US House passes Combating Organized Retail Crime Act
The U.S. House of Representatives has passed the bipartisan Combating Organized Retail Crime Act (CORCA), legislation aimed at addressing the growing impact of […]
Op-Ed: Washington state keeps making it harder for law enforcement to serve
By Jared Nieuwenhuis, Councilmember, City of Bellevue The Center Square, May 22, 2026 For 15 years, Washington has lived with an uncomfortable […]
FEMA releases FIFA World Cup 2026 safety toolkits
As communities across the United States prepare for FIFA World Cup 2026 activities, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, or FEMA, has released […]
Balancing retail safety technology and privacy
As retailers continue facing organized retail crime, theft and workplace violence, industry leaders are urging policymakers to carefully balance consumer privacy protections with […]
California privacy lawsuits raise concerns for businesses
A coalition working with Actum is drawing attention to a wave of litigation under the California Invasion of Privacy Act (CIPA), a 1967 wiretapping […]
Washington updates key labor and employment laws
Several new labor and employment laws passed during the 2026 Washington legislative session will impact employers across the state in the coming months and […]
Vancouver retail and service B&O tax now in effect, supports bridge shelter funding
As of January 1, 2026, the City of Vancouver, Washington has implemented a Business and Occupation tax on certain retail sales and […]
State budget debate highlights growth in spending
A recent analysis of Washington’s state budget has renewed debate over how government spending should be measured and evaluated. The discussion centers on […]
Prepare for the state-facilitated retirement savings program coming in 2027
Washington Saves is a new state-facilitated retirement savings program scheduled to open in July 2027. Certain employers will be required by law to make the program available […]
Washington Retail Association Announces Jan Himebaugh as New President and CEO
Himebaugh brings decades of experience in association leadership and legislative and public affairs in Olympia to the organization. OLYMPIA, Wash. (May 20, 2026) […]
Honoring Service, Sacrifice, and Remembrance
On this Memorial Day, WR pauses to honor and remember the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to […]
WR outreach to local Seattle chambers of commerce and businesses
On May 12, WR’s interim CEO Alesha Shemwell, Director of Policy & Government Affairs Crystal Leatherman, and John Engber, Director of the Retail Industry […]