Shannon and Nick Harper, senior director of strategy & policy, discuss our progress in advancing the MBA's legislative priorities, from addressing the Supreme Court's Hirst decision to expanding career and technical education.

King County ended 2016 with a 7 percent increase in single-family permit activity compared to 2015 and a 7 percent decline in multifamily permits, according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Meanwhile, Snohomish County saw a 13 percent increase in single family permits and a 2 percent increase in multifamily permits at year's end.

This week, Shannon talks to Kimberley Martin with Cyneburg Services about the benefits of networking at MBAKS.

Listen: The Dunn Lumber Podcast: How Contractors Can Protect Themselves From Litigation, recorded live November 17 at the Master Builders Association Remodelers Council Dinner. Get insights on avoiding litigation and how to protect your business once litigation has begun from attorney Scott Noel.

Juli Bacon, owner of JB Consulting Systems and Bacon Maintenance Services in Woodinville, has been sworn in as the 2017 chair of the National Association of Home Builders Professional Women in Building Council. Bacon is also a partner in JJ BizWorks.