ENGAGE 2024 RHAWA MAGNMUM OPUS AND EVOLUTION IN ADVOCACY

When we set out to create ENGAGE 2024, we knew it would be something extraordinary. What unfolded exceeded even our boldest expectations. This wasn’t just another conference; this was a defining moment in RHAWA’s history—a bold statement of our strength, unity, and unwavering commitment to advocacy. From start to finish, ENGAGE 2024 was a celebration of everything we stand for: advancing housing policy that makes sense, building stronger communities, and giving our members the tools to protect their investments while doing good for the people who live in the homes they provide.

ANNUAL BUSINESS MEETING – STRENGTH IN NUMBERS

The Annual Business Meeting set the tone, showcasing RHAWA’s powerful presence across Washington State. With more than 6,000 members housing tens of thousands of families, our mission is clear: defend property rights, promote sensible housing policy, and advocate for the rental housing industry’s vital role in our communities.

In 2024, we faced one of the most challenging legislative sessions in memory. Over 200 members traveled to Olympia, and more than 1,000 messages were sent through our Advocacy Center, proving how essential our collective efforts are in shaping legislation and defeating bills that could have destabilized housing across the state. The merger with Landlord Association of the Inland Northwest LLA was another major win for the entire industry. It expanded our reach and strengthened our resources, ensuring we have boots on the ground across the state—from Eastern Washington to the west side of the Cascades. With a unified voice, we’re equipped to tackle political and regulatory challenges head-on.

AWARDING DEDICATION – VOLUNTEER AND MEMBER OF THE YEAR

Two outstanding members were recognized for their incredible dedication:

Debby Herbert, our 2024 Volunteer of the Year, for her work on the frontlines of advocacy, particularly during the Tacoma Measure 1 ballot initiative, and Constance Jensen Nelson, our 2024 Member of the Year, for her tireless leadership in LINK Meetings and RHA PAC activities. They embody the spirit of RHAWA—dedicated, passionate, and always ready to fight for our community.

The keynote from George Petrie and Audrey Riddle of Goodman Real Estate left a lasting impact. Their account of the struggles faced by the Addison on Fourth, a redeveloped affordable housing project, highlighted the devastating effects of Seattle’s restrictive rental regulations. The financial burdens, red tape, and lack of safety for tenants painted a grim picture, but their message was clear: if we don’t address these issues, affordable housing in Washington could face extinction.

ENGAGE 2024 was filled with practical tools and strategies to help members face the challenges of today’s housing market. With four key tracks, attendees left with actionable insights to navigate the complexities of housing policy and property management.

TRACK 1: WASHINGTON RENTAL OPERATIONS

This track provided essential knowledge for housing providers, offering 3 hours of continuing education credits for real estate brokers. Whether new to the industry or experienced, it gave attendees the chance to learn and network with top industry leaders.

Session 1: Getting Ready to Rent

Led by Cory Brewer, this session highlighted the importance of understanding laws that govern landlord-tenant relationships. Attendees learned how to develop compliant rental policies, preparing them for the entire rental process.

Session 2: Tenant Selection

Presented by Chris Benis of First Avenue Law Group and RHAWA’s Legal Counsel, this session covered fair housing laws, how to market rental units, and the steps to properly screen and select tenants.

TRACK 2: INVESTOR DEVELOPMENT AND SUPPLY

The second track focused on Washington’s urgent housing shortage and the challenges that prevent rapid development. Rep. Andrew Barkis, Alex Brennan from Futurewise, and Greg Lane from the Building Industry Association of Washington engaged in a dynamic discussion, moderated by land use attorney Ian Morrison. They explored how new zoning laws are attempting to combat locally-driven NIMBY opposition. In the later sessions, speakers from different types of construction—missing middle housing, manufactured housing, and multifamily developments—discussed the operational hurdles they face. The common theme was the overreach of local permitting processes that slow progress on increasing Washington's housing supply.

TRACK 3: HOUSING POLICY DISCUSSION

Brought valuable insights into Washington’s housing policy challenges. The session “Why We Fight Rent Control” had Morgan Shook and Senator Mark Mullet explaining the economic downsides of rent control. Mullet emphasized how the state avoids investing pension funds in rent-controlled areas, presenting a contradiction should rent stabilization be adopted in Washington. The “Local Housing Rockstars” session featured Councilmembers Jared Nieuwenhuis, Kevin Schilling, and Michael Cathcart, who shared strategies for navigating local housing policies amid state-wide challenges.

In “Tenant Assistance,” Representative Andrew Barkis and Shkelqim Kelmendi discussed improving tenant support, focusing on better voucher placement and resource alignment to support vulnerable tenants.

