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Speakers & Panelists

Listed alphabetically by their first name.  Please note that both the speakers and their sessions are subject to change. 

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Adison Richards, Attorney, Thurston County Legal Services 

^{Adison Richards 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.}

^{Track 3: Housing Policy Discussion - Tenant Safety & Eviction Reform  |  1:30pm - 2:15pm}

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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.}

^{Track 2: Investor Development & Supply - Zoning Changes for Infill Housing  |  10:30am - 11:15am}

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Alex Hays, Political Consultant

^{Alex Hays is a seasoned Republican political consultant based in Washington State, recognized for his expertise in guiding moderate candidates to electoral success. With a career rooted in coalition-building, Hays has worked across party lines to support candidates who prioritize governance over partisanship. His strategic acumen and deep understanding of the political landscape have made him a key advisor in numerous state and federal campaigns. Known for his ability to appeal to independent voters, Hays continues to play a significant role in shaping Washington State’s political discourse.}

^{Track 4: Public Affairs & Advocacy - Media Matters: How the Media Covers Housing  |  1:30pm - 2:15pm} 

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Rep. 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.}

^{Track 2: Investor Development & Supply - Zoning Changes for Infill Housing  |  10:30am - 11:15am}

^{Track 3: Housing Policy Discussion - Tenant Assistance  |  11:30am - 12:15pm}

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Rep. April Connors, Republican, Legislative District 8, State House of Representatives

^{A lifelong Tri-Citian, Rep. April Connors is a successful residential real estate agent. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from Washington State University. Her prior professional experiences include writing and maintaining city codes as a legal assistant, during which she was involved in a housing case brought to the U.S. Supreme Court. She lives in Kennewick with her husband and their four children.}

^{Track 2: Investor Development & Supply  - Developing Manufactured Housing Communities  |  1:30pm - 2:15pm}

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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.}

^{Morning Keynote - Morning  |  9am - 10:15am}

^{Track 3: Housing Policy Discussion - Tenant Assistance  |  11:30am - 12:15pm}

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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.}

^{Track 4: Public Affairs & Advocacy - Media Matters: How the Media Covers Housing  |  1:30pm - 2:15pm} 

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Chester Baldwin, RHAWA Lobbyist & Attorney, Baldwin Legal Group, PLLC

^{Chester Baldwin 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 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.}

^{Track 4: Public Affairs & Advocacy - How We Fight Rent Control  |  2:30pm - 3:15pm}

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Chris Benis, Attorney, First Avenue Law Group

^{Chris Benis 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.}

^{Track 1: Washington Rental Operations - Tenant Selection  |  11:30am - 12:15pm}

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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.}

^{Track 1: Washington Rental Operations - Managing Tenancies  |  1:30pm - 2:15pm}

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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.}

^{Track 1: Washington Rental Operations - Getting Ready to Rent  |  10:30am - 11:15am}

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Daniel Klemme, Government Affairs & Membership Development, Rental Housing Association of Washington

^{Daniel Klemme 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.}

^{Track 4: Public Affairs & Advocacy - Tips & Tools for Housing Advocacy  |  10:30am - 11:15am}

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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.}

^{Track 2: Investor Development & Supply - Large Multifamily Development: Barriers & Potential Solutions  |  2:30pm - 3:15pm}

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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.}

^{Track 2: Investor Development & Supply - Small Multifamily Development: Barriers & Potential Solutions  |  11:30am - 12:15pm}

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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 to the future of real estate investment at GRE. George drives satisfaction from 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.}

^{Morning Keynote - Morning  |  9am - 10:15am}

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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 the Puget Sound. Ian uses his policy background to help clients navigate political issues arising in the land use process.}

^{Track 2: Investor Development & Supply - Zoning Changes for Infill Housing  |  10:30am - 11:15am}

^{Track 2: Investor Development & Supply - Large Multifamily Development: Barriers & Potential Solutions  |  2:30pm - 3:15pm}

