Week of March 17 Legislative Update

We’re through one of the busiest weeks at the legislature, and celebrating some big wins- rent stabilization, transit-oriented development, and implementing the Growth Management Act are all safely through the House and on their way to the Senate. Their success is a testament to your advocacy- throughout our Sprouts and Shouts week of action, you made over 1,100 calls and emails to representatives.

We’ve got 45 days left to make sure our bills get through the Senate – which tends to be a tougher chamber for getting our bills through. That means digging deep, getting organized, and being ready for actions and events. Read on for bill updates and this week’s actions!

Rent Stabilization – HB 1217

Our Executive Director Alex gave some great context on the multi-pronged approach to solving our housing crisis in The Urbanist recently- check that out here. But one key point- while we work hard on building more new housing, faster, we also need stronger protections for families to be able to stay in their homes now. Currently, there are no limits on the amount that rent costs can go up from one year to the next. HB 1217 would change that. 

It’s first hearing in the Senate Committee on Housing is next Wednesday, the 19th, at 1:30 pm- we need you to sign in PRO before then- let’s show the Senate that this is a top priority.

Transit-Oriented Development – HB 1491

We love TOD because it’s got something for everyone: increased access to public transit means less cars on the road, less traffic congestion, and less vehicle miles traveled (VMT) which means less air pollution and lower carbon emissions. Housing density improves neighborhood connectedness by making it more walkable, which makes a car-lite or car-free lifestyle easier and more convenient. HB 1491 is a step closer towards that reality. 

This bill already had its first hearing last Friday, and we got nearly 1,000 (990, so close!) sign in PRO’s for this bill- a strong start! The next step is to email committee members urging them to VOTE YES on HB 1491.

Tell the Senate: Vote YES on TOD

GMA Compliance- HB 1135

You’ve heard a lot from us on the Growth Management Act– a policy that provides structures for planning and development around things like land use and urban growth, property rights and permitting, environmental considerations like building in more resiliency to changing weather patterns, and more. HB 1135 will close some loopholes, and help bring all cities and counties into compliance.

This bill is moving quickly, and has already had its first Senate hearing. We got nearly 600 sign in PROs this week! While it gets scheduled for a vote, let’s email the committee members and urge them to vote YES and move it forward.

Rural Housing

While neither of our rural housing bills made it through the cutoff deadline this year (addressing rural DADU’s, and increased wildfire protections), the work will continue. Addressing affordability, housing availability, and preventing further rural sprawl will continue to be a priority, and we’re looking forward to opportunities to build on this progress in the next legislative session.

Balance Our Tax Code

Today we’re giving a shout-out to a partner group doing great work in Olympia (and across the state). Balance Our Tax Code is a coalition of over 80 organizations fighting for a fair, balanced, equitable tax code in Washington. Members come from a wide swath of organizations- labor unions, human service providers, housing advocates, civil rights groups, and more. All united under the knowledge that Washington, though home to some of the country’s most innovative policies in some areas, has one of the most imbalanced tax structures.

Check out their action opportunities

Amazing work getting our priority bills this far. Stay tuned for a lot more chances to take action as they make their way through the Senate. We’ll have virtual actions, and be organizing some in-person events!