The Washington Retail Association (WR) held its Winter Legislative Board of Directors meeting on February 4, 2026, in Olympia, Washington. The full-day meeting brought together retail leaders representing small Main Street businesses, regional Washington-based employers, and national retailers with a strong presence in the state.
The meeting centered on WR’s 2026 legislative priorities and provided Board members with opportunities to engage directly with policymakers during an active legislative session.
Board leadership and engagement
Board Chair Opio Dupree opened the meeting with welcome and introductions, setting the stage for a day focused on advocacy, collaboration, and strategic alignment. Board members received updates on organizational leadership and participated in discussions to ensure the Board remains well positioned to support WR’s policy and public affairs work.
The Board also welcomed new members and advanced board leadership transitions, reinforcing WR’s commitment to strong representation from across the retail sector.
Legislative priorities and policy discussions
WR staff provided a comprehensive update on the 2026 legislative session, highlighting priority issues impacting retailers across Washington. Board members engaged in substantive discussions on public safety, retail theft accountability, and other policy matters affecting store operations, employees, and customers.
Throughout the day, WR Board members and association partners met with state leaders and policymakers, including Director Casey Sixkiller of the Washington State Department of Ecology, Secretary of State Steve Hobbs, and legislators from both parties. These conversations allowed meaningful dialogue on proposed legislation, regulatory impacts, and opportunities for collaboration.
Legislative Retail Reception at the Lord Mansion
The day concluded with WR’s Legislative Retail Reception, held at the historic Lord Mansion in Olympia. Hosted in partnership with the Washington Business Properties Association (WBPA) and the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC). The event was a huge success, attracting approximately 90 guests, including legislators, retail industry leaders, and stakeholders for informal conversation and relationship building.
Guests enjoyed heavy hors d’oeuvres catered by Le vie le belle, beer and wine co-sponsored by Total Wine and More, and curated cocktails by Bougie Boozee, sponsored by the Washington Food Industry Association. The reception provided a welcoming setting to continue discussions about the challenges and opportunities facing Washington’s retail community.
WR thanks its partners and sponsors for helping make the 2026 Legislative Retail Reception a success and looks forward to continued collaboration with policymakers to support a strong and vibrant retail environment across Washington.
