Honoring service and sacrifice: Military Appreciation Month and Memorial Day

May is National Military Appreciation Month, a time dedicated to honoring the service, sacrifice, and strength of our military members, veterans, and their families. From Armed Forces Day to Military Spouse Appreciation Day, this month offers many opportunities to show our gratitude.

As we observe Memorial Day on Monday, May 26, we pause to remember and honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country. WR proudly joins in recognizing the bravery, dedication, and enduring legacy of our military community.

IN THIS ISSUE

ON THE LOCAL FRONT

• Seattle’s 2025 election takes shape after candidate filing deadline
• Seattle City Council could make changes in ethics rules
• Former SPD Chief of Staff files $3M claim alleging harassment and retaliation
• King County considers sales tax to support legal system
• Done deal: Nordstrom is officially a private company 
• Bedrooms & More’s Blake Garfield is the new Wallingford Chamber President

POLICY

• Governor Ferguson signs Public Safety Law
• 2025 legislative outcomes: Impacts on Washington retailers
• Governor signs legislation expanding minor work hours and strengthening safety requirements
• Governor Ferguson reflects on 2025 legislative session
• Consumers would bear the cost of increased B&O taxes
• Legislative “trash talk” leads to passage of litter control bill
• Washington introduces new rules to phase out high-impact greenhouse gases

ECONOMY

• Tariffs put pressure on small retailers and consumers
• State of freight: Trump tariffs put holiday retail season at risk

RETAIL THEFT & PUBLIC SAFETY

• Legislature approves $100 million for public safety
• 2025 Western States ORC Conference set for Seaside, Oregon

IN THE NEWS

• WR Government Affairs team reflects, refines, and refocuses at 2025 session debrief retreat
• WR addresses The Bellevue Collection tenants on organized retail crime
• Register now: 2025 PNWER Annual Summit in Bellevue
• The power of small retail businesses in Washington

Seattle’s 2025 election takes shape after candidate filing deadline

With the May 9 candidate filing deadline behind us, the 2025 election landscape for Seattle and King County is coming into focus. Several high-profile races are now set, offering a glimpse into the political battles ahead.

Mayor Bruce Harrell is seeking to become the first two-term mayor since Greg Nickels, who lost his bid for a third term in 2009. As expected, progressive activist Katie Wilson entered the race for mayor. However, the list of 10 challengers to Harrell included one surprise – Joe Mallahan, a former T-Mobile executive who helped unseat Nickels in the 2009 primary before losing to Mike McGinn in the general election, setting up what will likely be a very competitive race.

The open King County Executive seat drew seven candidates, including frontrunners Girmay Zahilay and Claudia Balducci, both current County Councilmembers, and King County Assessor John Wilson. Zahilay and Balducci have commanding fundraising leads over the other candidates. After 16 years as County Executive, Dow Constantine decided against seeking reelection and, instead, took over the CEO role at Sound Transit.

Other notable races include Seattle City Attorney and three City Council seats:

• City Attorney Ann Davison is running for re-election and faces three well-funded challengers. She has secured endorsements from U.S. Representative Adam Smith and former Governor Gary Locke.
• City Council President Sara Nelson faces four challengers, including Dionne Foster, a former city policy adviser who leads Nelson’s opponents in both endorsements and fundraising. Nelson has strong support from Congressman Smith, most of the City Council, labor unions, and other former and current elected officials.
• Councilmember Alexis Mercedes Rinck, elected last year to a partial term, is now seeking a full four-year term in the other citywide seat. She faces just two challengers.

Three candidates filed for District 2, where appointed Councilmember Mark Solomon is not seeking election. The last person to win this seat, Tammy Morales, resigned from the Council in January.

Seattle City Council could make changes in ethics rules

Following the advice Wayne Barrett, Executive Director of the Seattle Ethics and Elections Commission (“SEEC”), Councilmember Cathy Moore is considering proposing changes to the City’s ethics rules.

According to Barrett, “Last summer we had a couple of bills where we were very much in the middle of political matters of City Hall and that’s not where I think we should be.”

The potential rule change would require Councilmembers to fully disclose potential financial interests they might have in legislation before the Council. Under current rules, the SEEC is empowered to urge Councilmembers to recuse themselves from votes on which a financial conflict might exist. The changed rule would require disclosure of a potential financial conflict and leave it to the Councilmembers to recuse themselves.

