Realizing the Benefits of New Middle Housing Laws

Thursday, September 14, 2023
10:10 AM 11:10 AM 10:10 11:10

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Adapting Policy
Breakout 1: 10:10 a.m.–11:10 a.m.

How will the middle housing policies passed in the 2023 Washington State legislative session impact the look and feel of our cities, access to affordable housing choices, and the environment? How will new density requirements in residential zones interact with green building incentives? This session will take a deep dive into these questions and others. The distinguished panel of speakers will discuss what is next for middle housing implementation and how local comprehensive plans and zoning will be affected. We will hear from state leaders and a local housing organization about the potential of these new laws to help reduce carbon emissions and resource consumption while also increasing housing choices and equity.

Featured

Ryan Donohue, Habitat for Humanity SKC

In his role as the Chief Advocacy Officer for Habitat for Humanity Seattle-King & Kittitas Counties, Ryan Donohue is a tireless fighter for affordable housing and homeownership opportunities. He is particularly focused on eliminating exclusionary zoning and breaking down the barriers that have long plagued the Black community when it comes to home ownership. You can learn more about him and the work that Habitat does when it comes to advocating for affordable homeownership opportunities by going to www.habitatskc.org.

Rep. Joe Fitzgibbon, 34th Legislative District

Rep. Joe Fitzgibbon was elected to represent the 34th Legislative District in 2010. In 2022, he was elected House Majority Leader.

Joe chaired the House Environment & Energy Committee from 2014 to 2022, where he helped to pass an ambitious suite of legislation to fight climate change, including the Clean Fuel Standard, the Climate Commitment Act, and the Clean Energy Transformation Act. He currently serves on the Appropriations and Rules Committees, and on the Select Committee for Pension Policy. Prior to his election, Joe was a legislative staffer and member of the Burien Planning Commission.

His legislative priorities include addressing climate change, protecting Washington’s clean air and water, standing up for working families and communities that have historically faced barriers to opportunity, promoting smart growth that supports affordable housing and access to transit, and preparing budgets that invest in long-term solutions for challenges faced by Washingtonians.

Brenda Nunes, Nunes Group

Brenda Nunes, MBA, LEED AP, is Nunes Group’s managing broker. As a Global Property Specialist, Brenda facilitates international real estate transactions and global marketing. Brenda brings a diverse background in the areas of real estate, business development, and geotechnical industries. A natural idea generator, Brenda is a “big picture” thinker who loves to provide options for each opportunity and challenge.

Brenda has always placed a high value on long-term client relationships versus fast business transactions. Brenda stays actively involved in leadership roles within the community. Her convictions and practices in sustainability, real estate, and development practices lend support to local businesses, community, and municipalities. Brenda is a nationally recognized educator, advocate, and mentor for a sustainable real estate, and is a member of the Built Green community.

Dave Osaki, Washington Department of Commerce

David Osaki works on middle housing and racially disparate impact issues with the Washington State Department of Commerce Growth Management Services. He has served as Community Development Director for several Central Puget Sound cities including Fife, Monroe and Mukilteo. David has a Master’s degree in City and Regional Planning from Rutgers University and Bachelor’s degree in urban planning from the University of Washington and has served on planning commissions and on a housing authority board in the Puget Sound region. He has been a member of the American Institute of Certified Planners since 1986.

Posted in Adapting Policy
Tagged Breakout 1