Washington Retail

Two bills impacting artificial intelligence have been signed into law! From disclosure standards to protecting youth from high-risk AI chatbots, the conversation around AI policy is just getting started. washingtonretail.org/ai-bills-signe…

What just happened in Olympia, and what does it mean for your business? Join the April 28 Tri-City Advocacy Roundtable to hear real-world impacts on costs, regulations, and the workforce, and learn how you can help shape what comes next. washingtonretail.org/join-the-april…

Seattle policy shifts that could impact retailers 👇 Mayor Katie Wilson is pausing the expansion of surveillance cameras while advancing new efforts to address homelessness ahead of the FIFA World Cup. washingtonretail.org/mayor-pauses-m…

Change is coming to the Washington State Legislature. Key retirements and new runs for office are reshaping the political landscape ahead of November, opening the door to major shifts across the state. washingtonretail.org/wa-legislature…

🚓 Washington is putting $100M into boosting local law enforcement! Kent PD gets $1.9M to hire 20 officers, while Black Diamond receives $375K for one new officer. The grants aim to strengthen staffing, training, and safety across the state. washingtonretail.org/washington-beg…

Join us in Longview for the grand opening of a new DIVERT, Inc. food waste processing facility, turning waste into renewable energy and real solutions. 🌱⚡ 📅 April 29 | Celebrate Stop Food Waste Day, tour the facility, and see innovation in action. 🔗 washingtonretail.org/join-the-openi…

Washington lawmakers are taking a closer look at the long-term sustainability of the state’s Paid Leave program. A new directive calls for a full evaluation of solvency and program integrity by November 2026. washingtonretail.org/legislature-re…

Washington is investing in long-term economic opportunity. 💼 HB 2523 expands small business support, strengthens community reinvestment, and increases accountability to ensure real results for Washington residents and local economies. washingtonretail.org/washington-str…

New executive action targets misleading “Made in America” claims, aiming to hold sellers and online marketplaces accountable for false U.S. origin marketing. washingtonretail.org/executive-orde…

The WR Government Affairs team recently reflected on the 2026 legislative session and set priorities for the year ahead during their strategic retreat in Olympia, moderated by Jennie Foglia-Jones. Learn more about their work and plans: washingtonretail.org/wr-government-…

Retail supply chains are facing ongoing disruption from global events, trade policy shifts, and geopolitical tensions. Retailers are responding by diversifying suppliers, investing in technology, and focusing on resilience to navigate uncertainty. washingtonretail.org/retail-supply-…

🎉 Big win for Washington businesses! Governor Ferguson has signed HB 2274 into law, delivering common-sense fixes to the Commercial Electronic Mail Act. Learn more about how WR advocacy helped make this happen: washingtonretail.org/wr-advocacy-de…

🚨 Office space available! WR is now leasing first-level professional offices, perfect for businesses looking to grow in a central, collaborative environment with access to shared amenities and the retail community network. View leasing details here: washingtonretail.org/wr-office-spac…

Easter spending is on track to hit a record $24.9 billion in 2026, as consumers continue to prioritize holiday traditions despite economic uncertainty. From candy and food to gifts and clothing, retailers are seeing strong engagement across the board. washingtonretail.org/easter-spendin…

Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson lays out a bold plan for downtown, tackling housing, safety, and economic growth while preparing for the FIFA World Cup. Learn more about her vision: washingtonretail.org/mayor-wilson-o…

WR wrapped up the 2026 legislative session with a packed Sine Die celebration, bringing together members, partners, and policymakers for connection and reflection. Strong turnout highlighted the impact of WR’s advocacy. washingtonretail.org/wrs-sine-die-c…

“We’ve made ourselves an outlier.” New concerns are emerging about how Seattle’s business tax structure may be influencing employer decisions, job growth, and downtown vacancy rates. washingtonretail.org/weve-made-ours…

Retail is evolving, and so are the challenges and opportunities shaping it. 🏬 At the CCIM-WA luncheon, WR Interim CEO Alesha Shemwell shared insights on the state of retail, the impact of policy, and why industry engagement matters now more than ever. washingtonretail.org/wr-interim-ceo…

Big win for Washington’s environment ♻️ Thanks to advocacy from WR members and partners, $3.2 million has been secured to clean up the massive Twin Bridge waste tire site, marking the largest cleanup of its kind in the state. washingtonretail.org/wr-members-env…

You’re invited! 🏛️ Join the Washington Retail Association today for a Sine Die celebration marking the close of the 2026 legislative session. March 12, 4–6:30 p.m. WR Olympia Office, 618 Quince St SE Drinks, light bites, and great conversation. RSVP: washingtonretail.org/wr-hosts-sine-…