NAIOPWA Legislative Session Report - End of Session
Krystelle Purkey and Riley Benge, State Lobbyists
The 2026 legislative session officially adjourned on March 12, wrapping a fast-paced, 60-day sprint that brought major debates on taxes, housing, insurance and long-term budget pressures. It was a meaningful year for our advocacy, and a year of real wins.
In Olympia, wins take many forms. Sometimes it’s stopping harmful proposals. Sometimes it’s rolling back policies that went too far. And sometimes it’s advancing smart, incremental changes that move the industry forward. This year, we successfully did all three.
Our impact this year was driven by strong coalition partnerships, active member engagement, including a powerful Day on the Hill, and data driven advocacy supported by our new Economic Impact Study demonstrating the statewide importance of industrial development. Together, these efforts didn’t just inform the conversation, they positioned NAIOPWA as a trusted, go-to resource for lawmakers seeking real-world insight from the industry.
With session behind us, our attention now turns to local jurisdictions across the region where the next set of critical decisions will be made, and the interim work that shapes the 2027 state agenda. Member engagement will continue to be essential as we navigate local planning, permitting, tax proposals, and housing policy conversations throughout the year.
For a detailed breakdown of the session’s outcomes and what they mean for commercial real estate, click here to read the full legislative update using your NAIOPWA member profile.
Share Your Experience with Housing in Washington to Inform Potential State Department of Housing
Washington State Department of Commerce has released a Department of Housing Task Force Survey to help inform the Department of Housing Task Force report, which will provide recommendations to the Governor and Legislature on how to structure a new Department of Housing. The Department will serve as the state's coordinating and problem-solving hub to ensure adequate housing supply and housing stability for everyone in Washington.
Survey will take about 15 minutes and is open to anyone who is interested. Survey will not collect names or personally identifying information. The survey closes April 26.
Click here to complete the Department of Housing Task Force Survey.
In December 2025, Governor Bob Ferguson signed executive order 25-12 creating the Department of Housing Task Force, which includes NAIOPWA Board Member, Carl Shorett (Senior Director of Development at AvalonBay Communities). The Task Force's final report is due November 15, 2026 and will be submitted to the Governor and the Washington State Legislature for consideration. For more information on this effort, visit the Department of Housing Task Force webpage.
To submit feedback on behalf of an organization, email [email protected]. Submissions are public record and may be subject to disclosure under the Public Records Act.

