ENGAGE24
Join the Rental Housing Association of Washington at ENGAGE, an annual conference presenting a comprehensive program designed to foster conversations, collaborations, education, and productive engagement within the rental housing industry. ENGAGE offers best-practice education on rental operations, techniques for portfolio expansion as well as lively policy discussions to shape recommendations for the upcoming legislative session, and insight into effective advocacy programs taught by industry-leading professionals.
Enhance your skills, vision, and understanding to advance the equitable relationship between rental housing providers and residents, defend property rights, and encourage safe housing practices and policies. This can’t-miss event is for anyone managing a property or serving in an advocacy role within Washington state.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
• Large & Small Housing Providers • Property Management Professionals • Developers & Builders • Investors & Portfolio Managers • Real Estate Professionals • Grassroots & Advocacy Staff • Lobbyists
WHAT’S INCLUDED?
• Annual Business Meeting for RHAWA Members-Only
• 8 Educational Sessions: Covering best practices in rental operations and portfolio expansion.
• 8 Policy Round Table Discussions: Engaging in dynamic policy discussions to shape future legislative recommendations.
• Continental Breakfast: Start your day with a nourishing breakfast while networking with peers.
• Boxed Lunches: Enjoy a variety of delicious options to refuel for the afternoon sessions.
• Afternoon Snack: Take a break and recharge with light refreshments.
• Happy Hour – cap off the day with a social hour, recognizing volunteers and fostering further connections.
PREMIERE EVENT LOCATION
The Meydenbauer Center offers a premier location for ENGAGE24, combining state-of-the-art facilities with a strategic position in the heart of the Pacific Northwest.
Situated in the bustling downtown area of Bellevue, attendees have easy access to a variety of dining, shop-ping, and entertainment options, enhancing their overall event experience. The center's proximity to Seattle ensures convenient transportation options for attendees traveling from various parts of the state and beyond.
EXPO
ENGAGE will feature a stellar lineup of exhibitors, each a leader in their field within the rental housing industry. From insurance and banking services to expert handymen, electricians, plumbers, and locksmiths, all the help you need will be found in the exhibitor hall. With an anticipated attendance of 200-300 attendees, ENGAGE24 is the premier opportunity to maximize faceto-face time with decision-makers.
For sponsors seeking to elevate their brand and engage with the rental housing community, ENGAGE24 is the event to attend.
DAY OF SCHEDULE – SUBJECT TO CHANGE
Upon check-in, you will receive a printed copy of our event program. To ensure you capture every valuable insight, a digital version of the presentation slides and/ or session summaries, as well as a digital Program Guide, which will contain links to all materials, will be provided via your registration email the morning of the conference. Here is a preview of the full schedule or check out RHAwa.org/engage24 for more details. If you have not done so already, make sure to register before we sell out! Space is limited and we expect a big turnout as we are reaching out beyond RHAWA membership.
About half of these sessions will be traditional lecture-based education, and the others will be more relaxed panel discussions designed for our industry leaders to share real-time problems, and work towards furthering collaborative progress in housing policy reform in Washington.
There will be four tracks, each with four 45-minute sessions, with plenty of time between for exploring our expo hall to speak with various company representatives and get to know other people like yourself. You can stick to one track or mix and match. When you register, we’ll ask you to complete a survey stating your preferences to help us prepare space for the more popular sessions.
GET READY FOR INSIGHTFUL SESSIONS
This event promises to bring together multiple housing associations from all segments of the housing industry, so whether you are a small housing provider, a property management company, a large developer, a housing policy professional, or related to the rental housing industry in any way, there will be plenty of interesting discussions you can join from ad-hoc conversations with other attendees to the sixteen preplanned sessions to be facilitated by over 30 leaders in our industry.
Please note that both the sessions are subject to change.
