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Policy Council Recap: Bellevue’s Growth Agenda Comes Into Focus
Policy Council Recap: Bellevue’s Growth Agenda Comes Into Focus

Last week’s Bellevue Chamber Policy Council meeting made one thing clear: Bellevue is still thinking big. At a time when cities across the region are navigating economic uncertainty, housing demand, infrastructure needs, and public safety concerns Continue Reading

Date posted03/16/2026


PLUSH Committee Calls for a Flexible Path to Housing Affordability in Bellevue
PLUSH Committee Calls for a Flexible Path to Housing Affordability in Bellevue

In a March 16 letter to the Bellevue City Council, the Bellevue Chamber of Commerce’s PLUSH Committee urges leaders to pair housing affordability goals with policies that keep new multifamily development feasible. Continue Reading

Date posted03/16/2026


2026 Legislative Update: End of Session Review
2026 Legislative Update: End of Session Review

The 2026 session came to an end at 8:24 pm on March 12th and proved to be among the most turbulent in recent years and may help set the stage for a highly competitive election cycle. Debate over the proposed Millionaire’s Income Tax has begun to reverberate beyond the Capitol, with primary challenge Continue Reading

Postedby Lyset Cadena
Date posted03/15/2026


Joint Statement from Business Leaders on the Conclusion of the 2026 Legislative Session
Joint Statement from Business Leaders on the Conclusion of the 2026 Legislative Session

The Washington Roundtable, Association of Washington Business, Bellevue Chamber of Commerce, Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce, and Greater Spokane Inc. issued the following statement at the conclusion of the 2026 legislative session: Continue Reading

Date posted03/13/2026


Joint Statement from Business Leaders on the New State-Wide Income Tax
Joint Statement from Business Leaders on the New State-Wide Income Tax

The Washington Roundtable, Association of Washington Business, Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce, Bellevue Chamber of Commerce, and Greater Spokane, Inc. today issued the following joint statement in response to the Washington state House of Representatives passing the first-ever income tax. Continue Reading

Date posted03/11/2026


CEO Report: The Income Tax Will Become Law
CEO Report: The Income Tax Will Become Law

Washington’s income tax is likely to become law. But the math behind the proposal raises serious questions. The state’s budget challenges are driven by spending growth, not a lack of revenue—and the policy choices that follow will shape Washington’s economic future. Continue Reading

Postedby Joe Fain
Date posted03/9/2026


2026 Legislative Update: Week 8
2026 Legislative Update: Week 8

Opposite house fiscal cutoff was on Monday, March 2nd, which means any bill that did not pass out of the fiscal committee in the opposite house by that day is considered dead. Continue Reading

Postedby Lyset Cadena
Date posted03/8/2026


Zoox, State Budget Turbulence, and Local Milestones: Transportation Committee Recap
Zoox, State Budget Turbulence, and Local Milestones: Transportation Committee Recap

At the Bellevue Chamber’s Transportation Committee meeting on March 6, members welcomed new Chamber leader Diana Leo, heard from Zoox on the future of autonomous mobility in Bellevue, and received a timely update on transportation policy and budget negotiations in Olympia. Continue Reading

Date posted03/6/2026


2026 Legislative Update: Week 7
2026 Legislative Update: Week 7

The opposite house policy deadline passed this week, and lawmakers are now focused on the next big date: the opposite house fiscal deadline. Any bill that affects the budget must pass this step by Monday, March 2, or it will be considered dead for the rest of the session, unless it is labeled “neces Continue Reading

Postedby Lyset Cadena
Date posted03/1/2026


EKCC February Recap: Hospitality Headwinds, Tourism Momentum, And Tax Bills To Watch
EKCC February Recap: Hospitality Headwinds, Tourism Momentum, And Tax Bills To Watch

At the February 27 East King County Chambers Coalition (EKCC) meeting, members heard a frank update on hospitality market conditions and a fast-moving legislative agenda with near-term impacts for employers across the Eastside. Continue Reading

Date posted02/28/2026


East King Chambers head to Olympia for Chamber Day 2026
East King Chambers head to Olympia for Chamber Day 2026

The Eastside Chambers road tripped over to Olympia earlier this month, meeting with a dozen state legislators and Lt. Governor Denny Heck in a jam-packed day of policy. Continue Reading

Date posted02/24/2026


2026 Legislative Update: Week 6
2026 Legislative Update: Week 6

The Washington State Legislature wrapped up house of origin floor action this week, sending a wave of bills to the opposite chamber’s policy committees. Lawmakers now face a fast-moving timeline to review, debate, and advance bills. One of the sure signs that session is drawing to an end is... Continue Reading

Postedby Lyset Cadena
Date posted02/22/2026