WR office space now available for lease
WR is offering first-level professional office space for lease, creating an opportunity for businesses seeking a well-located and collaborative environment. The space […]
Mayor Wilson outlines bold vision for downtown Seattle focused on housing, safety, and economic vitality
Mayor Katie Wilson made her first appearance at the State of Downtown event on March 11 and opened by thanking DSA’s Jon Scholes for […]
AI bills signed into law as Olympia’s focus on artificial intelligence grows
Artificial intelligence was one of the bigger emerging policy topics during the 2026 legislative session, with two AI-related bills passing the Legislature […]
2026 Legislative Session wrap-up
The 2026 Washington State Legislative Session adjourned on March 12, concluding a fast-moving 60-day session shaped by budget pressure, targeted policy changes, […]
WR members’ environmental advocacy secured $3.2 M for the largest waste tire cleanup
Image: Tri-City Herald Tire dealers, many of whom are family-owned small businesses, have faithfully collected the state’s waste tire fees since 2005 […]
WR interim CEO discusses state of retail at CCIM-WA luncheon
Alesha Shemwell, interim CEO of WR, spoke at the March 2026 luncheon hosted by the CCIM Washington Chapter on March 18 in Bellevue. The […]
St. Patrick’s Day spending expected to reach record levels
St. Patrick’s Day spending was projected to reach record levels in 2026, with consumers across the United States continuing to embrace the […]
Retail supply chains face continued uncertainty
Retail supply chains continue to navigate a period of ongoing disruption driven by global events, shifting trade policies, and geopolitical tensions. Over […]
‘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 […]
WR’s Sine Die celebration draws strong crowd, returns next year
Washington Retail Association (WR) closed out the 2026 legislative session with its Sine Die event on March 12, bringing together members, partners, […]
Legislature requires paid leave solvency and integrity evaluation by Nov 2026
In addition to passing two bills addressing the Paid Leave program’s rate structure (2SSB 5292) and contribution allocation (2SHB 2345), the Legislature […]
WR Government Affairs team reflects and plans in 2026 post-session strategic retreat
The Government Affairs team at WR recently held its 2026 Post-Session Strategic Planning Retreat in Olympia, moderated by Jennie Foglia-Jones. Together, the team […]