In Episode 85 of Boss Talks, host Evan Happel welcomes Ryan McKinster, Director of Government Affairs, and Carter Nelson, Public Affairs Manager from the Washington Multifamily Housing Association (WMFHA). The trio discuss recent legislative updates affecting the multifamily housing industry in Washington state, focusing on rent stabilization, supply issues, and the importance of community involvement in advocacy. They also highlight ways to get involved locally and support industry efforts through the WMFHA PAC and Better Government Fund. Key takeaways include the impact of political action on housing policies and how professionals in the industry can contribute to creating solutions for housing challenges.
00:00 Welcome to Boss Talks: Episode 85 with WMFHA Guests
00:49 Diving Into Multifamily Housing Advocacy and Legislation
01:46 Community Boss: Managing Physical Spaces Like a Boss
02:22 Getting Involved: Local Opportunities and EdCon Highlights
04:14 Building Community and Advocacy in Professional and Personal Lives
07:01 A Culinary Conversation: Hospitality and Favorite Beverages
10:31 Personal Journeys to WMFHA: Carter and Ryan's Stories
15:53 Addressing Housing Issues: Legislative Session Wrap-Up
26:03 The Ripple Effect of Pet Policies on Tenants
26:37 Legislative Impacts on Tenant Responsibilities and Costs
27:40 Navigating Deposit Limitations and Financial Implications
29:25 The Complexities of Rent Control and Its Long-Term Effects
31:00 Supply and Demand: The Economics of Housing Development
36:26 Transit-Oriented Development: Balancing Affordability and Growth
41:27 The Role of Political Action in Shaping Housing Policy
50:37 Engaging in Advocacy: The Importance of Community Involvement
Hello, Boss Talks fam! In episode 85, we dove deep into the world of multifamily housing politics, guided by Ryan Makinster and Carter Nelson from the Washington Multifamily Housing Association (WMFHA). Both Ryan and Carter are at the forefront of politics, legislation, and advocacy concerning multifamily housing in Washington State.
They shared insights into recent legislative sessions, including key takeaways and how these changes impact both the industry and individuals. With Washington facing a critical shortage of housing, the conversation couldn't have been more timely.
One of the hot topics discussed was rent control or, as some prefer, rent stabilization. Ryan provided a nuanced perspective on how such policies, while potentially beneficial in the short term, can significantly stymie the production of new housing in the long run.
The conversation also highlighted the importance of local involvement, illustrated through stories from WMFHA’s EdCon event. It was a powerful reminder that engagement at the local level can spark change and even influence state-wide legislation.
Both Ryan and Carter shared their journey into their current roles, emphasizing the blend of professional and personal motivations that drive their advocacy efforts. Their stories underscored a common theme: getting involved and staying active in your community is crucial, whether through nonprofit boards, local government affairs, or industry associations.
Topics like pet policies and deposit limitations were dissected. Ryan and Carter elaborated on how these laws affect not just the housing industry but the tenants themselves, often in unintended ways. They detailed how broader tenant responsibilities and costs could shift due to specific policies, highlighting the intricate balance required in crafting legislation that serves all parties fairly. Ryan candidly addressed the challenges property managers face with deposit limitations, connecting the dots to how such regulations can inadvertently increase costs for all tenants.
They unpacked the short-term appeal vs. long-term drawbacks of rent control, using real-life examples from other cities to illustrate potential outcomes. It’s clear that while protecting tenants is vital, fostering an environment where new housing can be developed is equally important.
In wrapping up this enlightening conversation, it was evident that understanding and actively participating in housing politics is not just for the experts. Whether you’re on the ground in a leasing office, behind the scenes in property management, or engaging with the community as a supplier, there’s a role for you in shaping the future of housing.
Ending on a rallying cry for involvement, the episode served as a potent reminder of the power of collective action. Whether through attending city council meetings, participating in state legislative sessions, or simply responding to industry calls-to-action, your voice matters.