RHAWA’s Annual Business Meeting* 8:15am-8:50am
*RHAWA Members-Only Event
Get ready for a thought-provoking experience with a diverse lineup of speakers. This event offers a unique opportunity to ENGAGE and gain valuable insights into the ever-evolving landscape of rental housing, so join your RHAWA community at the 2024 Annual Business Meeting, held before the ENGAGE's morning keynote, and hear a State of the Association address with remarks from RHAWA President Sean Flynn and Deputy Director Melissa Canfield. The event will also recognize and install the Board of Directors and the Council of Regents.
MORNING KEYNOTE
9:15am-10:15am
Presenter: George Petrie & Audrey Riddle, Goodman Real Estate George and Audrey will discuss the challenges and opportunities of operating a successful both market and subsidized rental buildings in Seattle. He will bring data and insight of a seasoned developer/operator on what changes could to lead a better housing economy for everyone.
TRACK 1: Best Practice Education on Rental Operations
Whether you are experienced or new to the industry, this 4-part track provides a crash course on rental operations led by three top attorneys and one leading property management professional. Learn (or refresh) your legal obligations and best practices for managing risk and maximizing positive outcomes from your rental property investment. Licensed real estate brokers can earn 3.5 clock hours towards fulfilling continuing education requirements for license renewal.
Getting Ready to Rent 10:30am-11:15am
Before leasing up a rental property, there's a lot the owner needs to prepare. Learn all about local laws, registration, and inspection and/or licensing, and how to set up solid rental policies.
Speaker: Cory Brewer, Windermere Property Management/Lori Gill & Associates.
Tenant Selection 11:30am-12:15pm
The best path toward a positive tenancy is diligent screening. Learn to make good choices while complying with fair housing laws and local tenant protections.
Speaker: Chris Benis, First Avenue Law Group
Managing Tenancies 1:30pm-2:15pm
Some tenants seem overly demanding, while others may not communicate at all. Learn how to efficiently manage rental operations, including complaints, repair requests, and general maintenance, with all types of tenants while staying compliant with state and local laws.
Speaker: Christopher Cutting, Cutting Law Office / LT Services
Ending Tenancies 2:30-3:15pm
All tenancies eventually come to an end. Whether through ordinary circumstances or the result of lease default, these endings can be fraught with conflict. Learn how to smoothly handle deposit returns and other issues with minimal drama while staying compliant with state and local laws.
Speaker: Maxwell Glasson, Glasson Legal PLLC
TRACK 2: Investor Development & Supply Discussions
We all know the real solution to housing affordability and most tenant problems is the lack of rental housing and the corresponding escalation of rent. But our legislators, city planning and permitting departments, and banking institutions often hinder instead of helping housing developers to get the job done. In this track, we’ll bring together stakeholders from all sides to identify the barriers and possible solutions for promoting fast, efficient housing development that meets the needs of our communities.
Zoning Changes for Infill Housing 10:30am-11:15am
Panel discussion on recent zoning changes that will soon impact urban neighborhoods across Washington State. What are the anticipated outcomes and what else is needed to encourage meaningful impact on Washington's housing shortage?
Panelists: Rep. Andrew Barkis, Alex Brennan, Futurewise
Moderator: Ian Morrison, Land Use Attorney
Small Multifamily Development: Barriers and Potential Solutions 11:30am-12:15pm
Those wanting to capitalize on upcoming urban zoning changes to add 1 to three units to single-family properties will still face daunting roadblocks. In this round-table discussion, experts in permitting, city planning, financing and building will debrief one or more real projects to identify possible improvements to the process.
Panelists: Eric Aasness, CMG Home Loans, (additional speaker TBD)
Moderator: Randy Bannecker, Public Affairs
Developing Manufactured Home Communities 1:30pm-2:15pm
Compared to traditional housing, Manufactured Home Communities offer a cost-effective alternative where residents benefit from home ownership, while renting the real property. Recent regulatory changes have been focused on park preservation and many of the possible solutions are a win-win for tenants and owners alike. Hear about the benefits and challenges of developing and owning manufactured home ENGAGE24 - communities and how the changing regulatory landscape may impact this area of the housing industry.
