward to implement changes to its SEPA environmental review process. According to city staff, the proposed changes are intended to streamline and update the permit process, reduce staff effort, reduce permit review times, and cut down on paperwork in…
Read More2024 Hill Day: Momentum
2024 Hill Day: Momentum Back to News Center January 24, 2024 After 2023’s momentous Legislative Session now known as “The Year of Housing,” REALTORS® seek to continue the momentum built and support bills that encourage housing density, diversity, and development. Hill Day is an important event that gives members an opportunity to see the Government…
Read MoreREALTORS® Aim for Continuing Pro-Housing Momentum in the 2024 Legislative Session
REALTORS® Aim for Continuing Pro-Housing Momentum in the 2024 Legislative Session Back to News Center January 10, 2024 In the 2024 Legislative Session of Washington State, REALTORS® Hope to continue the momentum from the historic 2023 “Year of Housing” session marked by the passage of a record number of pro-housing, REALTOR®-backed bills. Washington REALTORS®’ Government…
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