Industry Insights

Track recent permit activity across regional jurisdictions.

Stay informed about construction activity across Central Washington. Use these official jurisdiction links to review recent building permits, applications, project valuations and development activity. Reporting formats and update schedules vary by jurisdiction.

Supreme Court ruling leaves current procedures in place while litigation continues

Washington’s mail-voting procedures remain unchanged for the November 2026 midterms. Ballots will still be mailed to registered voters in all 39 counties using the existing schedule and envelopes. The Supreme Court’s procedural ruling allows litigation over proposed federal restrictions to continue.

BIAW analyzes affordability gains, compliance costs and energy-choice impacts.

BIAW’s new report examines how Washington’s proposed 2024 Residential Energy Code could affect construction costs and housing attainability. The analysis projects overall savings compared with the 2021 code, but finds that homes using natural gas could face substantially higher compliance costs than comparable homes using electric heat pumps.

Supreme Court order renews uncertainty ahead of the November midterms

Mail voting procedures remain unchanged for now, but a recent Supreme Court decision has restarted the legal fight over proposed federal restrictions. With ballots scheduled to go out soon, election officials are watching closely for decisions that could affect November voting.

Agreement would restore competition in apartment advertising

Zillow and Redfin have reached a proposed settlement with Washington and four other states over their multifamily rental advertising agreement. Redfin would rebuild its independent apartment advertising business, giving housing providers and consumers more options. The settlement still requires court approval.

Public comments are due September 21

The Trump administration has proposed rescinding the 2001 Roadless Rule, which restricts road construction across more than 44 million acres of federal forest land. NAHB supports the proposal as a step toward increasing responsible domestic timber production. Public comments are due by midnight September 21.

Emerging green builders can receive travel support and full IBS registration.

Emerging green building professionals ages 25–35 can apply for an NAHB scholarship to attend the 2027 International Builders’ Show in Las Vegas. One recipient will receive $1,300 for travel, full IBS registration, and access to the NGBS Green PRO course. Apply by October 23, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. PDT.

Explore more than 3,000 verified construction training programs.

ConstructionSkillsMap.org makes it easier for students, career-changers, and adult learners to find skilled trades training. Search and compare more than 3,000 verified programs nationwide for free, with no account required.

Washington Policy Center examines tax policy, business movement, and the state’s changing tax base.

Washington Policy Center argues that statewide population growth may conceal the departure of higher-income households and businesses. Its analysis examines IRS migration data, capital gains tax collections, and prominent relocations to explore what these trends could mean for Washington’s tax base and economic activity.

Apply to serve on a county board, committee, or commission

Kittitas County is recruiting residents to serve on boards, committees, and commissions addressing land use, housing, public health, water, transportation, environmental stewardship, and other community priorities. Some positions are open now, with more becoming available as terms expire at the end of 2026.

Nonresidential projects support labor demand amid slower residential construction activity.

Construction job openings increased to 305,000 in June, up from 291,000 in May and 224,000 a year earlier. Residential construction remains under pressure, but growth in nonresidential subsectors, including data center construction, continues to support demand for skilled labor.

Draft development regulations are open for public comment

Wenatchee and Chelan County have released draft comprehensive plan, zoning, subdivision, design, and capital facilities amendments. Members are encouraged to review the proposals and submit comments as soon as possible. The state notice period ends October 11, with public hearings scheduled for October 14 and November 19.

What Washington employers should know about air quality and worker safety

Poor air quality can create serious health and safety risks, particularly for employees working outdoors. Washington employers must monitor wildfire smoke conditions, communicate hazards, train exposed workers, reduce exposure when required, and provide respiratory protection at designated air-quality thresholds.

Find recovery information and support communities affected by wildfire.

Wildfire recovery takes reliable information, coordinated support, and a long-term commitment to rebuilding. Explore CWHBA’s recovery resource hub and learn from BIAW how members of the home building industry can help affected communities.

State agency liaisons share practical guidance for starting and growing a business in Washington.

Washington’s Small Business Liaison Team offers free workshops and recorded webinars to help business owners understand state requirements, avoid penalties, and find practical resources for starting or growing a business.

BIAW has just added another benefit for members to build and strengthen their businesses. The BIAW Contracts Package is now FREE for all home building association members in Washington.

BIAW has joined a lawsuit challenging Washington’s new income tax, arguing it unfairly harms small businesses, especially builders with unpredictable project-based income.

What members need to know