Panelists: Rep. April Connors, (additional speaker TBD)
Moderator: Chester Baldwin, RHAWA Lobbyist
Large Multifamily Development: Barriers and Potential Solutions 2:30-3:15pm
Construction of large multifamily communities and highrises can take years to work through the redtape and roadblocks before even breaking ground. A round-table panel including financing, city planning, permitting and construction will share ideas on streamlining large multifamily construction projects.
Panelists: Ian Morrison, McCullough Hill; Kevin Wallace, Wallace Properties; Emily Thompson, GMD Development)
Moderator: Randy Bannecker, Public Affairs
TRACK 3: Lively Policy Discussions to Prep for the Upcoming Legislative Session
For far too long, housing industry stakeholders have taken a mostly reactionary approach to stop bad policies from passing during the legislative session each winter. We have invited many of these key stakeholders to come together for round-table discussions on new legislation we can promote to solve some of the serious housing issues plaguing our communities today.
Why We Fight Rent Control 10:30am-11:15am
Another legislative session and another battle to defeat rent control. But how long can this go on? This session will review the economic research, impacts and history of rent control as well as discuss alternatives and strategies to better prepare for the next session in Olympia.
Speakers: Senator Mark Mullet, Morgan Shook, EcoNW
Tenant Assistance 11:30am-12:15pm
COVID-era rental assistance helped thousands of Washington state tenants keep their homes. However, that rental assistance went away resulting in these same tenants facing evictions. The Tenant Assistance Program (TAP) would harness the resources of state and local governments – potentially in partnership with major philanthropic organizations – to develop a program of short-term rental assistance for those in acute financial distress.
Panelists: Rep. Andrew Barkis; Shkelqim Kelmendi, Housing Connector, (additional panelists TBD)
Moderator: Audrey Riddle, Goodman Real Estate
Tenant Safety & Eviction Reform 1:30pm-2:15pm
The system is broken, and it’s time to fix it. This session will provide an overview of the current challenges to housing providers in the eviction process, case study in real time eviction challenges, and RHAWA’s proposals to reform the system. Panelists: Rep. Adison Richards, Thurston County Volunteer Legal Services; Jim Henderson, Landlord Solutions; Jason Roth Moderator: Synthia Melton, Dimension Law Group Local Level Housing Rockstars 2:30-3:15pm It started in Seattle and has spread to Bellingham, Spokane, Tacoma, Olympia, Vancouver, and beyond. Over a dozen cities and counties across the state either have been or will be considering new rental restrictions. Listen to those on the front lines who have experienced this bug and how you can begin to inoculate your local elected officials from being infected.
Panelists: Jared Nieuwenhuis, Bellevue Deputy Mayor; Sara Nelson, Seattle Council President; CM Michael Cathcart
Moderator: Sean Flynn, RHAWA
TRACK 4: Insight into Effective Advocacy for Housing Providers
As it should be, our legislators’ main goal is to support what is best for their constituents, and there are well-organized tenant organizations feeding them a strategy that has not been working, and in most cases exasperates our housing problems by pushing out housing providers. This track is all about how to get their attention and influence them to adopt real solutions from the large and small businesses that want to provide quality housing that is reasonably affordable for the renters in their communities.
Tips & Tools for Housing Advocacy – Speaker Training Component 10:30am-11:15am
Engaging with lawmakers is the most nuanced part of our advocacy efforts and it is important to understand the most effective way to do so. In this session, we will teach you the most productive methods of individual advocacy as well as give you guidance on how to talk to elected officials about your experiences and the issues you face as a small housing provider.
