King 5 News Features WMFHA in Rent Control Story

On Friday July 28, King 5 news reporter Erica Zucco interviewed WMFHA Director of Government Affairs Ryan Makinster for story titled “Debate continues as Seattle rent control measure approaches vote.”  The story, which aired the same day and re-aired prior to the Tuesday August 1 vote, featured advocates on both sides of the issues, coverage that had been lacking up until this point in the debate. Previous articles and news stories featured Councilmember Sawant and the views of tenant advocates while ignoring the other side of the issue.

During the interview, Makinster stated that business groups are concerned the law could discourage future development, leading to less rental housing stock overall.

"By 2035 we need a million units in the state," Makinster said. "We are way behind and we're going backward. We aren't building enough right now, and we aren't even building enough to make up for the deficit that we have."