ENGAGE 25 Conference Recap: A Heartfelt Thank You

On behalf of the Rental Housing Association of Washington (RHAWA), thank you to all our members and partners for making ENGAGE 25 a resounding success. This two-day conference, held October 22–23, 2025 at Bellevue’s Meydenbauer Center, delivered on its promise of unparalleled education, high level policy discussions, and invaluable networking opportunities. We were thrilled to welcome hundreds of rental housing professionals, from veteran property managers and developers to first-time attendees, alongside government officials and industry experts. The energy and enthusiasm each of you brought helped transform ENGAGE 25 into more than just an event; it became a vibrant community conversation about the future of housing in Washington.

As a team, we could not be more proud of our members for showing up and getting involved. ENGAGE 25 featured 28 breakout sessions and 65+ expert speakers, covering tracks as diverse as business strategies, the true cost of housing, policy reform, property rights, rental operations, development, advocacy, and communications. In every session room and hallway discussion, your engagement was evident – asking insightful questions, sharing personal experiences, and forging new connections. Last year an attendee called ENGAGE 24 “the best RHAWA event yet!”. This year, thanks to you, we raised the bar even higher. From dynamic keynote presentations to lively breakout discussions, ENGAGE 25 truly equipped attendees with the knowledge and connections to navigate the complexities of the rental housing market. We hope you left feeling informed, inspired, and empowered to turn these insights into action in your own work.

Krist Novoselić’s “Riffing on Reform”
The conference kicked off on an electrifying note with an unforgettable keynote by Krist Novoselić, Nirvana’s legendary bassist turned political reform advocate. Novoselić took the stage Wednesday at 12:30 PM for a talk titled “Riffing on Reform,” blending his rock-star charisma with sharp policy insight. In this unconventional, fun-filled address, Novoselić shared bold ideas about political dynamics, the importance of bipartisan teamwork, and how we can shape the future of civic engagement in housing and beyond. Drawing on stories from the rebellious streets of ’90s Seattle to his current work on electoral reform, he championed unique perspectives alongside thoughtful commentary. Attendees were both entertained and enlightened as he challenged us to question the status quo and spark change.

Novoselić’s journey from bassist to activist underscored a powerful theme: meaningful change comes from passion and collaboration. He reminded us that whether we’re artists or housing providers, we all have a role in improving our communities. By the end of his talk, the ballroom was buzzing with motivation to engage more deeply in policy issues. “Riffing on Reform” was more than a speech; it was a call to action, encouraging each of us to channel our unique voices and work together to address the challenges facing housing and democracy. We are so grateful to Novoselić for sharing his insight and kicking off ENGAGE 25 with such energy.

Breakout Session Spotlights

Following the keynote, ENGAGE 25 offered a rich array of breakout sessions across eight specialized tracks. Here we’ll highlight a few standout sessions that captured the spirit of this year’s conference. (While we can’t cover every session here, every single one contributed valuable knowledge and we encourage you to look back at the full agenda for more insights.)

Beyond Rent Control: Defending the Future of Rental Housing

This timely session focused on how rental housing providers can prepare for potential changes to the recently passed rent control law as well as what to expect out of the 2026 Legislative Session. This packed session was hosted by key lawmakers: Senator Chris Gildon and Representative April Connors, moderated by former Senator Mark Mullet.

Speaking the Same Language: Bridging Divides in Housing Policy

Bringing together RHAWA Executive Director Sean Flynn and Former Seattle Councilmember Cathy Moore for a thoughtful conversation about how political narratives and strategic language shape policy proposals. From communicating nuance of policy impact to dealing with media sensationalism, the conversation gave attendees an inside look at what it was really like navigating the chaotic world of local politics.

Fortify Your Rental Business: A Proactive Approach to Risk

Led by Attorney Julie Martiniello, this track explained key strategies to minimize potential issues when running a rental business. Martiniello brought years of experience advising rental property owners to this session, providing attendees with methods to reduce mistakes and avoid getting in hot water.

Untangling Local Rental Regulations: A Practical Workshop

Attorney Christopher Cutting provided an in-depth overview of local regulations in this session. Walking attendees through variations across jurisdictions, identifying overlap and ambiguity, then addressing how to comply with these complicated regulations. With Cutting’s guidance, attendees gained tools to stay ahead of city or county rule changes and streamline their operations accordingly.

Beyond the Soundbite: Leveraging Media to Challenge Progressive Housing Policies

Alex Hays, Brandi Kruse and Jonathan Choe brought their passionate opinions to this panel which explained the challenges in presenting alternative perspectives in a state dominated by one-sided political discourse. The panelists represented their unique experiences on various media platforms, sharing the differences in strategies for getting their messages out to the public and managing complex political narratives.