Speakers: Krystelle Purkey, Lobbyist; Daniel Klemme (RHAWA)
Strength in Numbers: Lessons Learned in Tacoma Through Effective Advocacy Coalitions 11:30am-12:15pm
Last fall RHAWA partnered with Tacoma Pierce County Association of Realtors, Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber, and Washington Multifamily Housing Association to fight back against Tacoma’s ballot Measure 1. Learn how we built and sustained powerful alliances, harnessed our combined strength of diverse stakeholders to amplify our advocacy impact, and how we will leverage lesson learned from these efforts to achieve meaningful policy outcomes into future campaigns
Speakers: Jim Henderson, Landlord Solutions; Sean Martin, TPCAR; Ryan Makinster, WMFHA; Sean Flynn, RHAWA
Media Matters: How the Media Covers Housing 1:30pm-2:15pm
How does the media cover our industry and what do they view as our main issues? What stories do they bring to light and what different viewpoints do they lean on for those stories? Hear from those who cover housing issues all across our state and what they hear speaking with their sources in elected office and in the industry.
Panelists: Brandi Kruse; Sue Lani Madsen, (additional panelists TBD)
Moderator: Lauden Espinoza, Cascade Public Relations
How We Fight Rent Control 2:30-3:15pm
How does the media cover our industry and what do they view as the main issues? How do they believe Washington can repair the broken eviction system as well as incentivize builders and other investors to continue building rental housing in Washington State to chip away at our housing shortage? Hear what they have learned from speaking with elected officials and housing organizations all over the state on ideas for coming together to fix the industry.
Speakers: Mary Hull-Drury, Washington Realtors; Chester Baldwin, RHAWA Lobbyist; Rod Kauffman, BOMA, (additional panelists TBD)
EVENT SPEAKERS & PRESENTERS
The speakers and panelists are listed alphabetically by their first name. Please note that both the speakers and their sessions are subject to change.
Adison Richards, Thurston County, Volunteer Legal Services
Adison is a candidate for State Representative, dedicated to tackling key issues such as homelessness, rising costs, public safety, and reproductive freedom. With a background in housing law and advocacy for crime victims, Adison brings a wealth of experience and a commitment to practical solutions. He has deep roots in the district, having lived in various parts, and is focused on creating opportunities for students and supporting the community with active representation in Olympia. Adison is a public interest lawyer. He has served clients in housing crises and crime victims, particularly domestic violence survivors.
Alex Brennan, Executive Director, Futurewise
Alex Brennan is the Executive Director of Futurewise, Washington’s statewide land use advocacy organization. Since becoming Executive Director, he has built successful campaigns to address climate change, housing affordability, and habitat and farmland protection in state and local planning. Previously, Alex worked as a planner at Community Roots Housing, where he worked to dedicate public land for affordable housing, implement inclusionary zoning, adopt parking and transportation demand management strategies, and create more pedestrian-oriented streets. He has a real estate and economic development background and holds a master’s in city planning from UC Berkeley.
April Connors, Republican, Legislative District 8, Position 2, State House of Representatives
Rep. April Connors, a Republican, has represented Washington’s 8th Legislative District (Position 2) in the House of Representatives since January 9, 2023. Her current term runs through January 13, 2025. Connors, a lifelong resident of the Tri-Cities, is running for re-election in the general election on November 5, 2024, having advanced from the primary on August 6, 2024. With a background as a successful residential real estate agent and a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from Washington State University, Connors also has experience as a legal assistant working on city codes and a U.S. Supreme Court housing case.
Andrew Barkis, Republican, Legislative District 2, State House of Representatives
Rep. Andrew Barkis represents the 2nd Legislative District. He was first appointed to the state House of Representatives in February 2016 and is currently serving his fourth term as a state representative. Since 2019, Andrew has served as the ranking Republican on the House Transportation Committee. As one of the state’s transportation budget leaders, he is a champion for fiscal responsibility, sensible reform, and reprioritization. His goals are to keep costs down, stop forced taxes on drivers, and complete projects with existing state revenue. Andrew’s personal knowledge, experience, and leadership as a local business owner have spurred his drive to address the housing and homelessness crisis that continues to grip Washington state. One of his main priorities is increasing the housing supply. He continues to push for the removal of unnecessary barriers that keep affordable housing from being built throughout the state.
