The Seattle Latino Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce is raising concerns about a proposed Seattle ordinance that chamber leaders say could increase costs for consumers and businesses.
During an Aug. 7 hearing before the Seattle City Council’s Human Services, Labor & Economic Development Committee, chamber Founder and CEO Marcos Wanless said the proposal could affect grocery, delivery and fuel costs. The chamber represents more than 2,000 organizations and professionals and is the largest Latino-Hispanic chamber of commerce in Washington.
Wanless argued that the proposed pricing ordinance could limit discounts, rewards programs and other cost-saving measures that consumers use to manage grocery expenses. He also said the proposal could create additional costs and legal risks for businesses, particularly low-margin retailers such as grocery stores.
“The affordability crisis is real,” Wanless told council members, emphasizing that Seattle is already expensive for families and individuals. He questioned whether the proposal would achieve its intended goal of controlling prices in a free-market economy.
Wanless also expressed concern about provisions he said could expose businesses to increased civil litigation and called for greater certainty for employers and retailers.
The chamber urged council members to consider the potential economic impact on both consumers and businesses as they evaluate the proposed ordinance.