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Ian Warner, Public Policy Director, Vulcan Real Estate

^{Ian Warner is currently the Public Policy Director at Vulcan Real Estate. Most recently, Ian was a Senior Public Policy Director at Zillow where he advised business lines and government officials about regulations and consumer interests in the changing real estate, technology, and mortgage industries. Prior to Zillow, Ian served as the Seattle Mayor’s Office Legal Counsel. In that role, he advised mayors and their senior leadership teams on a broad array of legal matters affecting city policy through a legal lens. Before joining the Mayor’s Office, Warner was an associate with Dorsey & Whitney LLP. At Dorsey, Warner worked with the Monitoring Team that oversees the Seattle Police Department’s implementation of the federal consent decree to ensure constitutional policing in Seattle. Warner has also served as the President of the Loren Miller Bar Association which is a chapter of the oldest and largest organization of African American attorneys in the United States. In his free time, Warner enjoys cooking, his declining ability to play basketball, and traveling.}

^{Track 2: Investor Development & Supply - Large Multifamily Development: Barriers & Potential Solutions  |  2:30pm - 3:15pm}

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Jared Nieuwenhuis, Bellevue Deputy Mayor

^{Councilmember 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 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.}

^{Track 3: Housing Policy Discussion - Local Level Housing Rockstars  |  2:30 - 3:15pm}

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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.}

^{Track 3: Housing Policy Discussion - Tenant Safety & Eviction Reform  |  1:30pm - 2:15pm}

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Jim Henderson, TPCAR Government Affairs Lobbyist  |  Founder & President, LandlordSolutions  |  Republican, Legislative District, Position 1 Candidate, State House of Representatives

^{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 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.}

^{Track 4: Public Affairs & Advocacy - Strength in Numbers: Lessons Learned in Tacoma Through Effective Advocacy Coalitions  |  11:30am - 12:15pm}

^{Track 3: Housing Policy Discussion - Tenant Safety & Eviction Reform  |  1:30pm - 2:15pm}

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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.}

^{Track 2: Investor Development & Supply - Large Multifamily Development: Barriers & Potential Solutions  |  2:30pm - 3:15pm} 

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Laudan Espinoza, Principal Consultant, Cascade Public Relations

^{Laudan Espinoza lives with his wife Maia and 4 children in Lakewood, WA. He works as the Director of Community Engagement for the state Senate Republican Caucus in Olympia and has an extensive background in public policy and communications. A graduate of Seattle University with a Master's in Public Administration, he's applied those skills working for the City of Seattle, U.S. Senate, Habitat for Humanity and non-profits addressing educational inequity. He is also a principal consultant with Cascade Public Relations performing strategic advising on public, political and government relations industry association communications. He volunteers with a number of community organizations, including the St. Vincent de Paul Society, Knights of Columbus, and served on the state Board of Directors for Habitat for Humanity of Washington State. Laudan has been a frequent guest lecturer on public policy and communications in the MPA program at Seattle University.}

^{Track 4: Public Affairs & Advocacy - Media Matters: How the Media Covers Housing  |  1:30pm - 2:15pm} 

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Mary Hull-Drury, Government Affairs Director, Washington Realtors

^{Mary has been a pivotal advocate for the Washington REALTORS® since 2019. With a graduate degree in Public Administration from Portland State University and an undergraduate degree from Willamette University, Mary has a robust background in policy and advocacy. She has effectively collaborated with regulatory agencies and led significant industry initiatives as the Commercial Government Affairs Director. Known for her strong relationships with legislators and her impactful lobbying efforts, Mary is highly regarded in the field. Washington REALTORS® President Alisha Harrison commends her for her deep-rooted expertise and vision for the organization’s future. Mary is excited to address the housing industry's challenges and opportunities, connecting with members and stakeholders to advance collective housing needs.}

^{Track 4: Public Affairs & Advocacy - How We Fight Rent Control  |  2:30pm - 3:15pm}

