Advocacy

Welcome to the first week of the 2026 Washington State Legislative Session. Continue Reading

The Bellevue Chamber’s PLUSH Committee (Permitting, Land Use, Sustainability, & Housing) submitted the following letter to the Bellevue City Council in support of the City’s Parking Reform Land Use Code Amendment project initiation. Continue Reading

The Bellevue Chamber’s PLUSH Committee shares a letter supporting Bellevue’s proposed MFTE updates—including the Wilburton “supercharger,” parking reforms, and tools to improve project feasibility. Continue Reading

This year’s 2026 Legislative Kick Off, hosted alongside the East King Chambers Coalition, reinforced something we know to be true across our region: when we show up with a unified voice, we can drive progress on the issues that matter most to employers, families, and communities. Continue Reading

Ahead of Rep. Shaun Scott’s press conference this afternoon regarding the most recently proposed statewide payroll tax, the Bellevue Chamber wanted to reiterate its stance on the proposal, and address some new, startling aspects. Continue Reading

At the Chamber’s Permitting, Land Use, Sustainability, and Housing (PLUSH) meeting on November 18, 2025, members heard from Bellevue’s newest councilmember, Naren Briar, and received an advance look at strike-draft changes to the Multifamily Tax Exemption (MFTE) Continue Reading

At its November 12 meeting, the Chamber’s Policy Council hosted the Bellevue School District for a briefing on two levy renewals slated for the February 10, 2026 special election and reviewed district finances and enrollment trends. Continue Reading

At the Chamber’s Transportation Committee meeting on November 6, members received a focused briefing on the state transportation outlook, WSDOT’s supplemental budget priorities, autonomous vehicle policy dynamics, Bellevue’s curb pricing plan, and federal reauthorization strategy. Continue Reading

Despite low turnout, tonight's election is a big one across Western Washington. Here at 10 tight races to watch as the returns roll in. Continue Reading

We traded I-405 for I-5 this month and crossed the lake to meet at Fred Hutch, where big ideas are part of the daily routine. Their team welcomed us with a warm briefing and then led a tour that showcased how research moves from lab bench to real world impact. Continue Reading

On October 28, the Chamber’s PLUSH group met with the City of Bellevue’s Office of Housing to review the city’s affordable housing strategy update, discuss the mixed-use areas housing rezone, and flag permitting and critical areas issues that directly affect delivery timelines Continue Reading

On October 23, the East King Chambers Coalition convened to refine its 2025 legislative agenda, with housing supply, transportation and last‑mile connections, public safety, energy, and tax policy at the forefront. The coalition emphasized practical solutions that keep the Eastside competitive Continue Reading