Advocacy in Action

with Carter Nelson, Director of Government Affairs

NAIOPWA Board Member Carl Shorett Appointed to Governor’s Housing Task Force

We’re excited to share that Carl Shorett, Senior Director of Development at AvalonBay Communities and a member of the NAIOPWA Board of Directors, has been appointed to the Washington State Task Force on the Establishment of a Department of Housing.This is a meaningful opportunity for our organization and our industry. NAIOPWA has been deeply engaged in statewide housing conversations, and Carl’s appointment ensures that the development community’s practical, on‑the‑ground expertise is represented in one of the most consequential housing policy efforts underway in Washington.

Carl brings extensive experience in multifamily and mixed‑use development in King and Snohomish counties, where he oversees land acquisition, entitlements, budgeting, design, and execution of large‑scale projects. Prior to AvalonBay, he led CBRE’s Multifamily and Development Capital Markets platform in Manhattan, advising on more than $10 billion in institutional sales and recapitalizations. He also serves on the board of the Partnership for Affordable Housing and stays active across business and civic organizations throughout the region.

Established through Executive Order 25‑12, the Task Force is charged with developing recommendations for a new cabinet‑level housing agency aimed at expanding supply, improving program alignment, and addressing housing needs statewide. The group will meet monthly from February through November 2026, with a final report due to the Governor and Legislature on November 15, 2026. Meetings are open to the public, with virtual sessions held on the second Wednesday of each month.

Please join us in congratulating Carl on this appointment. His leadership and expertise, and his role on our Board, mean NAIOPWA will have a strong, informed voice in shaping the statewide housing system Washington ultimately adopts.

Local Efforts See Codification of SEPA Exemption for Housing in Seattle

Mayor Katie B. Wilson today signed CB 121093 and CB 121135, legislation sponsored by Councilmember Eddie Lin (District 2) which will speed the production of housing and shelter by removing unnecessarily regulatory barriers and expediting permitting. These ordinances could accelerate development timelines by as much as five to twelve months, including for the 1,000 units of emergency housing the mayor is committed to open this year. NAIOPWA's local lobbying team, including Carter Nelson and Tyler Pichette, worked closely with City of Seattle staff and members of council to push this legislation forward. This work represents the partnership with other organizations and our strength in the city

“Today, we’re eliminating out-of-date regulatory barriers and speeding the permitting process so we can accelerate the production of the housing and shelter we need,” said Mayor Katie B. Wilson. “I’m committed to use every administrative and legal tool at our disposal to open 1,000 new units of emergency housing this year, and this is another important step in that direction.” 

CB 121093 and CB 121135 speed housing production by eliminating unnecessary regulatory review for a range of residential and mixed-use development, including emergency shelter, non-profit housing, and market rate projects. 

Representatives of the Master Builders of King and Snohomish Counties and the Housing Development Consortium also attended the signing. 

 For more information about taking action in our advocacy efforts, email [email protected].