During the 2025 legislative session, state leaders passed a $9.4 billion revenue package, the largest tax increase in Washington state history. This package included bills that made changes to a myriad of existing state taxes, including ESSB 5814, which expanded the...
Policy & Advocacy
The Latest
New Taxes, Employment Law, Alcohol and Childcare Regulations Start July 27
The following bills were passed by the Washington State Legislature in 2025 and will impact Washington’s business community. The laws go into effect on or before July 27. Business & Individual Tax Increases ESHB 2081: Modifying the Business and Occupation Tax...
New Federal Budget Impacts Seattle Business Community and Their Priorities
On Friday, July 4, President Donald Trump signed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA). The bill includes tax cuts for businesses and high income earners and significant increases in defense and border spending. The bill also includes work requirements and cuts to...
End of Small Biz PFML Exemption, Unemployment for Employees on Strike + More
Legislative Report In week two of the state legislative session, the legislature held public hearings on several high-profile pieces of legislation including policies on firearms,...
Unemployment Benefits for Employees on Strike, Rent Control & More in Week 1
Legislative Report The state legislature kicked off its 2025 legislative session on Jan. 13. Last week policy committee chairs brought new members up to speed by hosting several work...
2025 Session Kicks Off With $12 Billion+ Budget Deficit
Session Preview The 105-day legislation session and first half of the biennial budget cycle begins today, Monday January 13, 2025. The legislature will pass the state’s Operating,...
Welcome to The Index
The Index is the Seattle Metro Chamber’s research project to surface what voters believe so that debates on key issues unfold in a way that more accurately reflects how voters and our...
Session is Done | FIFA World Cup 2026 Gets $21M
The 2024 legislative session adjourned Sine Die at 5 p.m. on March 7 after lawmakers worked long days and nights to wrap up the budgets, address bills necessary to implement the...
Unemployment Benefits for Striking Employees Does Not Advance
Legislators worked long hours last week to ensure priority support legislation survived two key deadlines on Feb. 26 and March 1. The final cutoff date will be Sine Die (last day of...
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Washington State Sales Tax Expansion – Effective October 1, 2025
During the 2025 legislative session, state leaders passed a $9.4 billion revenue package, the largest tax increase in Washington state history. This package included bills that made...
New Member Benefit: CommUnity, Seattle Metro Chamber’s Digital Platform for Member-to-Member Connection
We are excited to introduce CommUnity, the Seattle Metro Chamber’s new digital platform for member-to-member connection. What is Community?  CommUnity is a private social network...
Apply by Nov. 10: Game Ready Activation Grants for FIFA World Cup 2026â„¢
The Seattle Metro Chamber and its Community Business Connector will provide grants for business area activations through local organizations, ensuring we can maximize this incredible...
Member Feature: Sorticulture Systems
Today's featured member, Angela Gillis, owner and founder of Sorticulture Systems, says Sorticulture Systems helps midsize businesses and nonprofits reduce the risk of data breaches...
Member Feature: Studio Vibrant
Today's featured members, Emily N Gilbert, AIA, NCARB, and Amanda R Klein, NCIDQ, co-owners of Studio Vibrant, leverage their 35+ years of experience to guide clients in reimagining...
Member Feature: The Goddard School of Pioneer Square
Today's featured member, Jo Crilly, Regional Director of Operations for The Goddard School of Pioneer Square, says that The Goddard School of Pioneer Square is a premier, high-quality...
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