The challenge with the current rule is drawing a line between financial interests that require recusal and those that do not. For example, no Councilmember has ever been urged to recuse themselves from voting on legislation to protect tenants even though they were renters at the time. However, Councilmember Maritza Rivera could face recusal from voting on upcoming landlord-tenant legislation because she earns a small income from a rental in the Green Lake neighborhood. In addition, one Councilmember was recently urged to recuse herself from voting on food delivery legislation after her father-in-law purchased a restaurant.

While some view this potential change as weakening the City’s ethics rules, others view it as an opportunity to create an ethics code that can be applied evenly.

Jamie Tompkins, a former FOX 13 television anchor and former Seattle Police Department chief of staff. (Courtesy of Jamie Tompkins)

Former SPD Chief of Staff files $3M claim alleging harassment and retaliation

Jamie Tompkins, former Chief of Staff for the Seattle Police Department (SPD) and a former FOX 13 anchor, has filed a $3 million claim against the City of Seattle, alleging persistent sexual harassment and a hostile work environment. Hired by then-Chief Adrian Diaz in May 2023, Tompkins resigned in November 2024 following Diaz’s demotion and the launch of an internal investigation into their alleged romantic relationship, an allegation both deny.

Tompkins asserts that from the start of her tenure, rumors about the nature of the relationship between her and Diaz were widespread, undermining her credibility and job performance. Her legal filing claims inappropriate comments and behavior from officers, commanders, and senior staff persisted for over a year. She also alleges that city leadership, including Mayor Bruce Harrell, failed to intervene despite being made aware of the situation. The mayor’s office has denied the accusations.

Tompkins’ claim precedes a scheduled May 25 mediation and follows a series of related legal actions, including a $10 million claim filed by Diaz and separate lawsuits from other SPD employees citing workplace misconduct.

This case highlights ongoing cultural and accountability challenges within the SPD and raises broader questions about workplace protections and leadership oversight in public institutions.

SeattleTimes.com

From left: Councilmembers Rod Dembowski, Sarah Perry, Girmay Zahilay and Claudia Balducci listen during a Metropolitan King County Council meeting in January. Some members are advocating for a new sales tax to help fund... (Ellen M. Banner / The Seattle Times) 

King County considers sales tax to support legal system

King County Councilmembers are proposing a new 0.1% sales tax to help address a projected $160 million budget shortfall and support critical public safety services. The proposed tax would help fund sheriff’s deputies, public defenders, court operations, and behavioral health diversion programs. Council Chair Girmay Zahilay and Councilmember Rod Dembowski, chair of the Budget Committee, are leading the effort, citing long-standing limits on property tax revenue growth that have made it difficult to keep up with rising costs.

The proposal aligns with newly passed HB 2015, which allows counties and cities to adopt a sales tax to support law enforcement and legal systems, provided certain training standards are met. The legislation also includes a state grant program aimed at enhancing police hiring across Washington.

Supporters argue the measure is necessary to prevent cuts to essential services, while critics warn it adds to Washington’s already regressive tax system. Because the County Executive initiates all budget proposals, Councilmembers Zahilay and Dembowski are holding off on introducing the legislation as they engage in discussions with County Executive Shannon Braddock, who has not taken a public stance on the tax proposal.

The outcome could have implications for retail and consumer behavior in King County, as it would increase the overall sales tax rate for all purchases by 10 cents for each $100 spent. WR will monitor developments closely and provide updates.

Done deal: Nordstrom is officially a private company 

The deal with Mexican retailer El Puerto de Liverpool is worth $6.25 billion 

Published in Seattle Magazine 

By Rob Smith 

May 20, 2025 

Nordstrom is now a private company. 

The iconic Seattle-based retailer has closed its $6.25 billion deal to go private with Mexican retailer El Puerto de Liverpool in an all-cash transaction.

Brothers Erik and Pete Nordstrom — great grandsons of company founder John W. Nordstrom — will lead the company as co-CEOs. Nordstrom common stock will be delisted starting tomorrow.

Company stock was up slightly today during its last day of trading, closing at $24.66 per share. It is up about 2% on the year.

