All Members must understand and affirm this Code of Ethics.

Members pledge to:

• Conduct business in a manner that reflects credit on the MBA, our industry, and themselves.

• Refrain from dishonest statements or practices.

• Describe accurately and honestly the price, materials, or standards of workmanship used in a member’s job.

• Deal fairly with employees, subcontractors, suppliers, customers, and anyone else involved in the member’s projects.

• Perform to the standards of the National Association of Home Builders’ residential construction performance guidelines in effect at the time of construction.

• Support local, state, and national homebuilding associations and related industries concerned with providing attainable housing, as it is mutually beneficial to MBAKS and its members.

• Register as a contractor in the state of Washington when required for your business type.

• Refrain from discriminatory, harassing, or retaliatory behavior directed toward Association staff, members, and third parties in the context of activities relating to the MBA.

• Respect and maintain the confidentiality of the Association’s sensitive information, as well as that of other members.

• Act transparently and declare any potential conflicts of interest.

• Represent the Association in a favorable light both within and outside the organization, and refrain from actions or statements that could tarnish its reputation.

Inappropriate Conduct

Members and their representatives must act professionally, honestly, fairly, and in a manner that enhances the Association’s reputation. Misconduct can result in disciplinary action. Our Association’s success hinges on our esteemed staff and members; we invest heavily in our employees and in our industry relationships. Any conduct detrimental to our reputation or our ability to achieve our mission cannot be tolerated.

While not intended to be an exhaustive list, the following are examples of behavior and actions that damage the Association’s reputation and must not be tolerated:

• Lack of candor or transparency in dealings with the Ethics Committee.

• Engaging in activity prohibited by law.

• Violating any Association policy.

• Engaging in harmful gossip or malicious, threatening, disparaging, disrespectful, offensive, or non-constructive commentary of any kind about members, staff, or the Association.

• Financing, promoting, or supporting individuals or groups undertaking actions detrimental to the Association or its employees.

• Retaliating against any person making a complaint in good faith or participating in an investigation. Retaliation is strictly prohibited by law, Association policy, and the Code of Ethics.

• Engaging in offensive or disruptive behavior during Association activities, events, meetings, or engagements.

• Encouraging an employee to violate MBAKS rules, policies, or the law.

• Engaging in harassment or bullying, sexual or otherwise, toward MBA staff, members, or third parties.

Members are encouraged to share constructive feedback with the Executive Director and the Board of Directors. Issues regarding employees shall be directed to the Executive Director. Concerns about the Executive Director shall go to the Board President.

For observed or experienced violations of the law or this Code of Ethics, complaints shall be directed to the Executive Director or the Board President.

Ethics Committee

Ethics concerns should be rare. Therefore, unless proven otherwise, there is no need for a standing Ethics Committee. Instead, upon the Executive Director or Board identifying a need for an ethics investigation, the Executive Committee of the Board shall establish a special committee to investigate the complaint and provide a recommended course of action (including no action) to the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors will make the final determination.

• The special Ethics Committee shall have three voting members, one alternate, and the Executive Director (a non-voting member of the Board of Directors).

  • When appointing the Ethics Committee, particular care shall be taken to avoid conflicts of interest or possible bias among those appointed.

  • For each ethics case, the Executive Committee shall disclose to the Board:

    • The general nature of the possible ethics violation, and

    • The members selected to serve on the special Ethics Committee.

• While considering the potential ethics violation and possible disciplinary action, the special Ethics Committee shall:

  • Maintain confidentiality.

  • Gather all relevant facts. An independent investigator may be hired for this step.

  • Determine findings and document all essential details and evidence considered.

  • Determine and report any recommended course of action.

  • Report findings and recommendations to the Board of Directors.

• The Board of Directors will make the final determination.

Adherence to this Code of Ethics fosters an environment of mutual respect, dedication, and collaboration. Through shared values and principles, the Association will thrive, and members will experience a fulfilling and harmonious community. This Code serves not just as a set of rules, but as a reflection of our shared commitment to excellence and integrity.

Revised November 30, 2023