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Businesses Weigh In: Tackling Problems on Interstate 5
Interstate 5 is the backbone of our economy and the most significant freight corridor on the West Coast, linking regional, national, and international trade markets. However, I-5 isn’t working for businesses or employees traveling to work, families, and play....
Housing, Personnel Records + Employee Private Right of Action | Wading through 800 Bills in Session 2023
The state legislature kicked off the 2023, 105-day session and the first day of the new biennium on Jan. 9. As of Jan. 13, there have been nearly 800 bills introduced. Many bills are scheduled for public hearing this week that address high-priority issues including...
Just In: Chamber’s 2023 Legislative Agenda
From the CEO Welcome to 2023! As your regional chamber of commerce, our advocacy includes working in Olympia, where we focus on bringing state policymakers a broad-based business perspective from the Seattle metro area. We also coordinate regularly with our...
Week 4 Legislative Update: One Week Before Policy Cutoff
The fourth week of the 2021 Legislative Session is now complete. Just one week remains until the first cutoff of February 15, when all bills that are not necessary to implement the...
Policy Snapshot: Seattle mandates pay increase for some grocery workers
POLICY SUMMARY On January 25, the Seattle City Council voted 8-0 to pass emergency legislation mandating that grocers employing more than 500 people worldwide, and with stores greater...
Week 3 Legislative Update: Unemployment Relief Passes
The legislature has now completed three weeks of the scheduled fifteen-week 2021 session. This week was filled with virtual committee hearings, executive sessions, and floor action....
Week 2 Legislative Update: Parties release major COVID relief packages
The second week of the 105-day 2021 Legislative Session is now complete. This week was full of virtual committee hearings and executive sessions. Many bills directly related to...
Start of Legislative Session
Today, Monday January 11, marks the first day of the 2021 Legislative Session. In anticipation of disruptions, Governor Jay Inslee has called in the National Guard to help with...
Preview: 2021 State Legislative Session
Following nearly ten months of interim, it is almost time for legislators to start the 2021 legislative session. Beginning on Monday, January 11, 2021, it will be a 105-day session...
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Honoring Arab American Heritage Month in 2021
April is Arab American Heritage Month, which honours Arab American culture and pays tribute to the contributions of Arab Americans. Today, there are roughly 3.7 million Arab Americans...
The latest news on reopening phases and vaccine distribution
As we enter new eligibility and reopening phases here in Washington, there continue to be critical dynamics at play as we balance vaccination with recovery. We continue to partner...
State moves to Phase 3 of Reopening on March 22
Washington Moves to Phase 3 of Reopening on March 22 Governor Jay Inslee announced on Mar. 11 that effective March 22, all of Washington state will enter Phase 3 of reopening. Per his...
Regional recovery requires a healthy downtown Seattle
Relief and recovery for our 2,600 members throughout the region including the 40% outside Seattle is the top priority for me and the whole Seattle Metro Chamber team. We are here as...
Supporting your community this Women’s History Month
In the 1970s, a group called the Education Task Force of the Sonoma County (California) Commission on the Status of Women started a Women's History Week, and dozens of California...
Smallest Businesses Prioritized in Paycheck Protection Program Changes
Small businesses make up 80 percent of the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber's member companies and account for 44 percent of U.S. GDP, create two-thirds of net new jobs, and employ nearly...
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