As the state faces a near $900 million budget deficit, one group is calling on the Legislature to ease pressures on the state’s homebuilders as a means to boosting tax revenues. 

The Building Industry Association of Washington says a major factor in the dip is the struggling residential construction sector, with building permits projected to be at their lowest level since 2013, and representing 18% of the forecasted deficit. 

While state lawmakers will likely look at more tax increases as well as budget savings, the association said that considering policies that promote growth or ease burdens on builders. Examples from the association included: 

• Encouraging local jurisdictions to reduce permitting requirements and their associated costs. 
• Adjusting the state’s Growth Management Act (GMA) to increase land availability for housing. 
• Mitigating the impacts of other building regulations, such as energy code requirements and impact fees. 

“We know that a strong residential construction industry will not only help reduce the housing crisis but also increase state revenues, a win-win for Washingtonians,” the association said in a statement.