Preparing for the 2026 Legislative Session: Committee Days with the WMFHA Team

Attending Committee Days in Olympia as part of the WMFHA team for the first time was an exciting start to my third day here! The depth of engagement, the strength of relationships, and the seriousness with which lawmakers approach housing policy made it immediately clear why WMFHA is such a respected and effective voice in Olympia. 

Through a full slate of legislative work sessions and direct meetings with policymakers, the path toward the 2026 legislative session came into sharper focus. A thoughtful and thorough fix to last year’s HB 1003 and the certified mail complications that came with it was top of mind.  

Throughout the Senate and House committees we attended, discussions covered transit-oriented development, commercial-to-residential conversions, land banking, shared homeownership models, permitting timelines, and the growing intersection between housing and energy policy. Budget pressures, growing wildfire risk conversations, and infrastructure constraints also featured prominently, reinforcing what legislators will be focusing on in the coming months. 

What stood out most was WMFHA’s proactive approach and access to legislative leadership. In meetings with legislators, the association conveyed industry priorities, reinforced meaningful relationships, and began identifying potential legislative champions. For someone new to the organization, it was impressive to see how early, thoughtful engagement is setting the tone for productive policymaking with WMFA at the table. 

These early conversations help shape legislation before proposals are finalized, when negotiations can happen in real time and changes can be seriously considered. WMFHA’s presence at Committee Days ensures member perspectives are heard early, practical realities are understood, and policies affecting housing operations and development are informed by the experts delivering housing on the ground.  

For members, this proactive advocacy is what helps protect feasibility, reduce unintended consequences, and advance policies that support housing across Washington. If you would like to play a role in shaping policy and you’re serious about giving back to your industry, I invite you to join us on the hill during the legislative session. You can register to join us for the 2026 Day on the Hill or reach out to me with any questions, comments, or feedback on our legislative priorities.