STATE & LOCAL ISSUES

As we look ahead to the 2025 legislative session, the NAIOPWA Government Affairs leadership team is actively engaging with lawmakers and stakeholders to position the commercial real estate (CRE) industry for success. Our priorities address both state and local issues while tackling major challenges that disproportionately affect our stakeholders in industrial, office, residential, retail, and other development sectors. By confronting these issues simultaneously and coordinating our strategic efforts, NAIOPWA continues to have an outsized voice and is recognized as an authority on all matters impacting CRE.

2025 Priorities: 

• Rent Control: We oppose proposals to implement rent control or to remove statewide preemptions. Should such proposals advance, NAIOPWA will advocate for policies that maximize flexibility for building owners, ensuring that any regulations consider the economic realities of property management and development.
• Transfer Tax (REET): Despite our continued efforts to defeat increases to the Real Estate Excise Tax (REET), we expect similar legislation to be proposed. We will persist in fighting against taxes that raise the cost of development in our region, advocating for a tax structure that promotes investment and growth.
• Housing Policies: We will continue to advocate for housing policies that encourage and incentivize development, such as the Multifamily Tax Exemption (MFTE) program, while emphasizing the importance of market factors on development. Our goal is to support legislation that increases housing availability without imposing undue burdens on developers.
• Public Safety: Public safety is central to thriving communities. We will advocate for policies that enhance safety at both the state and local levels, recognizing that secure environments are essential for economic growth and community well-being.

• Regulatory Restrictions:

  • Comprehensive Plans: NAIOPWA will work with municipalities to advocate for sensible zoning changes that encourage development and bring economic opportunity to the Puget Sound region. We aim to influence comprehensive plans that support sustainable growth and align with industry needs.
  • Impact Fees: As development costs continue to rise, NAIOPWA will oppose efforts to pass or increase impact fees in the City of Seattle and beyond. We believe that additional fees hinder development and negatively impact housing affordability and economic progress.
• Industrial Issues: Industrial concerns are a primary focus for the 2025 session. Key priorities include advocacy on the CURB Act, lifting moratoriums, and addressing environmental justice issues to support the growth and sustainability of the industrial sector.
• Elections: NAIOPWA's Political Action Committee (PAC) actively works to support pragmatic leaders in elections, ensuring a business-friendly environment at both the state and local levels. By promoting candidates who understand the importance of the CRE industry, we aim to foster policies that encourage economic growth and development.
• Corporate Priorities: Advocacy | NAIOP | Commercial Real Estate Development Association
• Adaptive Reuse
• Capital and Credit
• Tax Policy

GA Stakeholder Groups (Open to current funders only): 

• Industrial
• Office
• Residential
• Retail
• Seattle 
• Eastside

By joining these workgroups, funders have the opportunity to stay informed and directly influence policies that affect their business and the broader CRE landscape.

Read our Legislative Recap here

2025 GA Issues Funding

The long-term success of CRE depends on establishing a well of financial resources to support continuity in advocacy. In an environment of tax-focused politicians, the CRE community cannot afford to be unprepared.

NAIOPWA fights tirelessly for laws, regulations and policies that increase predictability, fairness and timeliness for the industry. Support from our Government Affairs contributors helps fund advocacy efforts that save developers precious time and money.

PAC Contributions

NAIOP WA’s PAC is solely supported by direct contributions. PAC contributions enable NAIOPWA to fund political campaigns, impacting election outcomes and expanding NAIOPWA’s political influence. Issues funding cannot be utilized for campaign contributions.

Both the City of Seattle and the City of Bellevue have significant upcoming City Council elections. This is the largest turnover of City Councilmembers in many years, and the change represents a major opportunity to ensure passage of positive legislation moving forward. It is critical for NAIOP WA to support favorable candidates in these races.

NAIOPWA 2024 Government Affairs Contributors