“The completion of this transaction is an important milestone in our nearly 125-year history,” Erik Nordstrom said. “We look forward to building on Nordstrom’s strong foundation to reach even greater heights.”

The deal with El Puerto de Liverpool was first announced last December. El Puerto de Liverpool was founded in 1847 and operates 310 stores under the Liverpool and Suburbia banners, 119 specialized boutiques and 29 shopping centers.

A retail analyst told Seattle magazine last year that “Nothing should really change” if Nordstrom went private, but added that “it’s likely that Nordstrom would make some changes and cut costs” after going private. Placer.ai, a company that tracks cell phone data to monitor foot traffic, called the retailer one of its “10 Top Brands to Watch in 2025.”

Nordstrom tried to go private more than seven years ago but financing fell through.

Nordstrom was founded as a shoe store in downtown Seattle in 1901. It now operates more than 350 full-line department stores and Rack locations. The company is particularly focused on its off-price Rack stores — it opened 23 last year and plans to open another 21 this year.

Bedrooms & More’s Blake Garfield is the new Wallingford Chamber President

With 28 years of experience working for Bedrooms & More, which his father created in 1972, Blake Garfield is adding a new role as President of the Wallingford Chamber of Commerce. Blake also serves as President of Bedrooms & More and is a Washington Retail board member.

Garfield explained his reason for taking on the Chamber role by saying “I want to make sure that all Wallingford businesses — large and small — have a strong voice with our government leaders. With so many changes happening in Wallingford’s business core, including major changes to the buildings in that area, we need to work together to help businesses being displaced so they can survive.”

While the Chamber role is new, Garfield has served as President of the Wallingford Parade for the past few years. The next parade is July 12.

Garfield is now focused on outreach to Wallingford businesses to get their perspectives on what the Chamber can do to help them. He is also beginning to recruit new board members for the Chamber.

WR CEO, Renée Sunde, and WR Senior VP of Policy and Government Affairs with Governor Ferguson at the signing of HB 2015.

Governor Ferguson signs Public Safety Law

On Monday, Governor Bob Ferguson signed HB 2015 into law, delivering on his promise to make public safety funding a top priority. Renée Sunde, President/CEO of Washington Retail (WR), and Mark Johnson, SVP of Policy and Government Affairs, were present for the bill signing. WR was a strong supporter of the legislation.

The bill began as SB 5060, sponsored by Senator Jeff Holy (R-6), with the goal of providing law enforcement hiring grants. As it progressed through the legislative process, it was reintroduced as HB 2015 by Representative Debra Entenman (D-47), and its scope was significantly expanded. The final version authorizes grants not only for hiring law enforcement officers but also for prosecutors, public defenders, community resource officers, and specialists in mental health and substance use treatment. Additionally, it allows cities and counties to adopt a local sales tax to sustain long-term public safety funding.

Retailers and communities across Washington have been deeply affected by retail theft and organized retail crime in recent years. Ensuring the safety of retail employees and customers remains a top priority for WR. HB 2015 and its $100 million grant program represent a historic step forward in addressing these challenges.

WR extends its sincere thanks to Governor Ferguson, Representative Entenman, and Senators Dhingra and Holy for their leadership and commitment to this critical issue.

2025 legislative outcomes: Impacts on Washington retailers

The final day of legislative action was marked by the approval of more than $9 billion in new state and local taxes, which were signed into law by Governor Ferguson. Key measures affecting the retail sector include: 

• Increases to the Business & Occupation (B&O) tax 
• A new sales tax on services, which is expected to impact small retailers
• Property tax increases
• Elimination of several tax preferences

WR recognizes the need to address the state’s budget shortfall and acknowledges the complexity of the decisions involved. However, we remain concerned about the potential impact these tax increases may have on retailers, including higher consumer prices and tighter profit margins for businesses.

Several major policy bills also passed in the final days of the session:

• SB 5284 – Packaging & Recycling (EPR)

This bill establishes an Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) program, making Washington the seventh state to adopt such a plan. However, no state has fully implemented an EPR program yet. Retailers and consumers should expect increased costs.

• SB 5041 – Unemployment Insurance for Striking Workers

This bill provides up to six weeks of unemployment benefits to striking workers. WR has serious concerns about the legality of this measure, which appears to conflict with federal law. If upheld, it could deplete the state’s unemployment trust fund and raise employer taxes during the next major strike.