TRACK 4: PUBLIC AFFAIRS & ADVOCACY

In Track 4, the session “How We Fight Rent Control” was a major highlight. Industry leaders came together to discuss the critical need for cross-sector collaboration—not just to protect profits, but to safeguard the future of our communities. By uniting rental housing providers, commercial real estate operators, and investors, we can preserve safe, affordable housing for everyone. It was advocacy at its best—rooted in real-world impacts and focused on protecting the fabric of our neighborhoods. The “Tips and Tools for Housing Advocacy – Speaker Training” session was equally electrifying. Alongside the legendary Mark Gjurasic, I had the privilege of showing members how to use data and personal stories to connect with lawmakers. Mark’s feedback after the session said it all:

"I really appreciate working with you at ENGAGE yesterday. I was told that we did a 'great job,' and people became well informed because of it."

The energy in the room was undeniable, and our members left fired up and ready to advocate for change 

CLOSING KEYNOTE – SECRETARY OF STATE STEVE HOBBS

Secretary of State Steve Hobbs closed the event on a powerful note, urging us all to stay engaged. His vision for housing policy and elections in Washington reminded us that active engagement is key, and that our collective efforts are essential in shaping the future of housing in our state 

MIX & MINGLE – CONVERSATIONS THAT MATTER

ENGAGE 2024 wrapped up with our Mix & Mingle, an unstructured reception that brought together government leaders, civic leaders, industry experts, and special guests for an informal gathering. It was a chance for attendees to connect directly with elected officials and have meaningful conversations over happy hour. The relaxed atmosphere allowed for genuine dialogue between public officials and housing providers—discussions that will help shape the policies of tomorrow. 

ENGAGE wouldn’t have been possible without the support of our incredible vendors and sponsors. Their booths were bustling with activity throughout the day, providing members with the tools and resources they need to manage their properties effectively and stay ahead in a competitive market. We are grateful for their unwavering support and contributions to the success of this event. Event total: 19 vendors/sponsors.

A SPECIAL THANKS TO THE MEYDENBAUER CENTER

We couldn’t have asked for a better venue than the Meydenbauer Center. The team’s professionalism and attention to detail made the entire day run smoothly. A special thank you to Allison, our event coordinator, who told us, “I’ve done many trade shows and conferences, and this was the happiest crowd I’ve ever seen. People were excited!” It was an honor to host ENGAGE 2024 at such an amazing venue, and we can’t wait to return.

THANK YOU TO OUR SPEAKERS, PRESENTERS, AND MODERATORS

I want to thank all of the speakers and presenters who were part of ENGAGE. Coming from all over Washington State, this group represented far more than an industry—they represented an entire ecosystem of stakeholders: policymakers, rental housing providers, subject matter experts, lobbyists, media, attorneys, realtors, commercial real estate professionals, investors, nonprofit directors, innovators, and journalists. Their voices made this event exceptional.

THANK YOU TO OUR ATTENDEES

With 350 attendees at ENGAGE, we smashed our goal of 300. You were the real stars of the show, and I was blown away by your kindness, great questions, and the atmosphere you created. It was an absolute pleasure to see each

THE MOMENTUM IS BUILDING 

As I write this, the emails are pouring in—members are asking, “How can I help? How can I get involved?” The excitement is palpable. ENGAGE wasn’t just an event—it was a call to action. We left with a clear message: we don’t do this alone. From those with a single rental unit to large investors, everyone understands the importance of working together. Our strength lies in our diversity, and now more than ever, our members are ready to join the fight and make their voices heard. If you would like to know more about how you can help, please consider joining one of our committees or donating to the RHA PAC and/or the Legal Defense Fund today.

None of this would have been possible without the tireless work of the RHAWA staff. Pulling off an event like ENGAGE required long nights, meticulous planning, and immense teamwork. To our staff, volunteers, and leadership: thank you. You made ENGAGE 2024 a reality, and it was nothing short of a triumph.

I want to give a very special thank you to RHAWA’s Executive Leadership. To Sean Flynn and Melissa Canfield, thank you for your leadership, advocacy, and hard work that made ENGAGE so special. You have assembled a team and evolved RHAWA into the premier public policy and rental housing advocacy association—not just in Washington, but one that sets a national example. We couldn’t be more proud to witness the fruits of your labor.

ENGAGE 2024 was a milestone for RHAWA—our magnum opus—and the momentum it created will carry us forward.

To quote RHAWA’s lobbyist Chester Baldwin, “The only problem RHAWA has now is that ENGAGE went so well that next year will need to be bigger and better—and I don’t know how that’s possible with how well this went.” Challenge accepted.