Legislative News
Thank You for Another Successful Hill Day
Hill Day 2026 brought Washington REALTORS® back to Little Creek Casino for two action-packed days of advocacy, policy, and connection focused on strengthening homeownership and housing opportunities across the state. 600 MEMBERS – including 160 first-timers – showed up ready to engage and make their voices heard!
Download Event Photos Here!
Let's Recap...
Attendees spent the first day in committee meetings, briefings, celebrating RPAC achievements and networking, then headed to Olympia the next day to meet face-to-face with legislators about the real housing challenges their clients and communities are navigating.
This event was packed with value, and as we’ve heard time and again, you get out of it what you put in. So thank you to everyone who showed up, got involved, and confidently took your voices to the Hill on behalf of REALTORS® across the state.
We've highlighted some key moments from the event below, and included links to download photos for your convenience.
WEDNESDAY, JAN. 28 | COMMITTEE DAY
The event kicked off with Committee Day on Wednesday, January 28, at the Little Creek Casino Resort, where attendees participated in a full day of association business during WR committee meetings. The day also included special recognition of our RPAC Major Investors over lunch and concluded with the installation of our 2026 leadership during the Installation Banquet.
RPAC Awards
Congratulations and thank you to the 2026 RPAC Award winners announced during the RPAC Awards Ceremony! View the winners of the RPAC Awards here. Event photos can be downloaded using the links above.
Installation Banquet
After a full day of committee meetings, we kicked off our annual Installation Banquet on Wednesday evening, where we installed our 2026 Washington REALTORS® President, Ryan Beckett, WR Board of Directors, Executive Committee, Officers, NAR Directors, RPAC Major Investors, and Women's Council Officers!
Please help us in congratulating and thanking our amazing volunteer leaders for their time and commitment to improving the industry and our association!
THURSDAY | HILL DAY
General Session & Guest Speakers
We had an incredible lineup of speakers at our General Session this year, bringing real and candid conversation about what’s happening in the real estate world right now:
Economic Update with Dr. Jessica Lautz, NAR Deputy Chief Economist and Vice President of Research
NAR's Deputy Chief Economist and Vice President of Research, Dr Jessica Lautz presented information from the latest National Profile of Buyer and Sellers Report and shared information on economic factors shaping the U.S. housing market right now, with a focus on forecasts, trends, and Washington state specifics. Here are some of the big takeaways from her presentation:
National Forecast
Existing-home sales are projected to go up 14% in 2026, alongside median home price growth of 3-4% and mortgage rates dropping to 6.0%. New home sales dip slightly in 2025 (-2%) before rising 5% in 2026.
Washington Highlights
Spokane ranks as a top 2026 hot spot for opportunities, while the state saw 101k population growth (1.3%) in 2024, led by Sunbelt and Mountain trends. Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue median prices hold at $804k (+0.2% YoY), Spokane at $447k (+2.5% YoY), with affordability challenges persisting (qualifying incomes: $187k and $102k).
Market Trends
Inventory remains low (1.18M by late 2025), ownership tenure has shortened to 7 years, and first-time buyers hit a historic low of 21% amid high cash purchases (up to 35%) and shifting demographics like more single women buyers. Lower rates could unlock demand, e.g., 6,738 new buyers in Seattle if rates fall from 7% to 6%.
Access Dr. Lautz's full slide deck presentation here.
.png?sfvrsn=dd0f2826_0 "HillDayRecap_BlogImages-5 (1)")
NAR Advocacy & Leadership Panel
After Dr. Lautz's economic update, our first panel of the day took the stage, including NAR's Vice President of Government Advocacy, Joe Harris, NAR's 2026 First Vice President, Colin Mullane, and Washington REALTORS® 2026 President, Ryan Beckett.
This was an exciting conversation on NAR’s continued focus on advocacy efforts, policy engagement in Washington, D.C., and the value the association delivers to its members. Moderated by 2026 WR President, Ryan Beckett, the panel also discussed how NAR’s leadership initiatives and legislative priorities strengthen the organization’s impact and support for REALTORS® nationwide.