• HB 1213 – Paid Family & Medical Leave Expansion

This bill removes the small business exemption from the paid family and medical leave program, placing additional cost and compliance burdens on our smallest members. Unfortunately, this move disregards the original agreement between business and labor.

• HB 1308 – Employee Access to Personnel Records

This bill increases employer liability and is likely to lead to more legal actions against businesses.

• SB 5786 – Spirits Licensing Fee Increases

This bill raises fees for spirits licensing, impacting many retail businesses.

On a more positive note, SB 5408 was enacted, providing a limited right to cure for inadvertent job posting errors. This important measure should help reduce the number of unnecessary lawsuits being filed against employers.

HB 2015, related to public safety funding, is covered in a separate article.

This was a challenging, and quite literally "taxing", legislative session. WR remains committed to supporting our resilient retailers, their employees, and customers as they navigate the impacts of these new laws.

Governor Ferguson reflects on 2025 legislative session

Governor Bob Ferguson commended legislators and his team for their work during the 2025 session, which addressed a $16 billion budget shortfall. Key accomplishments include the adoption of a balanced budget that aligns with his priorities, including investing in K-12 education, affordable housing, and public safety.

Ferguson emphasized the importance of maintaining the state’s Rainy Day Fund reserves, noting the need for financial resilience amid federal uncertainties. He also rejected several large tax proposals, advocating for sustainable revenue solutions.

Several bipartisan initiatives were signed into law, such as Rep. Tom Dent’s bill for fuel exemptions for farmers and Rep. Lisa Callan’s proposal to improve youth mental health. Additionally, House Bill 2015, providing $100 million in grants to local law enforcement agencies, is seen as a significant step toward enhancing public safety.

The session also saw substantial investment in housing, with a historic commitment to the Housing Trust Fund, and a transportation budget that focuses on maintenance, mobility, and key projects like the I-5 Bridge Replacement. Ferguson thanked the legislature for its work in addressing the state’s most pressing needs while making strides in economic resilience and public welfare.

Governor Ferguson’s full statement

Source: Office of Governor Bob Ferguson

Governor signs legislation expanding minor work hours and strengthening safety requirements

In April, Governor Ferguson signed two new laws impacting youth employment in Washington State. HB 1121 expands allowable work hours for 16- and 17-year-olds enrolled in Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs, while HB 1164 increases safety requirements and penalties for violations involving minor workers.

Sponsored by Representative McClintock (LD-18), HB 1121 directs the Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) to update its rules to allow eligible students in CTE programs to work the same number of hours during the school year as they can during school breaks—so long as they are employed by an approved employer-partner.

Introduced by Representative Fosse (LD-38), HB 1164 imposes stricter conditions for student learner variances, increases penalties for violations of youth employment laws, and requires L&I to conduct safety consultations before minors can begin certain types of work-based learning.

What employers need to know 

• While HB 1121 provides greater flexibility for student workers, HB 1164 introduces new administrative requirements and potential delays due to mandatory L&I safety consultations. 
• Employers may also face increased liability, even in cases where incidents are caused by the student’s own actions, raising the stakes for compliance with youth labor laws.

These changes align with broader legislative efforts to expand CTE opportunities, including the creation of a Statewide CTE Task Force (2024) and the planned extension of CTE programming to sixth grade by 2025. However, the full impact of these new laws remains to be seen.

As part of the Retail Workforce Initiative, WR will continue collaborating with CTE directors and employers to monitor how these changes affect youth employment and workplace readiness across the state.

Consumers would bear the cost of increased B&O taxes

Published by Washington Research Council   

By: Emily Makings  

April 26, 2025

In an editorial, the Seattle Times writes that the tax increases proposed by legislators “will in the end hit those residents they say they’re trying to help.”

The Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy (ITEP) agrees. A recent ITEP post considers a business and occupation (B&O) tax proposal that would add a surcharge on income over $250 million. (The ITEP post is based on an early version of the proposal. The House has passed ESHB 2081, which is expected to be part of the operating budget deal.)