Audrey Riddle, IMPACT Program Ambassador, Goodman Real Estate
Audrey Riddle joined Goodman Real Estate in 2018 as the IMPACT Program Ambassador. She brings a wealth of service experience to the role, with years of experience contributing to the growth of her community through philanthropy and engagement. Prior to joining GRE, she worked for the Catholic Housing Services as a Program Manager and managed an apartment building for low-income working families and families coming out of homelessness. Audrey holds a BA in Psychology from Seattle Pacific University (SPU) with minors in Leadership Studies. While there, she worked with Tent City 3 during their second stay on SPU’s campus. Through that experience, she developed a passion for service and combating homelessness.
Brandi Kruse, Journalist & Political Commentator
Brandi is an Emmy Award-winning journalist and political commentator. A veteran political reporter in Washington state, she left Seattle's FOX affiliate in 2021 to launch a podcast. The unDivided Podcast focuses on pushing common sense solutions to the crises we face as a state and a nation.
Chester Baldwin, RHAWA Lobbyist
Chester is a lobbyist and attorney at Baldwin Legal Group, PLLC, with a comprehensive background in Healthcare, Finance, Business Computer Information Systems, and Law. His practice focuses on representing clients in legislative and governmental agency interactions, leveraging his strong relationships with leadership in both the House and Senate to advance client priorities. He routinely reviews and drafts legislation and testifies before the Legislature. Chester holds degrees from the University of Washington's Foster School of Business and School of Public Health and Community Medicine, and a Juris Doctorate from Seattle University School of Law, all with honors. He is a member of the Washington State Bar and was admitted to practice in Federal Court. Chester's client base spans various associations and industries, aiming to mitigate regulatory and tax impacts on their operations.
Chris Benis, Attorney, First Avenue Law Group
Chris is Of Counsel to the law firm of First Avenue Law Group, PLLC, with offices in Seattle, WA. Chris attended the University of Washington, where he received a B.A. in Political Science, a Master of Urban Planning and J.D. from its School of Law. He represents property management firms, individual real estate investors, real estate brokerages, industry trade associations, design professionals, and construction companies. He advises his clients on practical and understandable solutions to their legal needs and concerns. As a lifelong rental property owner, he has directly managed over 50 rental units. Chris currently serves as Legal Counsel for the Rental Housing Association of Washington (RHAWA) and is a past president of the organization. He is currently on RHAWA’s Board of Directors and is chair of its Legal Defense Fund (LDF) and Education Committee.
Christopher Cutting, Attorney, Cutting Law Office / LT Services
Christopher is known as a tireless advocate for housing providers. He has been practicing residential and commercial landlord-tenant law, judgment enforcement, and appeals since 2009. He is an eight-time "Rising Star" attorney in Super Lawyers magazine and holds a perfect 10.0 rating from Avvo. com. Before going into private practice, Christopher served as a law clerk to Judge Marywave Van Deren at the Washington Court of Appeals. Christopher currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Rental Housing Association of Washington, is the Vice President of the organization, and is the Co-Chairman of their Legislative Committee. He is the co-author of the “Residential Leasing Practice” section of the Washington Lawyer’s Practice Manual and has published articles in several legal journals and real estate trade publications.
Cory Brewer, VP Residential Operations, Windermere Property Management/Lori Gill & Associates
Cory oversees a team of Property Managers and Leasing Agents who collectively manage over 2,000 rentals throughout King & Snohomish Counties, specializing primarily in single-family residential. Cory is a board member at both RHAWA and the Northwest MLS and serves on the NARPM Governmental Affairs Committee. Cory is also a licensed clock hours instructor and often leads classes for RHAWA and other organizations focusing on topics such as landlord/ tenant relationships and Fair Housing.
