Government Affairs

Protecting and Promoting the American Dream of Homeownership

The External Affairs team partners with BIAW members to protect and promote the American dream of homeownership for Washington families. During the legislative session, we work to pass pro-housing and pro-business legislation and defeat efforts that drive up the cost of buying or remodeling a home.  

All year round, we represent you in state agency rulemaking and before the State Building Code Council, providing your perspectives to decision-makers and keeping you informed of new rules and regulations. 

2025 Legislative Priorities

• No new or increased taxes or fees – Despite predicted budget shortfalls, Washington is expected to generate more revenue than the previous budget. The problem isn’t a revenue problem, it’s a spending problem.
• Subdivision modernization – We want to add minor plat requirements, remove public hearing requirements for subdivisions, consolidate permit process procedures, allow concurrent review of preliminary plat and civil construction project plans, and revise outdated sections of the law.
• Impact fees – We want to require jurisdictions to publish the fees they assess online, advertise deferral options, and place limits on adoption of increases to promote predictability.
• Eliminate lot size, lot coverage and maximum floor area ratio requirements – It’s time to increase density and encourage diversity of housing types.
• Simplify the energy code—We want the Legislature to direct the State Building Code Council (SBCC) to adopt the model energy code of 2024. This would preserve state access to Inflation Reduction Act funding through 2029, reduce the complexity of code compliance, and minimize SBCC’s workload.
• Change the makeup of State Building Code Council – It’s time to restore the balance between government and the private sector.

Washington Affordable Housing Council

BIAW’s political action committee, the Washington Affordable Housing Council (WAHC) plays an active role in Washington state elections: investing time, energy, and money into promoting pro-business and pro-housing candidates.

Building Codes

BIAW’s building codes and policy manager has a finger on the pulse of the council, helps ensure representation on the TAGs and keeps members and leadership informed of activity that affects the homebuilding industry.