Issue link: http://digital.nexsitepublishing.com/i/1189280
T he MBAKS 2019 Affordable Housing Council endorsed more than 60 housing- friendly candidates throughout King and Snohomish Counties, far surpassing our previous record by over a dozen We're involved and making a difference in races as far-flung as Stanwood and Snoqualmie— and everywhere in between While executive and mayoral seats get the headlines, what happens at the Marysville or North Bend city council can have just as much impact on our members' ability to build attainable housing We also went directly to voters when the election was critical In some cases, the AHC was Fighting to Keep Housing Attainable BY MARCO LOWE DIRECTOR OF GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS MBAKS We're involved and making a difference in races as far-flung as Stanwood and Snoqualmie—and everywhere in between. Interested in getting involved with AHC? Reach out to the MBAKS Government Affairs team at mbaks.com/ahc able to produce mail, TV spots, and online ads in support of candidates who support our industry In addition to supporting candidates, the AHC board also voted to invest $25,000 towards the Keep Washington Rolling coalition's effort to stop I-976 from passing This voter- approved initiative threatens to cut funding to critical roads and transportation projects in our region The AHC board felt the potential loss of transportation revenue, from the state down to local levels, would cause great harm our industry Economic growth would stall, cities might fight homebuilding to save on needed transportation infrastructure, and the call for increased impact fees would grow louder All our efforts to promote real housing solutions were only possible through the generous donations of MBAKS members to the AHC Thank you for all your support! We also appreciate the time spent by AHC board members who take time out of their busy schedules to interview candidates The Affordable Housing Council is made up of 21 MBAKS members doing business throughout the region That diversity of membership and knowledge of local issues enables us to be all that more effective 44 master builder WINTER 2019 housing advocacy