Marty Koistra — Introduced as being with the Network Weaver Black Home Initiative.
Chris Herman — Chris Herman is introduced as the project director for the starter home production plan and identified as part of the Civic Commons team present with Marty Kustra. Shortly afterward, he is directly addressed as the next speaker, signaling a transition to his participation in the discussion.
Michael Brown — Michael Brown is introduced as the chief architect and then introduces himself as being from Civic Commons with colleagues Marty Kustra and Chris Herman, beginning the presentation. A few minutes later, he is referenced again in the course of the same discussion, indicating the conversation is still building on his earlier points.
Marty Kustra — Named as part of the Civic Commons team present.
Steve Walker — Apologized for not being able to attend because the commission board was meeting at the same time.
Marty — Referenced as the person who would speak next about the crisis task force.
Marty — Thanked at the end of the proof-of-concept discussion, indicating prior participation in the presentation.
Chris — Referenced as the prior speaker whose remarks are being continued.
Yasmin Trudeau — Her leadership is cited in connection with scaling the roadmap and launching the demonstration programs.
Yasmin Trudeau — Senator Saldana is referenced in the prior context; in this section the speaker refers to 'her' and the committee's dual efforts, continuing the discussion of legislative collaboration.
Jessica Bateman — As Chair, she thanked the panel, offered legislative help, and opened the floor to questions.
Jessica Bateman — Jessica Bateman is referenced twice in her capacity as chair: first directly as 'Chair Bateman,' and later through a likely transcription error ('Senator DeBatement') while another speaker points out something she had noted. These mentions are part of the same ongoing discussion and can be treated as one consolidated moment.
Jessica Bateman — Jessica Bateman is addressed as Chair Bateman, then asks for clarification about the comment that workers would need to live in the housing they build. The exchange concludes with an invitation to reach out for further partnership and policy discussion.
Jessica Bateman — In this exchange, the speaker reflects on having interned for free for six months and uses that experience to frame the broader discussion. The chair, Senator Bateman, is referenced repeatedly as the committee chair, and Senator Saldana is mentioned as having been on the tour that day and as chair of the Labor Committee, with the speaker noting shared values.
Jessica Bateman — Addressed as Chair by Senator Alvarado.
Jessica Bateman — The Chair thanked the witness and moved the meeting to the next presentation.
Jessica Bateman — Chair Bateman opens the floor for questions after the presentation, is addressed by senators as they ask about housing-related issues, and then thanks the presenters before recognizing Senator Gaynor for the next question.
Keith Goehner — Keith Goehner, the Ranking Member, asks a question during the committee presentation and seeks elaboration on concerns about silos. The discussion continues as the witness explains that workforce organizations had not been included in a comprehensive conversation, indicating a broader issue of coordination and inclusion across the state.
Keith Goehner — Heather addresses the Ranking Member by name.
Keith Goehner — Likely the senator being addressed when the chair asks for questions; transcript says 'Senator Gaynor' but context indicates Goehner.
Keith Goehner — Asked for clarification about the concern, noting the factory observed today had active workers and frequent L&I review.
Keith Goehner — Asked whether the concern was about current construction conditions where workers are on site and not being evaluated, and followed up on the distinction between modular and broader construction.
Keith Goehner — Called on for a follow-up question.
Keith Goehner — Cited as having made a prior point the speaker agrees with.
Keith Goehner — The speaker refers to working with Senator Goehner on dual efforts related to the issue.
Keith Goehner — Keith Goehner asked whether eliminating single-family residential zoning has actually changed established neighborhoods or simply remained an unused option so far, then followed up by asking how the change might play out in practice. He then referenced pre-approved ADU plans used by Olympia, Lacey, and Tumwater as an example of cities sharing a local architectural resource.
Emily Alvarado — Senator Emily Alvarado responded to the presentation by thanking Chair Bateman and expressing support for the effort, then asked a series of related questions about the proposal’s financing approach. She sought clarification on how the plan compares with existing financing tools, where it would be most effective geographically and by zone type, and whether it is intended for single-family, multifamily, or middle housing. She closed by expressing enthusiasm for the progress and emphasizing the need for an actionable, hopeful response to the housing crisis.
Emily Alvarado — The section appears to include a congratulatory response from Senator Alvarado to the update on reduced review times.
