Olympia, Wash.—A state Supreme Court decision issued Thursday upheld stricter stormwater rules for building projects, handing a victory to clean-water advocates looking to protect Puget Sound from toxic runoff. On the losing side were government officials in Snohomish County and King County and a homebuilders group.

Housing data highlighted in the latest Builder's Bulletin show our region continues to face a severe inventory shortage, with only 1.14 months' supply of homes for sale in Snohomish County and less than one months' supply in King County. The November median price of single family homes and condos rose more than 15 percent year-over-year in both King and Snohomish counties.

Santa steps in for Shannon this week to wish all of our members a happy holidays and remind everyone the MBA Housing Center will be closed from noon on December 23 until 8 a.m. January 3.

Earlier this month, the Master Builders Association recognized several individuals for their contributions to the Association at our annual Winter Gala and Installation of Officers. These individuals offer an important reminder of the positive accomplishments that can be realized by simply being willing to step up and lead by example.

Listen: The Dunn Lumber Podcast: Document, Document, Document, recorded live September 29 at the Master Builders Association Remodelers Council Dinner. Shelli Lucus-Kennedy tells us how to lower insurance rates and decrease liability using firsthand experience and real-world examples.