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Maxwell Glasson, Attorney, Williams Kastner

^{Max is Of Counsel at Williams Kastner, focused on real estate, business, estate planning and probate. His practice spans both the litigation and transactional sides of matters, leading with a pragmatic approach of avoiding pit-falls at the outset of a transaction and aggressively enforcing his client’s rights in litigation. Born and raised in South Lake Tahoe, he graduated from the University of Washington, returning to Tahoe to become a third-generation real estate appraiser. Wanting to be more directly involved in the transactions and disputes in which he provided his services, he attended Santa Clara University School of Law. He returned again to Tahoe for his start as an attorney, representing clients in both Nevada and California. In 2017 Max moved back to Washington to start a family and build his own legal practice. Becoming a father inspired Max to round out his practice with estate planning services. In 2022 he was appointed as a Commissioner Pro Tem for the King County Superior Court.}

^{Track 1: Washington Rental Operations - Ending Tenancies  |  2:30pm - 3:15pm}

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Michael Cathcart, Spokane 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. He resides in the Shiloh Hills Neighborhood with his wife Vina and their son.}

^{Track 3: Housing Policy Discussion - Local Level Housing Rockstars  |  2:30 - 3:15pm}

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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.}

^{Track 3: Housing Policy Discussion - Why We Fight Rent Control  |  10:30am - 11:15am}

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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.} 

^{Track 2: Investor Development & Supply - Small Multifamily Development: Barriers & Potential Solutions  |  11:30am - 12:15pm}

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Rod Kauffman, President, Building Owners and Managers Association Seattle King County (BOMA)

^{Strategic Plan Execution, BOMA's Primary Spokesperson, Special Focus on Commercial Real Estate and Business Coalitions and Government and Industry Affairs Leadership and Coordination} 

^{Track 4: Public Affairs & Advocacy - How We Fight Rent Control  |  2:30pm - 3:15pm}

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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.}

^{Track 4: Public Affairs & Advocacy - Strength in Numbers: Lessons Learned in Tacoma Through Effective Advocacy Coalitions  |  11:30am - 12:15pm}

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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.}

^{Track 3: Housing Policy Discussion - Local Level Housing Rockstars  |  2:30 - 3:15pm}

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Sean Flynn, President & Executive Director, 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.}

^{Annual Business Meeting (RHAWA Members Only)  |  8:15am - 8:50am}

^{Track 4: Public Affairs & Advocacy - Strength in Numbers: Lessons Learned in Tacoma Through Effective Advocacy Coalitions  |  11:30am - 12:15pm}

^{Track 3: Housing Policy Discussion - Local Level Housing Rockstars  |  2:30 - 3:15pm}

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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).}

^{Track 4: Public Affairs & Advocacy - Strength in Numbers: Lessons Learned in Tacoma Through Effective Advocacy Coalitions  |  11:30am - 12:15pm}

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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.}

^{Track 3: Housing Policy Discussion - Tenant Assistance  |  11:30am - 12:15pm}

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Sue Lani Madsen, Freelance Reporter

^{Sue Lani Madsen grew up in Spokane and earned a living for over 30 years as a licensed architect, primarily writing technical documents and managing project teams. She and her husband Craig operate a unique ranching enterprise based in Lincoln County, raising a large herd of goats which he has used to provide vegetation management services to clients statewide for over 20 years. What started out as avocational blogging as a political candidate in the early 2000s turned into a second career as a weekly columnist for the Spokesman-Review reflecting her varied experience in agriculture, the design and construction industries, and as an entrepreneur. She also reports occasionally for The Center Square, a national web-based news publication.}

^{Track 4: Public Affairs & Advocacy - Media Matters: How the Media Covers Housing  |  1:30pm - 2:15pm} 

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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.} 

^{Track 3: Housing Policy Discussion - Tenant Safety & Eviction Reform  |  1:30pm - 2:15pm}

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