Emily Alvarado — Referenced in the prior speaker's response as part of the committee discussion.
Emily Alvarado — Asked whether she had any questions.
Emily Alvarado — Senator Emily Alvarado asked whether the Legislature can do anything to help local governments improve permitting culture, staff responsiveness, and the speed of housing and permitting processes. The discussion focused on what the Legislature can do beyond passing policy to support cities and local staff in making those changes. A witness responded by thanking her for the question and acknowledging it as an important one.
Emily Alvarado — Chair Bateman notes that Senator Alvarado will be next in the question order, and Senator Alvarado then thanks the presenters, congratulates them on their housing work, and asks what the Legislature can do to help communities deliver housing faster.
Brian Hornback — Brian Hornback is introduced as the Deputy Assistant Director for Field Services and Public Safety at Labor and Industries, then introduces himself and clarifies his role. He explains that he will not give a lengthy presentation, but instead provide a brief recap of information previously shared in April and an update on improvements in effectiveness, efficiency, and service to stakeholders.
Melissa McBride — Identified as the chief of the program and someone who may help answer questions.
Melissa McBride — Melissa is credited with helping achieve the improvement in plan review turnaround.
Heather Curtinbach — Heather Curtinbach, executive secretary of the Washington State Building and Construction Trades Council, testified that the council supports reducing permitting burdens and wants to be a constructive partner in housing policy. She emphasized project labor agreements and community workforce agreements as tools to meet high labor standards, support apprentices, and avoid an underground economy. She said the building trades are intentionally engaging in the housing conversation, want to work with housing authorities and providers to support a skilled workforce, and believe workers building affordable housing should not be expected to live in it once completed. She closed by offering to help vet policy and practice options.
Erin Frazier — Erin Frazier is introduced as the assistant executive secretary, and it is then noted that she is sick and will not be joining the meeting.
Neil Hartman — Neil Hartman, introduced as the Government Affairs Director for the Association of UA Plumbers and Pipefitters, testified on housing policy from a labor perspective. He argued that increasing housing supply is part of the affordability solution, but public funding for housing should come with strong labor, safety, and code-compliance standards. He said modular housing can offer speed and cost savings if it is properly inspected for structural integrity and worker safety. He also emphasized that organized labor and construction trades should remain included in housing policy discussions, and noted that front-end licensing and training could provide certainty, education, and best practices that may benefit both business and labor. He concluded by thanking the committee.
Neil — Referenced as having previously stated that the speakers are 'the labor folks.'
Jacinda Stelle Chess — Jacinda Stelle Chess is introduced as a city representative expected to present, and the speaker follows up to confirm her availability to begin the presentation.
Elizabeth Chamberlain — Listed as one of the city representatives present.
Elizabeth Chamberlain — Elizabeth Chamberlain, Walla Walla’s city manager, presented on how the city’s zoning and middle-housing reforms have affected housing production since 2019. She described examples of ADUs, duplexes, smaller-lot single-family homes, downtown apartments, and larger projects like Mill Creek Apartments, noting that regulatory changes—especially around ADU parking—helped increase production. She also discussed ongoing challenges, including neighborhood opposition to new development and internal debates about annexation philosophy, while emphasizing that housing stabilization requires multiple tools and partnerships, such as CHIP grants with the housing authority and Habitat for Humanity. She closed by saying the city still wants to pursue ADU model plans and review capital facility charges based on unit size, but those ideas are still in process before council action.
Laura Tecico — Listed as one of the city representatives present.
Nicole Coleman — Listed as one of the city representatives present.
Nicole Coleman — Nicole Coleman is introduced as the city of Poulsbo's other presenter and praised as the long-range planner who closely tracked state housing legislation to draft right-sized code amendments. Heather Wright then turns the presentation over to Nicole, who begins by thanking the committee and explaining that Poulsbo, as a small city without mandates, is still doing the work of locally driven code amendment updates.
Heather Wright — Listed as one of the city representatives present.
Heather Wright — Introduced herself and began the Poulsbo presentation.
Heather Wright — Resumed speaking after Nicole and introduced the ADU policy changes.
Justinda Steltis — Introduces herself as the housing division manager for the City of Olympia and begins testimony on expedited permitting for affordable housing.
Habitat — Named as one of the nonprofits that approached the city about permitting delays.