Issue link: http://digital.nexsitepublishing.com/i/1257023
BY MARCO LOWE DIRECTOR OF GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS MBAKS Short Legislative Session Yields Some Wins for Housing Members Advocate on Hill Days This work was supported by the more than two dozen MBAKS members and housing advocacy staff who traveled to Olympia on February 5 on our annual Hill Day. Hill Day is an excellent opportunity to meet face to face with lawmakers from our two counties, discuss housing issues with them, and explain why our priorities matter. A few weeks later, several MBAKS members participated in BIAW's Hill Day visits, T he State Legislature adjourned for the year on March 12, just weeks after the COVID-19 crisis began in our state. While 2020 was a short legislative session, MBAKS set our sights high for housing. Our 2020 agenda included bills to enable accessory dwelling units as a housing option; relegalize a variety of "missing middle" home choices; expand HB 1923 by increasing residential building capacity and housing affordability; and clarify the Washington Uniform Common Interest Ownership Act to streamline processes and reduce housing costs. By the time session began in January, other priorities rose to the top of our list as well, including delayed implementation of the costly new energy code and legislation supporting infill development in urban growth areas, among others. MBAKS supported four pro-housing bills that were passed and ultimately signed into law. HOUSING ADVOCACY 24 master BUILDER | SUMMER 2020