Rent Stabilization Makes It Across the Finish Line at Last Minute
The Washington State Legislature approved a 7% to 10% cap on rent hikes Sunday, after the proposal faced a rollercoaster of obstacles over the course of the 105-day session.
Lawmakers Reach Rent Stabilization Compromise
Rent increases would be capped between 7% and 10% under the compromise measure approved by a conference committee Thursday night. It still needs to advance back through both chambers by Sunday night to reach the Governor's desk.
Ferguson’s Continued Focus on Austerity Places King County in Jeopardy
King County Council members are sounding the alarm after Governor Bob Ferguson’s opposition to lifting the property tax cap threw their future budget into chaos. Ferguson’s opposition to new revenue options is also jeopardizing the state budget and could force deep service cuts and potentially a special session to hammer out details.
State Budget Cuts Could Slash Puget Sound’s Passenger Ferry Service
The Washington House and Senate aren't in alignment on whether funding for extra passenger ferry trips should continue. Dozens of weekly trips across the King County Water Taxi and Kitsap Fast Ferry would be slashed if the state Senate's version of the transportation budget prevails.
Op-Ed: Ferguson Must Get Tough on Trump, Illegal Tacoma ICE Jail
Governor Bob Ferguson should sign HB 1232 into law and immediately make use of the enforcement mechanisms it contains to stop unconstitutional detentions at ICE’s Tacoma Processing Center. The State should also impose fines on the for-profit corporate jailer to discourage the violations.
State Senate Greenlights Sweeping Transit-Oriented Housing Bill
Three years in the making, HB 1491 would require Washington cities to zone for apartment buildings near rail stations and rapid bus stops. A compromise around housing affordability mandates finally paved the way for the bill's passage in both chambers.
Washington Senate OKs Rent Stabilization Bill After Gutting It
On Thursday, the Washington State Senate took the leap and approved a rent stabilization bill, but first senators gutted it with provisions that quickly earned the ire of tenant advocates. An original 7% cap on annual rent increases could instead rise to 20% or more.
Op-Ed: Washington Landlords Spending Big, Playing Dirty to Block Rent Stabilization
Wealthy landlords are spending hundreds of thousands of dollars to mislead Washingtonians and to try to block a moderate, but protective rent stabilization bill that will finally provide renters with predictability and stability over their housing costs.