Crime and punishment: No consensus in Olympia
In Olympia, lawmakers are deeply divided on the issue of public safety. Rep. David Hackney, D-Renton, a former federal prosecutor, emphasizes the […]
Washington faces $5.1 billion budget shortfall
Washington state is projected to face a significant budget shortfall of $5.1 billion in the upcoming 2025-27 biennium, according to preliminary estimates. […]
Paid Leave premium rate increase to 0.92% in 2025 due to high usage
The Washington State Employment Security Department (ESD) has announced a premium rate increase for Paid Family & Medical Leave (PFML) starting January […]
King County Summit launches new partnerships and resource hub to combat organized retail crime
On October 2, 2024, the first-ever King County Public Safety Summit on Organized Retail Crime (ORC) convened in Redmond, Washington, bringing together […]
Introducing the Organized Retail Crime Resource Hub: A collaborative tool for fighting ORC
WR, in partnership with Challenge Seattle and WAORCA, is proud to unveil the Organized Retail Crime (ORC) Resource Hub. This online platform […]
Crystal Leatherman promoted to Director of Local and State Government Affairs
Washington Retail Association (WR) is proud to announce the promotion of Crystal Leatherman to Director of Local and State Government Affairs. The […]
Nordstrom CEO singles out King County as retailer’s ‘worst area’ for theft nationwide
Published in the Puget Sound Business Journal, Opinion By Joey Thompson – Reporter Oct 7, 2024 King County has earned the unfortunate distinction […]
WR President & CEO elected Chairwoman of the Council of State Retail Associations
Renée Sunde, President and CEO of WR, has been elected Chairwoman of the Council of State Retail Associations (CSRA) during its annual […]
Opinion: Regional collaboration is key to our economic future
Published in the Puget Sound Business Journal, Opinion By Jared Nieuwenhuis – Bellevue city councilmember Sep 10, 2024 For decades, the Puget Sound region […]
Seattle retailers face significant minimum wage increase in 2025
On October 4, the Seattle Office of Labor Standards (OLS) announced that the minimum wage will rise to $20.76 per hour on […]
Updated “Guide to Navigating Public Safety & Retail Crime” now available
WR is pleased to announce the release of the latest “Guide to Navigating Public Safety & Retail Crime,” Version 8.0. This updated […]
Washington voters to decide on key initiatives in November
Washington voters will soon have the opportunity to weigh in on four significant initiatives during the November 5 general election. Each measure […]