Work Opportunity tax credit supports hiring and workforce access
The Work Opportunity Tax Credit, or WOTC, is a federal program designed to help employers hire individuals who face barriers to employment while […]
Governor signed employment law legislation that promotes transparency
From the right: Rose Gundersen, Washington Retail’s State and Local Govt Affairs Association, Governor Ferguson, Elizabeth New with the WA Policy Center […]
Supplemental budget secures $500,000 for organized retail crime pilot program
The legislature’s final supplemental budget includes $500,000 in General Fund-State funding for fiscal year 2027 for the WAORCA pilot program, an important […]
Retail outlook shows steady growth amid economic uncertainty
The National Retail Federation (NRF) projects retail sales will grow 4.4 percent in 2026, reaching $5.6 trillion, according to a new forecasting model developed with Oxford […]
WR advocacy delivers: Governor Ferguson signs HB 2274 into law
Governor Bob Ferguson has signed HB 2274 into law, marking a major win for Washington’s business community and an important step toward restoring balance and common […]
Mayor pauses more surveillance cameras and pushes for more housing for the homeless
Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson moved ahead on a couple of policies that impact retailers operating in the city. During the campaign, Mayor Wilson expressed concern about […]
WA has a jobs crisis. Why won’t our leaders say it?
Amazon buildings in South Lake Union in Seattle in January. Amazon, Expedia Group, Meta and Microsoft all reported layoffs, albeit a small fraction of […]
WA Legislature sees change with key retirements
March 24, 2026 By Sophia Sostrin Seattle Times staff reporter OLYMPIA — Multiple high-profile departures will reshape the Washington state Legislature as several […]
Governor signed employment law legislation that promotes transparency
From the right: Rose Gundersen, Washington Retail’s State and Local Govt Affairs Association, Governor Ferguson, Elizabeth New with the WA Policy Center […]
‘We’ve made ourselves an outlier’: Downtown Seattle Association says business taxes are pushing out employers
Left to right: WR Retail Industry Coalition of Seattle Director, WR Director of Policy and Government Affairs Crystal Leatherman, WR Interim CEO […]
Washington updates cash transaction rules amid penny shortage
Gov. Bob Ferguson has signed HB 2334, supported by Washington Retail and sponsored by Rep. April Berg (D–Mill Creek), establishing clear rules for when businesses should round […]
Supplemental budget secures $500,000 for organized retail crime pilot program
The legislature’s final supplemental budget includes $500,000 in General Fund-State funding for fiscal year 2027 for the WAORCA pilot program, an important […]