Advocacy Update – November 2023
This Month in Advocacy: Seattle Housing Levy passes; Public hearings on the 2021 WA State Energy Code; Register for the Discussion on the Rolling Clock Bill
Photo: Judkins Junction, an affordable housing project at Jackson Street and 23rd Avenue South in Seattle. (Ellen M. Banner / The Seattle Times, 2020)
LOCAL NEWS
Passage of the 2023 Seattle Housing Levy
We are thrilled to announce a historic victory for affordable housing in Seattle with the overwhelming passage of the 2023 Seattle Housing Levy, boasting an impressive 68.97% support from voters. The approved $970 million levy represents the largest city investment over the next seven years, addressing Seattle’s affordable housing crisis and preventing homelessness. The unanimous endorsement by the Seattle City Council underscores a year-long effort involving extensive stakeholder engagement, thoughtful policy development, and collaboration with leaders and organizations. The levy’s goals include creating over 3,100 new affordable homes, stabilizing supportive housing workforce wages, and preventing homelessness for over 9,000 low-income individuals and families.
STATE NEWS
Call for Public Participation: State Building Code Council Hearings on Proposed Energy Code Changes
The State Building Code Council invites you to participate in public hearings regarding proposed changes to the 2021 Washington State Energy Code (WAC 51-11C and WAC 51-11R). The proposal addresses the federal Energy Policy and Conservation Act of 1975 preemption issues within the 2021 Washington State Energy Code, as interpreted in the recent U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit ruling in CRA vs. City of Berkeley.
Details of Public Hearings:
- Date/Time: Tuesday, November 21, 2023. 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
- Location: Yakima City Hall, 129 N 2nd Street, Yakima, WA 98101
- Join via Zoom | Phone: 888 788 0099 | Webinar ID: 972 3088 0592
OR
- Date/Time: Wednesday, November 22, 2023. 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
- Location: DES Building, Room 1213, 1500 Jefferson St, Olympia, WA 98501
- Join via Zoom | Phone: 888 788 0099 | Webinar ID: 947 6740 2058
Complete the Public Testimony Sign-Up Sheet at least 30 minutes before the hearing.
If you would like to provide written comments, testimony must be sent to SBCC@des.wa.gov and received by 5:00 pm on November 22, 2023.
Register for Capitol Connections
Registration is now open for Capitol Connections on January 23, 2024, where AIA Washington will be discussing the rolling clock bill. This event will be a great opportunity to connect with your legislators and share how this policy has impacted your professional journey.
This lobby day promises not only to be impactful, but also an enjoyable experience for both members and legislators. Your participation is crucial in making our collective voice heard on this important matter that will help shape our industry’s future for the better. Register now!
