Industry Insights

WB weighs in ahead of Washington’s November 3 election.

The Association of Washington Business has endorsed Initiative 645 and three candidates for Washington Supreme Court. AWB says I-645 would repeal the state’s new tax on individual income above $1 million and prohibit future state or local individual income taxes. Review AWB’s position and official ballot materials before the November 3 election.

Supreme Court keeps new USPS ballot restrictions blocked through Nov. 3

Washington’s vote-by-mail process will continue unchanged for the 2026 election. The U.S. Supreme Court kept a lower-court injunction in place, preventing new Postal Service ballot requirements from taking effect before Nov. 3. The broader legal case will continue.

Review the five-year regional strategy by October 7

Review the draft Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy for Kittitas and Yakima counties and submit feedback by October 7, 2026. Survey responses will be anonymous and shared with the U.S. Economic Development Administration.

AMI levels can hide where housing need is greatest

The U.S. faces a 7.2 million-home shortage for extremely low-income renters, yet some income-restricted apartments remain vacant. This analysis explains how units serving households at different area median income levels address different needs—and why housing goals must measure who can actually afford the homes produced.

Proposed permit valuation changes could take effect October 1

Yakima County will present a proposed update to its ICC Building Valuation Data on September 8 at 10:00 a.m. The change could affect applicable building permit and plan review fees beginning October 1. Builders, contractors, developers, and design professionals may attend in person or via Zoom.

Flood-resistance and off-site construction provisions are among the major changes ahead.

The 2027 I-Codes will introduce significant changes affecting flood-resistant design, modular construction, salvaged lumber and other residential building requirements. Review NAHB’s key wins and concerns as publication begins and state and local adoption discussions approach.

District #1 commissioner will be sworn in September 1

The Kittitas County Board of Commissioners has appointed Jeff Leichleiter to fill the vacant District #1 position. Leichleiter will be sworn into office September 1 and will represent residents of Commissioner District #1.

State grant supports a new framework for future water availability.

Yakima County will receive a $1.16 million state grant to begin developing a water bank. The pilot is intended to improve water availability and predictability for future housing, business growth and community planning while protecting water resources.

Federal funding, infrastructure, energy, and veteran services lead his final months in office

U.S. Rep. Dan Newhouse outlined his priorities through December, including federal funding, Hanford cleanup, Columbia River shoreline control, Lower Snake River dams, trade, data centers, and expanded veteran services. These issues could affect Central Washington’s economy, infrastructure, energy resources, development, and communities.

U.S.-Canada trade tensions could raise material costs and constrain new-home construction.

New tariffs and ongoing trade uncertainty could increase the cost of plywood, cement, cabinets, lumber, and other construction inputs. Industry economists warn that higher material prices may further constrain housing production, deepen the national housing shortage, and create added affordability challenges for homebuyers.

Supreme Court ruling leaves current procedures in place while litigation continues

Washington’s mail-voting procedures remain unchanged for the November 2026 midterms. Ballots will still be mailed to registered voters in all 39 counties using the existing schedule and envelopes. The Supreme Court’s procedural ruling allows litigation over proposed federal restrictions to continue.

New duties could affect wood products, machinery, paper and seafood beginning Sept. 8.

Washington exporters face new Canadian tariffs of 15% to 50% on certain products beginning Sept. 8. The affected sectors include wood products, industrial machinery, paper and seafood, adding uncertainty for businesses already managing higher material, energy and labor costs.

BIAW analyzes affordability gains, compliance costs and energy-choice impacts.

BIAW’s new report examines how Washington’s proposed 2024 Residential Energy Code could affect construction costs and housing attainability. The analysis projects overall savings compared with the 2021 code, but finds that homes using natural gas could face substantially higher compliance costs than comparable homes using electric heat pumps.

Supreme Court order renews uncertainty ahead of the November midterms

Mail voting procedures remain unchanged for now, but a recent Supreme Court decision has restarted the legal fight over proposed federal restrictions. With ballots scheduled to go out soon, election officials are watching closely for decisions that could affect November voting.

Agreement would restore competition in apartment advertising

Zillow and Redfin have reached a proposed settlement with Washington and four other states over their multifamily rental advertising agreement. Redfin would rebuild its independent apartment advertising business, giving housing providers and consumers more options. The settlement still requires court approval.

An architect examines the cumulative cost of increasingly complex requirements.

Washington’s permitting and energy-code requirements affect project timelines, design costs, and housing production. In a Seattle Times opinion essay, architect Mark Shuler calls for closer analysis of the costs and energy savings associated with new mandates.

Public comments are due September 21

The Trump administration has proposed rescinding the 2001 Roadless Rule, which restricts road construction across more than 44 million acres of federal forest land. NAHB supports the proposal as a step toward increasing responsible domestic timber production. Public comments are due by midnight September 21.

Emerging green builders can receive travel support and full IBS registration.

Emerging green building professionals ages 25–35 can apply for an NAHB scholarship to attend the 2027 International Builders’ Show in Las Vegas. One recipient will receive $1,300 for travel, full IBS registration, and access to the NGBS Green PRO course. Apply by October 23, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. PDT.

Explore more than 3,000 verified construction training programs.

ConstructionSkillsMap.org makes it easier for students, career-changers, and adult learners to find skilled trades training. Search and compare more than 3,000 verified programs nationwide for free, with no account required.

Washington Policy Center examines tax policy, business movement, and the state’s changing tax base.

Washington Policy Center argues that statewide population growth may conceal the departure of higher-income households and businesses. Its analysis examines IRS migration data, capital gains tax collections, and prominent relocations to explore what these trends could mean for Washington’s tax base and economic activity.

Apply to serve on a county board, committee, or commission

Kittitas County is recruiting residents to serve on boards, committees, and commissions addressing land use, housing, public health, water, transportation, environmental stewardship, and other community priorities. Some positions are open now, with more becoming available as terms expire at the end of 2026.

Draft development regulations are open for public comment

Wenatchee and Chelan County have released draft comprehensive plan, zoning, subdivision, design, and capital facilities amendments. Members are encouraged to review the proposals and submit comments as soon as possible. The state notice period ends October 11, with public hearings scheduled for October 14 and November 19.

State agency liaisons share practical guidance for starting and growing a business in Washington.

Washington’s Small Business Liaison Team offers free workshops and recorded webinars to help business owners understand state requirements, avoid penalties, and find practical resources for starting or growing a business.

Washington study examines water and sewer hook-up costs across 13 jurisdictions

A Washington Center for Housing Studies report found that most sampled jurisdictions charge accessory dwelling units the same water and sewer hook-up fees as standard single-family homes. See what the findings could mean for ADU costs and future housing policy.

BIAW has joined a lawsuit challenging Washington’s new income tax, arguing it unfairly harms small businesses, especially builders with unpredictable project-based income.

What members need to know