Daniel Klemme, Government Affairs & Membership Development, Rental Housing Association of Washington
Daniel is a seasoned advocate for property rights and a dynamic leader within the rental housing industry. With a focus on innovative solutions and effective communication, Daniel has established himself as a trusted figure in the field. Having dedicated his career to addressing homelessness and housing insecurity, Daniel is recognized as an expert in housing provider outreach and engagement strategies. His work in the nonprofit sector, particularly in finding permanent housing solutions for Veterans and Section 8 program participants, showcases his commitment to creating positive change in his community. Daniel serves as a Continuum of Care board member in the Spokane Region, where he actively contributes to addressing homelessness at a systemic level.
Emily Thompson, Partner, GMD Development
Emily Thompson has an expertise that spans the spectrum of real estate development having worked with non-profits, for-profits, and market rate developers on commercial and residential projects, but affordable housing is where her passion lies. She thrives on finding creative and collaborative solutions to address the challenges within affordable housing development. Throughout Emily’s career, she has consistently demonstrated her commitment to the community with the development and operation of high quality, safe housing for those in need. Emily is involved in the Housing Development Consortium as the past co-chair of the Tax Credit Affinity Group and is active in ULI.
Eric Aasness, Branch Manager, CMG Home Loans For over 40 years
Eric Aasness has been a top-producing mortgage lender serving the Pacific Northwest, California, Hawaii, Arizona, and Florida with purchase and refinance financing for 1-4 unit properties. With a degree in finance and economics, Eric excels at working on complex transactions. He loves helping real estate investors and self-employed borrowers and financing rehabilitation and new construction projects. Eric is a licensed real estate instructor and teaches continuing education classes for the King County Association of Realtors as well as first-time homebuyer programs for the Washington State Housing Finance Commission. In his free time, Eric is busy boating, fishing, wrenching on classic cars, and has served on the board of several non-profit organizations.
George Petrie, Chief Executive Officer, Goodman Real Estate
As the CEO of Goodman Real Estate, George brings more than 35 years of industry experience and expertise. George has cultivated a professional culture driving success through the company’s mission, vision, and values. He has led teams to develop, acquire, and dispose of over 350 assets globally. With experience in finance, accounting, property and asset management, and capital markets, George invests his time and talents in the future of real estate investment at GRE. George drives satisfaction by challenging his team at GRE to reach their goals, fostering growth and leadership within each individual. He is a passionate advocate for increasing the national housing supply by influencing policymakers to remove legislative and regulatory barriers. George believes that a portion of profitable work should go toward those at risk in the community. This led to the creation of IMPACT, a company-wide initiative that collaborates with local non-profits to serve vulnerable groups, focusing on shelter, community, education, sustainability, and relief.
Ian Morrison, Attorney, McCullough Hill
Ian’s practice focuses on land use entitlements with an emphasis on working in Puget Sound jurisdictions. Ian works with developers and owners to create and execute strategies that provide predictable, cost-effective pathways to permits. Prior to joining McCullough Hill PLLC, he worked for Governor Gregoire as a liaison to local government, civic, and businesses throughout Puget Sound. Ian uses his policy background to help clients navigate political issues arising in the land use process.
Jared Nieuwenhuis, Bellevue Deputy Mayor Council member
Nieuwenhuis was first elected to the council in November 2017, for a four-year term starting in January 2018. His focus is on neighborhoods and results-oriented local government. He was chosen deputy mayor in January 2020 and again in January 2022. Jared represents the council on the King County Growth Management Planning Council, the Association of Washington Cities Federal Legislative Priorities Committee, and the Sound Cities Association Public Issues Committee. He is the council liaison to the Transportation Commission. Jared is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin, pursued graduate studies at Brown University, and is a graduate of both the Advance Bellevue and Bellevue Essentials community leadership programs.
Jason Roth, Independent Rental Housing Provider
Jason is widely recognized as “Van Guy” in Seattle, has gained attention for his personal and legal struggles in property management. After purchasing and renting out a home in Seattle, Jason faced significant issues when his tenant, who had not paid rent and was subletting illegally, refused to vacate. Living in a retrofitted van while battling the lengthy and complex eviction process, Jason has become an outspoken advocate for addressing the systemic delays in King County’s court system. His experience underscores the urgent need for reform in eviction proceedings and tenant-landlord disputes in Seattle.