Networking, Forums, and Community Connections

ENGAGE 25 offered plenty of opportunities for members to learn directly from local officials and candidates for office. The RHA PAC “ENGAGE & Elect” Candidate Forums brought local and state candidates to the stage for insightful discussions on housing policy. Hearing candidates address issues like zoning, rent regulation, and housing affordability in real time was a highlight for many attendees. We’re proud that ENGAGE 25 facilitated these frank dialogues.

The Annual Business Meeting and Awards Celebration on Wednesday evening was as informative as it was congratulatory. This members-only session honored standout volunteers and leaders in our association, and celebrated RHAWA’s achievements over the past year. We were also thrilled to welcome former Clark County Rental Association decision makers Barbara Carson and Elaine Armstrong to the RHAWA Council of Regents.

Congratulations to All of Our Award Recipients

•  Volunteers of the Year:

We want to sincerely thank all those who consistently showed up and made their voices heard in this year’s Legislative Session. Alex Ellis, Allen Hirst, Angie Gerald, Arthur Huycke, Becky Peterson, Betsy Hudson, Brandon Vukelich, Brendan Patrick, Bruce Becker, Caitlin Sullivan, Casey Bishop, Cathy Jeney, Chris Benis, Chris Dobler, Chris Gurdjian, Christopher Cutting, Constance Nelson, Corey Hjalseth Sr, Cory Brewer, Craig Lyons, Daniel Lim, David Nagel, Debby Hebert, Devin Easterlin, Eric Steven, Frantz Germain, George Petrie, Gordon Bock, Gordon Haggerty, Gregory Christiansen, Howard Goldberg, James M. Pettigrew, Janelle Costanti, Jason Dolloph, Jay Parker, Jeffi Tibbetts, Jen Van Vechten, Jennifer Habu, Jim Yearby, John Mullally, Jon Olson, Kari Magill, Karyn Kuever, Kathryn Shabalov, Kevin Wallace, Kristi Tripple, Larry Crites, Marcia David, Mariella Reber, Marilyn Yim, Mark Mullally, Maureen Mallonee, Michael Peterson, Neil Wilson, Patti Mann, Peter Hatton, Poeuv Chau, Quinn Posner, Saint Newton, Sandy Hirst, Sharon Cunnington, Steve Corker, Synthia Melton, Thomas McCarthy and William Shadbolt.

•  Members of the Year:

Audrey Riddle, George Petrie and Goodman Real Estate for their incredible help in bringing regulatory issues to the forefront of conversation in City of Seattle. The struggles they have faced in providing affordable housing while managing Seattle’s convoluted and counterproductive rental regulations have been crucial in a reevaluation of rental housing policy in the city.

Sponsor Appreciation

ENGAGE 25 would not have been possible without the generous support of our sponsors. Their partnership plays a crucial role in helping RHAWA bring together housing providers, policymakers, and industry professionals for two days of learning, collaboration, and connection. From supporting educational sessions to creating a vibrant exhibit hall, our sponsors made every part of ENGAGE 25 shine. We extend our deepest gratitude to all our sponsors for investing in the success of this event and in the strength of Washington’s rental housing community. Your continued partnership allows us to deliver high-quality education and meaningful engagement opportunities for our members year after year.

Closing Thoughts and Appreciation

ENGAGE 25 concluded on a strong note Thursday with the Happy Hour & Public Officials Mix & Mingle event. City councilmembers, state legislators, and industry leaders joined our attendees for an informal networking reception. The atmosphere was warm and collaborative, as housing providers and policymakers chatted over drinks about challenges and ideas for solutions. We often talk about bridging the gap between the rental housing industry and government, and here it was happening in real time. Members reported having meaningful conversations with officials who regulate our industry, finding common ground and better understanding each other’s perspectives. By the end of the Mix & Mingle, business cards had been exchanged, new relationships formed, and perhaps a few misconceptions on both sides dispelled. Special events like the candidate forums and the public officials reception truly set ENGAGE 25 apart.

As we reflect on ENGAGE 25, one word keeps coming to mind: gratitude. We are grateful for the engaging speakers and panelists who shared their expertise, the sponsors and exhibitors who supported the event, and most of all, our members for your enthusiastic participation. From the early morning coffee chats to the final closing session, your passion for learning and advocacy was evident. It’s clear that the RHAWA community is stronger than ever, united by a shared commitment to improve rental housing in Washington. The conversations sparked at ENGAGE 25 don’t end here; they are only the beginning of new initiatives and collaborations.

Thank you once again for spending two incredible days with us at ENGAGE 25. Your engagement, whether you were asking a question in a session, volunteering for the association, or simply sharing your story with a fellow member, is what made this conference special. We look forward to seeing you at our upcoming Holiday Gala and again at next year’s ENGAGE 26. Until then, please stay in touch and keep the momentum going. RHAWA’s strength lies in members like you, and we are excited to continue this journey together.