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From WSJ: Tech companies can’t get enough of this picturesque Seattle suburb
From WSJ: Tech companies can’t get enough of this picturesque Seattle suburb

Amazon, TikTok and OpenAI are among the firms taking office space in Bellevue, where rents are higher than in the Emerald City. Continue Reading

Date posted10/7/2025


Washington’s tax party starts Oct 1 — You’re Invited! (Whether you like it or not)
Washington’s tax party starts Oct 1 — You’re Invited! (Whether you like it or not)

Heads up: As of 12:00 AM this morning, Washington launched a tax blitzkrieg on services, businesses, and your streaming habit. Continue Reading

Postedby Joe Fain
Date posted10/1/2025


Member Spotlight: Comcast helps bridge the digital divide, donates laptops for Bellevue students
Member Spotlight: Comcast helps bridge the digital divide, donates laptops for Bellevue students

Our member, Comcast, has made homework a little easier (and a lot more possible) for families across Bellevue by recently donating 100 laptops to the Bellevue School District. Continue Reading

Date posted09/29/2025


PLUSH Committee discusses mass timber, MFTE updates
PLUSH Committee discusses mass timber, MFTE updates

At the PLUSH meeting on Tuesday, members heard a pragmatic look at where mass timber fits in Bellevue and an update from the City on evolving Multifamily Tax Exemption (MFTE) policy, especially the proposed “supercharger” in Wilburton. Continue Reading

Date posted09/25/2025


East King County Chambers convene on budget headwinds, AI policy, & 2025 legislative priorities
East King County Chambers convene on budget headwinds, AI policy, & 2025 legislative priorities

On September 25, the East King County Chambers Coalition (EKCC) met to align on budget realities, AI policy, and updated position papers ahead of the 2025 session. Continue Reading

Date posted09/25/2025


PLUSH Committee comments on Bellevue Critical Areas update
PLUSH Committee comments on Bellevue Critical Areas update

PLUSH Committee supports smart CAO fixes and urge data-driven buffers that protect habitat without stalling housing or TOD, with clear case studies before adoption. Continue Reading

Date posted09/24/2025


Policy Council endorses mandatory minimums for repeat theft
Policy Council endorses mandatory minimums for repeat theft

The Bellevue Chamber’s Policy Council has formally urged the City Council to adopt Ordinance #25-588, which would establish mandatory minimum sentences for repeat theft offenses. The Council’s position reflects the business community’s need for stronger deterrence, predictable enforcement, and safer Continue Reading

Date posted09/23/2025


City Council advances stricter sentencing for theft
City Council advances stricter sentencing for theft

Bellevue's city council advances a measure to impose a mandatory minimum sentence of 30 days for adults convicted of misdemeanor theft three times in the past 24 months. Continue Reading

Date posted09/23/2025


Washington’s new budget? Already in the red.
Washington’s new budget? Already in the red.

The very first revenue forecast of the 2025–27 biennium shows Washington’s budget deep in the red, by close to half a billion dollars. Continue Reading

Postedby Joe Fain
Date posted09/23/2025


City Council candidates square off at first Chamber Lunch of the season
City Council candidates square off at first Chamber Lunch of the season

Bellevue’s City Council candidates flocked to our Sept. 19 Chamber Lunch at the W Bellevue for a civil debate on the city’s future. Continue Reading

Date posted09/22/2025


AI for small biz: Meta hosts Community Accelerator workshop for Chamber members
AI for small biz: Meta hosts Community Accelerator workshop for Chamber members

More than 80 members joined us on September 24 for a fast‑paced, practical conversation on how to move from experimenting with AI to putting it to work across real business processes. Continue Reading

Date posted09/19/2025


“Meet & Eat” hosts Ladies Lunch at La Mar
“Meet & Eat” hosts Ladies Lunch at La Mar

As part of our new “Meet & Eat” series, we decided to pop over to La Mar for a ladies-only lunch to get to know some of our Bellevue Chamber members a bit better. The table was full, conversation aplenty, and the food was flowing. (Kind of awesome that they have an... Continue Reading

Date posted09/15/2025