Jim Henderson, TPCAR Government Affairs Lobbyist | Founder & President, LandlordSolutions
Jim Henderson is a registered lobbyist and is a persuasive, knowledgeable, and powerful voice to advocate on behalf of the rental housing industry. Jim has a vast institutional knowledge and a clear understanding of the perspectives of rental property owners, property managers, and tenants. He is also a licensed clock hours instructor. Jim owns and manages a landlord advocacy business, including landlord coaching and legislative representation, as well as being very active with RHAWA.
Kevin Wallace, President, Wallace Properties
Kevin Wallace is President of Wallace Properties, a commercial real estate company based in Bellevue. His primary focus at the Company is the development of apartments and mixed-use projects in the Seattle area. He also oversees the existing portfolio of apartment, retail, and office properties the Company owns and manages in Washington State and Arizona on behalf of its investors. He’s currently working on the development of over 2,500 apartment units at locations in Seattle and Bellevue.
Mark Mullet, Democrat, Legislative District 5, State Senate First elected to the Senate in 2012
Mark is currently the Vice Chair of the Senate Ways & Means Committee, where he also serves as the leader of the Senate’s capital budget team. The capital budget makes infrastructure investments across Washington, funding affordable housing, school construction, healthcare facilities, environmental projects, and much more while creating tens of thousands of jobs. Mark also serves on the Senate Early Learning & K-12 Education Committee and the Senate Business, Financial Services, Gaming & Trade Committee. He’s widely recognized as a collaborative legislator skilled at bringing people together across the aisle to work on major issues like affordable housing, access to college, and public safety. Mark currently owns several small businesses, including a Zeeks Pizza restaurant and four Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream shops. From 2009 to 2013 Mark served on the Issaquah City Council. Before that, Mark worked for more than twelve years in International Finance at Bank of America, and UBS, before returning home to Washington in 2006.
Maxwell Glasson, Attorney, Glasson Legal PLLC
After graduating from the University of Washington, Max trained as a real estate appraiser. He soon discovered that he wanted to be more directly involved in facilitating real estate transactions and business start-ups, and he decided to attend law school. Upon graduation from Santa Clara University – with a focus on real estate and business law– he began his practice at a law firm in Lake Tahoe on the California/Nevada border, where he handled transactions and litigation in the aforementioned areas. In 2017 he moved back to the Northwest to start a family. Becoming a father inspired Max to round out his practice with estate planning services.
Michael Cathcart, City Council Member, District 1
Michael has been on the Spokane City Council since 2019 and currently serves as Council President Pro Tem. His tenure is marked by a commitment to securing resources for underserved neighborhoods, enhancing public safety, and improving housing affordability. In 2023, he successfully championed a language access policy to support Limited English proficiency residents. A Montana State University alumnus, Michael has a history of community involvement as a Neighborhood Council Chair and task force member on housing and employment issues. Recognized by the Spokane Association of Realtors and the Northeast Community Center for his advocacy, Michael is dedicated to making Spokane a thriving city for all.
Morgan Shook, Partner & Senior Policy Advisor, ECOnorthwest
Morgan is a partner and director at ECOnorthwest. He conducts economic, financial, and policy analyses on projects related to real estate, land use, and transportation. He has deep expertise in economic, market, and financial analytics that he brings to bear in business, enterprise, and policy settings. Morgan regularly works for a range of government, business, and nonprofit clients providing analyses that highlight opportunities, consequences, and trade-offs of decisions affecting land and infrastructure. Before joining ECONorthwest, Morgan worked in biotechnology development at the Institute for Systems Biology, and health disparities research at the University of Chicago. Morgan served on the Seattle Planning Commission, teaches at the UW Commercial Real Estate Program, and serves on the ULI Northwest Seattle Advisory Board.