Joe Harris, NAR Vice President of Government Advocacy
Colin Mullane, 2026 NAR First Vice President
Ryan Beckett, 2026 WR President
Lobbyist Panel
Following the leadership and advocacy panel was one of the most important discussions of the day featuring WR’s Government Affairs team and lobbyists. The team broke down the major legislative issues impacting REALTORS® in Washington in preparation for legislative visits in the afternoon. This session was facilitated by WR VP of Government Affairs, James Fisher and included:
- Mary Hull-Drury, WR Government Affairs Director
- Nick Streuli, WR Lobbyist
- Denny Eliason, WR Lobbyist
- Bill Clarke, WR Lobbyist & Public Policy Director
- Annie Fitzsimmons, WR Legal Hotline Lawyer
The panel offered an open Q&A session where members could ask questions about WR’s 2026 Legislative Priorities and was packed with valuable information on current state-level issues, upcoming developments in the legislative session, and tangible ways REALTORS® can make an impact right now.
A Closer Look at Washington REALTORS® 2026 Legislative Priorities:
Subject to change. Please refer to our Legislative Session page herefor the most up to date information.
RURAL ADUs
BILL NUMBERS: HB 1345 (Low) / SB 5470 (Goehner) (SUPPORT)
This policy aims to create affordable housing options by allowing detached Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) in rural areas, outside of the UGA, that can be built quickly and help toward relieving housing demand pressures.
Residential Uses in Commercial Zones BILL NUMBERS: HB 2480 (Street & Ramel)/ SB 6026 (Alvarado & Bateman) (SUPPORT)
Allows residential uses in areas zoned for commercial or mixed use in cities with populations over 30,000, with exceptions to ensure protection of industrial lands or other areas inappropriate for residential use. Local governments cannot require conditional permits or impose design-related restrictions for residential development in these areas. This bill will help the housing supply by allowing housing in underutilized commercial areas.
Ensuring Public Marketing of Residential Housing Opportunities BILL NUMBERS: HB 2512 (Peterson & Connors)/ SB 6091 (Liias, Gildon & Alvarado) (SUPPORT)
This policy will ensure that the marketing of available housing, for sale or for rent, is provided to the public and real estate market, not solely to a limited or private group. A transparent real estate market is in the best interests of consumers, fair competition, and supports principles of fair housing.
Incentivize Stacked Flat Condominium Construction BILL NUMBERS: HB 2304 (Taylor) (SUPPORT)
This bill builds on last year’s condominium legislation by allowing stacked flat building types of up to 4 floors and 12 units within the new 2-10 home warranty option, and by not requiring parking on the ground floor. This will allow an additional type of building to use the new 2-10 warranty process.
Do No Harm BILL NUMBERS: HB (Not yet named) / SB (Not yet named) (OPPOSE)
Substantive budget and tax discussions are concerning as they relate to housing costs, and we ask that Legislators avoid policies that make housing and real estate more expensive. Examples would be REET increases (HB 1044 and HB 1867), B&O tax increases, or other excise tax proposals (HB 2258).
Why This Matters:
The panel emphasized that these aren’t just abstract policy debates—these issues directly impact the real estate market and the clients REALTORS® serve every day.
What YOU Can Do to Stay Informed:
Know the issues – Use WR’s resources to stay informed. Tell real stories – Legislators need to hear how these policies affect real buyers and sellers. Engage in advocacy – REALTORS® have a powerful voice in shaping housing policy!
This panel was a great reminder that REALTORS® aren’t just selling homes—they’re shaping the future of housing in Washington.
THE HILL CLIMB
One of the most anticipated parts of this event each year, we shuttle hundreds of Washington REALTORS to the State Capitol Campus to meet with Legislators to discuss housing needs, priorities, and to discuss the impact certain bills have on REALTORS® and consumers alike.
Every conversation that took place on the Hill contributed to a stronger, more informed voice for homeownership in Washington.
Washington REALTORS® is more than a membership; it's a movement. One that protects, supports, and elevates every REALTOR® in the state of Washington. One that calls on its members to show up—for your industry, for your colleagues, and for your own success. THANK YOU for showing up, Washington REALTORS®!
Thank you again for attending the 2026 Hill Day event and we look forward to seeing you again at our 2025 Spring Business Conference - view the WR Calendar here.