Housing solutions you can count on 

Dear friends and neighbors, 

Now that the 2025 legislative session has ended, I want to thank you again for your ongoing engagement and support. Your voices guided my work every step of the way, and together, we made meaningful progress on some of the biggest challenges facing our community. 

Over the next few weeks, I’ll share a series of newsletters that dive into key topics from this session — breaking down what we accomplished, how it impacts you, and the work still ahead. 

Join us for a community town hall 

Make your voice heard. Together with Reps. Gerry Pollet and Darya Farivar, I’m hosting an in-person community town hall for the 46th Legislative District — and we’d love you to join. We’ll highlight key accomplishments from this year’s legislative session, discuss the challenges ahead, and most importantly, hear directly from you. This is your opportunity to ask questions, share your priorities, and help shape our community’s future. Details are below — we hope to see you there. 

Bills signed into law 

Before diving in, I want to share that my final two bills from this session that passed the Legislature have been signed into law. 

  • SB 5101 protects workers who face hate and bias simply for who they are. No one should have to worry about losing their job or facing discrimination because they’re a victim of a hate crime. By expanding leave and safety accommodations, this law gives survivors the time and space they need to get help and return to work safely. In Washington state, we won’t tolerate discrimination or retaliation in our workplaces.  
  • SB 5077 expands automatic voter registration by allowing more state, local, tribal, and federal agencies to help people securely register to vote or update their information. As chair of the Senate State Government, Tribal Affairs & Elections Committee, I’m committed to making elections more accessible, secure, and inclusive — and this is an important step forward. 

Housing for all 

Housing remains one of the most urgent issues in our state. Whether you’re renting, buying your first home, or trying to stay in your neighborhood, you deserve safe, stable, and affordable housing. 

This session, we made major progress — not just by investing in housing but changing rules that have made it too hard for working families, seniors, and young people to find a place to call home. 

Putting limits on extreme rent hikes 

Rising rent is one of the leading causes of displacement and housing instability in Washington. Nearly half of renters are cost-burdened, with some facing increases of hundreds of dollars a month. 

We passed HB 1217, a rent stabilization bill that: 

  • Caps rent increases at 7% plus inflation or 10%, whichever is less 
  • Requires 90-day notice before rent increases 
  • Caps late and move-in fees for manufactured housing residents 
  • Protects vulnerable tenants while allowing landlords to cover costs and maintain properties 

This law gives renters the predictability they need to plan their futures and stay in their homes while still working for responsible property owners. 

Building more affordable homes 

Rent stabilization alone isn’t enough — we also need to build more housing. Here are some key policies we passed: 

  • HB 1491 — Requires denser, affordable housing near major transit stations with a 20-year property tax exemption 
  • SB 5184 — Limits how many parking spaces cities and counties can require for new housing — especially affordable and senior housing near transit — to make it easier and cheaper to build more homes 
  • SB 5148 — Ensures cities and counties follow state housing rules, build enough affordable homes, prevent displacement, and link funding eligibility to meeting these housing goals 
  • HB 1696 — Expands down payment and closing cost assistance for first-time homebuyers from economically disadvantaged backgrounds 
  • HB 1757 — Streamlines the process to convert vacant office space into housing 

These policies unlock more housing supply, lower costs, and promote sustainable growth for renters and homeowners alike. 

Investments in housing here in the 46th 

I’m especially proud to share we secured direct investments in affordable and transitional housing projects right here at home despite a challenging budget environment. 

  • $7 million for affordable housing in the U District: This investment will support the construction of a 10-story affordable housing development on NE 45th Street near Roosevelt Way NE. The project will include more than 150 affordable homes, retail and community space, and a public urban rest stop with showers and restrooms — helping meet critical hygiene needs for people experiencing homelessness in the University District. 
  • $2 million to expand WELD Seattle’s transitional housing in Lake City: WELD provides reentry housing and wraparound services, including job training and counseling, for people returning to our community after incarceration. This expansion in the Lake City neighborhood will help more individuals build stable, healthy lives and reduce recidivism. 

These investments mean real homes, real opportunity, and a stronger, more equitable community. 

Remembering Phyllis Gutiérrez-Kenney 

I am saddened to share former state Rep. Phyllis Gutiérrez-Kenney passed away May 13. Phyllis was a beacon and mentor who represented the 46th Legislative District with distinction from 1997 until 2013. She was one of the first Latinas to serve in the Washington State Legislature and left a lasting impact in education, health and economic development. 

In April, I had the privilege of introducing a Senate resolution honoring her enduring legacy. Phyllis reminded us time and again that if you believe in something, you fight for it. I am forever grateful for the path she paved for so many of us. Rest in power, Phyllis. 

Looking ahead 

The work continues. I’m back in the district this interim, meeting with neighbors and listening to your concerns. Please stay engaged and keep sharing your thoughts about what we need in the 46th. 

You can contact me via email at javier.valdez@leg.wa.gov or by phone at (360) 786-7690. You can also stay informed about my activities by visiting my website or following me on Facebook, X and Instagram for regular updates.  

Sincerely, 

 

 

Sen. Javier Valdez
46th Legislative District