Housing Matters

Housing Matters Episode 13: Representative April Connors

Hear from Representative April Connors as we discuss the path of the rent control bill as it moved through the House of Representatives, other concerning tax and housing bills working through the legislature this year, and a brief discussion on the state budget proposal. All that and more in the latest episode of Housing Matters from RHAWA.

Housing Matters Episode 12: George Petrie Goodman Real Estate

The CEO of Goodman Real Estate, George Petrie, and I discuss how rental housing policy in Seattle has impacted their affordable housing building The Addison. Also tune in for the most recent developments out of Olympia during the 2025 Legislative Session. 

Housing Matters Episode 11: Legislative Preview with Rep. Andrew Barkis

It's that time. Legislative Session 2025 is only a week away and I had the opportunity to sit down with Representative Andrew Barkis to unpack the election results, discuss some goals of the House Transportation Committee, and most definitely RHAWA's Legislative Agenda. We discuss various pieces of legislation that RHA and Rep. Barkis have been working on together since the end of last session. 

Housing Matters Episode 10: George McCleary of McCleary Realty and Development

In the latest episode of Housing Matters I spoke with George McCleary. A property developer mostly centered in Portland Oregon. George became a social media sensation after making a satire video showing just how easy it can be to squat long term in a vacant rental unit. We discuss his video, but also housing development and rent control in Oregon as well as eviction backlogs and a variety of other topics. 

Housing Matters Episode 9: Morgan Shook with ECOnorthwest

For this episode of Housing Matters I talk with Morgan Shook a Partner and Senior Policy Advisor with ECOnorthwest. We talk about housing policy and the economic impact certain policies can have or have had in various regions around the country. We also speak about the pitfalls of rent control as policy, and perhaps some better ways to help tenants with affordability. 

Housing Matters Episode 8: State Representative Mari Leavitt

In this week's episode of Housing Matters I had the privilege of a very engaging conversation with State Representative Mari Leavitt from the 28th District. We of course covered housing policy, but additionally we had a great discussion about veterans and military families in her district and the fentanyl crisis in every part of our state. 

Housing Matters Episode 7: Bellevue Councilmember Jared Nieuwenhuis and RHA Legislative Session in Review

In this weeks episode RHA sat down with Bellevue City Councilmember Jared Nieuwenhuis to speak about the future of housing in Bellevue and the councils vision for that development. Nieuwenhuis also speaks to the eviction backlog in King County. Stay tuned after the interview for RHA Legislative Session in Review.

Housing Matters Episode 6: Senator Fortunato and RHA Week in Review

I had a great conversation with Senator Fortunato about the happenings in the Senate Housing Committee, as well as his general thoughts on housing in Washington State. Also, RHA's Week in Review from Olympia as many members of the community showed up to testify on various bills. 

Housing Matters Episode 5: Interview with State Rep. Andrew Barkis and a ”Week 1 In Review” of Legislative Session

This week's episode of Housing Matters is a Special Edition brought to you from Olympia. You will hear my great conversation with State Rep. Andrew Barkis about all thing's legislative session and housing. I also review week one in Olympia and the HUGE showing from RHA members and other organizations at two big rent control bill hearings. Look out for our short form "Week in Review" audio AND video from Olympia every week of session. 

Housing Matters Episode 4: Legislative Session Preview with RHAWA’s Lobbyist Chester Baldwin

In our latest episode I spoke with RHA's lobbyist in Olympia, Chester Baldwin. We discuss a variety of topics including what we can all expect on the rental housing front in this year's legislative session. We spoke about upcoming rent control bills, bills RHA will be drafting to help tenants and rental housing providers, as well as the six initiatives submitted by Let's Go Washington.