Join the April 28 Tri-City Advocacy Roundtable to strengthen grassroots engagement
What just happened in Olympia, and what it means for your business. This session breaks down real-world impacts on costs, regulations, and workforce […]
Washington strengthens community reinvestment with HB 2523
On March 23, 2026, Governor Bob Ferguson signed HB 2523 into law, advancing Washington’s community reinvestment program and reinforcing the state’s commitment to long-term […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]