Local Issues
Back to News Center Seattleites can no longer toss batteries and electronics into their garbage. The City of Seattle banned such items from garbage and recycling bins as of January 1. In implementing the rule, city officials cited hazardous substances as a factor, noting they can pose risks to humans…
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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: Major Victory in Seattle City Council Races Seattle Voters Pass Housing Levy Maple Valley Passes Property Tax…
Read More Back to News Center 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 economic activity before considering any new revenues.…
Read More 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…
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Back to News Center 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 Affairs team said the focus of the upcoming session…
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Back to News Center The Pacific Northwest has one of the country’s highest concentrations of electric vehicle (EV) use, according to a report from Axios. Their data from mobility analytics shows EV use is concentrated in the “four corners” of the U.S., with California, the Northeast and Southeast joining the…
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Back to News Center This year was a local election year with council seats up in every city within King County. REALTORS® from across King County volunteered over 24 hours of their time to properly vet candidates seeking the association’s endorsement. In all, SKCR issued fifty-four endorsements including an endorsement…
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Back to News Center Housing is a front-and-center issue in King County, where there is not enough housing for everyone who wants to live here. Voter polls repeatedly cite homelessness and housing issues as a main concern. Seattle King County REALTORS® is at the forefront of finding solutions to these…
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Back to News Center BELLEVUE, Washington (November 1, 2023) – Seattle King County REALTORS® joins nearly 100 other organizations in endorsing the Seattle Housing Levy (Proposition No. 1). The organization’s board of directors announced its decision following a recommendation of its Governmental and Public Affairs Committee. The $970 million property…
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