Randy Bannecker, President, Bannecker Public Affairs
Randy has over 20 years of experience in advocacy and relationship-building, specializing in advising major corporations, trade organizations, and political action committees on complex land use and public policy initiatives. Randy leverages his regional knowledge to achieve political successes and protect client interests, while also serving in leadership roles within the Greater Seattle business community.
Rod Kauffman, President, Building Owners and Managers Association Seattle King County Strategic Plan Execution, BOMA's Primary Spokesperson
Special Focus on Commercial Real Estate and Business Coalitions and Government and Industry Affairs Leadership and Coordination
Ryan Makinster, Government Affairs Director, Washington Multifamily Housing Association
Ryan currently serves as the Director of Government Relations for the Washington Multi-Family Housing Association (WMFHA) where he oversees the advocacy and public affairs efforts of the organization. He is responsible for advocacy at state and local level, while supporting the federal program of the National Apartment Association. He came to WMFHA from representing the residential construction industry in the greater Portland and SW Washington area for over 4 years at BIA of Clark County and HBA of Metro Portland.
Sara Nelson, Seattle City Council President A native Californian
Sara moved to Seattle in 1990 for her Ph.D. in Cultural Anthropology at the University of Washington which she earned in 1997. After a decade in academia, she transitioned to public service as a City Council Legislative Aide, where she helped pass key legislation on affordable housing, transit, and environmental protection. Now, as the first small business owner on City Council since 2009 and Chair of the Economic Development, Technology, and City Light Committee, Sara focuses on revitalizing downtown, supporting small businesses, and addressing homelessness and public safety and housing growth.
Sean Flynn, President & Executive Director of Rental Housing Association of Washington
Owner of Flynn & Associates Sean's firm focuses on representing clients in real estate and trust and estate litigation, planning and transactions. He also manages several of his own rental properties. He serves as RHAWA Board President and Executive Director. Sean attended the University of Washington for his bachelor’s degree. He holds an MBA with a concentration in Finance from Clark University. He also holds a J.D. from Seattle University School of Law. While in law school, Sean founded the Real Estate Law Student Association and was chosen by his classmates to deliver the commencement address during the graduation ceremony.
Sean Martin, Chief Executive Officer, Tacoma Pierce County Association of Realtors
Sean Martin currently serves as CEO of the Tacoma-Pierce County Association of Realtors®, an organization which serves to unite real estate professionals in Pierce County as a resource center and political advocate for the mutual benefit of REALTORS® and consumers. His prior experience includes many years in the housing industry, including previously as Government Affairs Director and Executive Director at the Rental Housing Association of Washington. As Executive Director with RHAWA he overhauled and modernized the suite of benefits offered to membership, implemented new association technology, and managed the creation of new membership business lines for non-traditional forms of rental housing ownership. Sean is a University of Washington graduate (Political Science).
Shkëlqim Kelmendi, Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Housing Connector
Shkëlqim is the Founder and CEO of Housing Connector, a national B2B organization that believes no unit should sit vacant while there are people in need of a home. Since launching in Q4 2019 Housing Connector has partnered with 2,200+ properties and housed over 8,200 people in need of a home. In 2020 Housing Connector was recognized as a Fast Company World Changing Idea and Shkëlqim was selected as a Puget Sound Business Journal Innovator of the Year and a 2024 40 under 40 honoree.
Synthia Melton, Co-Founder & Managing Partner, Dimension Law Group, PLLC
Synthia specializes in Business Law and Real Estate, including Landlord-Tenant matters. She works with real estate investors and small business owners on complex transactional and litigation issues and serves as general counsel for various businesses across Washington State. Recognized as a “Rising Star” by Super Lawyers from 2016-2019, Synthia combines her litigation skills with practical solutions to navigate legal challenges. She holds a J.D. from Seattle University School of Law and a bachelor’s degree from Western Washington University. Synthia is committed to supporting entrepreneurs and teaching community courses on real estate and business