WMFHA Honors Legislators of the Year

At the Washington Multi-Family Housing Association, advocacy is one of our core pillars. Our success as an industry depends on strong partnerships with leaders in Olympia who are willing to engage, listen, and stand up for smart housing policy. The Legislator of the Year Award is one of our highest honors and is reserved for individuals who show exceptional leadership in advancing policies that support housing affordability, accessibility, and supply across Washington.

This year, we are proud to recognize two outstanding state lawmakers who exemplify those values: Representative Amy Walen and Senator John Braun.

Representative Walen has been a consistent and principled advocate for increasing housing supply and pushing back against proposals that would do more harm than good. During the 2025 legislative session, she voted against House Bill 1217 in both committee and on the House floor. This bill, a rent control measure, would undermine efforts to increase rental housing availability in our state. Her opposition to the bill reflects a clear understanding of the long-term consequences such policies would have on renters and housing providers alike. Representative Walen continues to be a strong voice in her caucus on economic and business issues, and we are grateful for her commitment to real solutions.

Senator Braun demonstrated exceptional engagement throughout the legislative session, taking the time to meet weekly with WMFHA to better understand the full scope and impact of HB 1217. His detailed approach and open communication were vital in shaping the conversation around the bill. In the final days of session, Senator Braun challenged the scope of the bill's title, raising critical concerns that helped highlight serious flaws in the legislation. His leadership showed not only courage but also a deep respect for thoughtful policymaking.

Thanks to the efforts of Representative Walen and Senator Braun, the multifamily housing industry had strong, informed advocates in Olympia during a critical time. Their work reflects a commitment to housing stability, economic opportunity, and collaboration between lawmakers and stakeholders.

We are proud to honor Representative Amy Walen and Senator John Braun as the Washington Multi-Family Housing Association’s 2025 Legislators of the Year. Their leadership sets a high bar and strengthens our shared goal of ensuring more housing and more opportunity for communities across Washington.