Executive Zahilay Launches Advisory Panel to Speed Up Permitting, Build More Homes, and Support Business Growth 

King County – Today, as part of his Building More and Better Government agenda, Executive Girmay Zahilay announced a new Permitting Advisory Panel to streamline regulations, reduce red tape, and remove barriers to building housing and opening businesses in King County. 

The panel will develop actionable recommendations to speed up permitting and approvals while advancing King County’s goals for more affordable housing, thriving small businesses, and reliable public infrastructure. 

“Permitting should not be an obstacle to building a home or opening a new business,” said Executive Zahilay. “While our county permitting teams have made significant progress in reducing permitting timelines and improving customer service, we need to go further. I’m asking the panel members for their recommendations on how to cut red tape, speed up approvals, and make it easier to build housing and open businesses while still maintaining our commitment to safe, healthy buildings.”  

The panel includes representatives from diverse industries and fields—including affordable housing; building and development; local government; design, engineer, or permitting professionals, and labor—as well as small businesses and one-time permitting applicants. The Permitting Advisory Panel will also engage with representatives from rural and urban community groups, environmental and conservation groups, and the farming and agriculture sector. The County will engage in conversations with Tribes throughout the process so their input is considered in the recommendations.  

The Permitting Advisory Panel will issue a report to the Executive by May 31, 2027. Members of the advisory committee include:  

Asad Hussein, Sr. Real Estate Admin Assistant, Plymouth Housing  

Veronica Shakotko, Senior Local Government Affairs Manager, Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties 

Randy Bannecker, Founder, Bannecker Public Affairs, representing the Seattle King County Realtors 

Dalton Smith, Vice President of Business Operations, Conner Homes 

Todd Levitt, Director of Land Acquisitions, Murray Franklyn Homes 

Barbara Yarington, Director of Land Entitlements, TriPointe Homes WA 

Nicole DeLeon, Land Use Attorney, Hillis Clark Martin & Peterson P.S.  

What People Are Saying: 

King County Council Chair Sarah Perry 

“I’ve heard repeatedly from residents that permitting is one of the biggest challenges they encounter with King County. For the past five years I’ve worked closely with our Department of Local Services, the Master Builders Association, and our residents to address these challenges. I’ve also been a strong advocate for Permitting as they’ve worked to streamline their processes. Efficient, effective, consistent permitting processes are critical for meeting the county’s housing and environmental goals. I’m excited to see Executive Zahilay prioritize permitting through this panel and look forward to great improvements in our processes.” 

Leon Richardson, Director, Department of Local Services  

“Residents, business owners, and our employees deserve a system that keeps pace with modern needs. We’re looking forward to hearing recommendations from partners and customers on ways to make permitting faster, less costly, and more predictable, while maintaining public safety, labor standards, and environmental protections.” 

Dr. Sandra J. Valenciano, Director and Health Officer, Public Health – Seattle & King County 

"Septic system permitting is an essential part of keeping our communities healthy and safe. Working together with other county permitting agencies, we're looking forward to engaging with community partners to find new opportunities to accelerate housing while maintaining high standards for our environment and health." 

Veronica Shakotko, Senior Local Government Affairs Manager, Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties 

"Everyone deserves a place to call home, and streamlining unnecessary complexity in the permitting process is one of the most effective tools local governments have to help make that possible. Improving predictability, coordination, and review timelines is a top priority for our members, and we appreciate the opportunity to work with King County on practical solutions that can help get much-needed housing built." 

Joe Nguyen, President and CEO, Seattle Metro Chamber 

"A strong region needs a government that makes it easier to build, invest, and do business. We appreciate Executive Zahilay’s leadership in removing unnecessary barriers and pushing for a more efficient, responsive government that works better for everyone.” 

Marianna Hyke, North Coast States Carpenters Union 

“I’m honored to serve on the Permit Advisory Committee as a proud member of Local 34 Pile Drivers and Divers and Political Representative for the North Coast States Carpenters Union, representing more than 57,000 members. We need to get projects moving, put people to work in good-paying jobs, and create more pathways into the construction industry through registered pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship programs. I believe we can build the housing and infrastructure our communities need while making sure working families have a real opportunity to benefit from that growth.” 

Randy Bannecker, Founder, Bannecker Public Affairs 

“Our region has made major strides in expanding zoned capacity for much‑needed housing. A remaining headwind is the time and complexity required to turn that capacity into actual homes. I’m grateful that Executive Zahilay has made permitting reform a priority—improving these processes is one of the most important steps we can take to expand housing supply and support economic opportunity in King County.” 

Brian Ross, CEO, Oakpointe 

“King County has an opportunity to make meaningful improvements to a permitting process that too often creates unnecessary delays and adds costs to new housing development. I appreciate Executive Zahilay’s leadership on this issue and commitment to improving the permitting process in King County. I look forward to working with my fellow panel members to find ways to streamline permitting, improve customer service and make it easier to deliver the housing our region needs.” 

Jose Ortuzar, Economic Development and Housing Analyst, White Center Community Development Association 

"We commend Executive Zahilay for taking the steps needed to address our housing affordability crisis. We need comprehensive permitting reform, not tinkering at the edges. Long permitting timelines and complex processes make our housing shortage harder to escape, and renters and homebuyers end up paying for it. A responsive King County government does the unglamorous but necessary work of actually getting housing built”