Issues&Impacts
Back to News Center 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 Accessory Dwelling Units and…
Read More Back to News Center 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 property rights. We…
Read More Back to News Center 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 a…
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Back to News Center Issues & Impacts is a quarterly publication produced by Seattle King County REALTORS® to inform members about current issues and successes within the Government Affairs Department. In This Issue: Seattle Councilmember Sawant’s Rent Control Bill Dies Seattle Councilmember Lewis Slows Commercial Lease Legislation Tukwila Approves Annexation…
Read More Back to News Center In July, SKCR helped squash rent control legislation sponsored by outgoing Seattle City Councilmember Kshama Sawant by a 6-2 margin. Because Washington State prohibits any regulation of the amount of rent a landlord can charge, the ordinance would go into effect only if the state prohibition…
Read More Back to News Center In late August, Councilmember Lewis introduced legislation that would impose significant limits on personal guarantees and security deposits associated with commercial lease agreements. While the bill applied only to commercial property, SKCR viewed it as an opener to commercial rent control and a reduction in property…
Read More Back to News Center Residents in the City of Tukwila voted during the August primary election to fully annex Tukwila’s fire department into the Puget Sound Regional Fire Authority (PSRFA). The vote was 55.84% in favor, and 44.16% opposed. Since January 1, 2023, Tukwila has contracted for fire and Emergency…
Read More Back to News Center Following a failed attempt in June to align the city with state law (recently passed with bipartisan support) prohibiting illegal drug possession and use in public and enabling the city attorney to prosecute violations as gross misdemeanors, the Seattle City Council has passed an ordinance by…
Read More Back to News Center In South King County, a significant “pipeline” of new housing supply projects is coming to the market, and Seattle King County REALTORS® will continue to be very active in monitoring the progress, and working to ensure the supply reaches the market expeditiously: Covington Lakepointe MPD We…
Read More Back to News Center The Auburn City Council is moving forward with Resolution 5736 in order to trigger several procedures and actions designed to result in The Bridges being annexed into the city of Auburn on January 1, 2024. The Bridges is a partially-built-out enclave of 386 homes in the…
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