According to ITEP, “Because the B&O tax is so broad and is based directly on sales – rather than profits – businesses account for such a tax by raising prices in proportion to the tax. So although it does not appear on the customer’s receipt (as does a sales tax), it is passed to the customer in the form of higher prices. And the customers of large businesses (e.g. shoppers at big box retail stores) are not necessarily any higher income than the customers of smaller businesses. In other words, the tax ultimately comes out of the consumer’s pocket, not the business owner’s, so much of the tax is paid by middle- and low-income families.” 

The B&O is not, in fact, a sales tax. Nevertheless, the general point stands. As the Tax Foundation writes about gross receipts taxes (like the B&O), “Gross receipts taxes do not only impact business owners and shareholders. Consumers and workers also bear the tax incidence, in the form of higher prices and lower wages.” 

Legislative “trash talk” leads to passage of litter control bill

Before adjournment, lawmakers passed HB 1293 to amend existing laws regarding litter control and the use of plastic bags in Washington state. The bill:

• Raises the penalty for littering from a class 3 civil infraction to a class 2 civil infraction and specifies that this is in addition to any penalty imposed for materials thrown or dropped onto state highways.  
• Delays the increase to 4 mils in the allowable thickness of reusable plastic carryout bags from January 1, 2026, to January 1, 2028. 
• Allows the sale of reusable plastic carryout bags of 4 mils thickness with an additional $0.04 until December 31, 2027.

Under current law, the thickness of reusable plastic carryout bags was scheduled to increase to 4 mils starting January 1, 2026. This bill delays that requirement to January 1, 2028, allowing retailers to continue using bags with a thickness of 2.25 mils until the new deadline. 

However, the bill imposes a new fee for retailers to collect when offering reusable plastic bags with a 4 mils or greater thickness until December 31, 2027. Retailers must collect a four-cent penalty per bag and the 12-cent pass-through charge, which is scheduled to increase on January 1, 2026. The revenue from the fee will be deposited into the waste reduction, recycling, and litter control account to fund environmental initiatives. 

If signed into law, retailers using 4-mil-thick reusable plastic bags must carefully manage their inventory or be prepared to collect the additional fee, which must be itemized on customer receipts. 

Washington introduces new rules to phase out high-impact greenhouse gases

Washington State is updating its hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) regulations to reduce climate pollution. HFCs, found in products like air conditioners, refrigerators, and aerosol sprays, trap significantly more heat than carbon dioxide. Adopted by the Department of Ecology in late 2023, the new rules ban or limit products with high global warming potential (GWP). Businesses that manufacture, sell, lease, rent, or distribute affected products must comply or face penalties up to $10,000 per day, per violation.

While Ecology finalizes updates to Chapter 173-443 WAC, it is clarifying how sell-through provisions apply to refrigeration and air conditioning equipment listed in Tables 2 and 3. Originally, Ecology intended for a limited sell-through window starting on each restriction’s effective date, but rule language was unclear. Effective immediately, sellers may sell equipment manufactured before the restriction date for a short period beginning on the date the restriction takes effect.

Ecology is developing industry-specific resources to assist with compliance. More information is available at ecology.wa.gov. For questions, contact Karissa Stuto at Karissa.Stuto@ecy.wa.gov or 564-233-1983.

Washington Hydrofluorocarbons Restrictions 

Tariffs put pressure on small retailers and consumers

Small businesses, comprising 98% of all retailers and supporting over 13 million jobs, are facing increasing challenges due to rising tariffs. These import taxes, which are paid by U.S. companies rather than foreign governments, place significant financial strain on Main Street businesses, including retailers, restaurants, and manufacturers.

For small retailers operating on tight margins, tariff-driven cost increases are difficult to absorb. Many are forced to raise prices, directly impacting consumers. This, in turn, contributes to a decline in consumer confidence, reducing spending at local shops and further squeezing small businesses.

Compounding the issue is the limited availability of domestically sourced goods. While many small businesses prioritize buying American-made products, some items are simply not produced in the U.S., leaving importation, and associated tariffs, as the only option.

Without relief, the long-term impact may include reduced economic activity, job losses, and permanent closures of local stores. WR continues to monitor these issues and advocates for balanced policies that support the long-term success of small businesses and the communities they serve.

NRF.com

State of freight: Trump tariffs put holiday retail season at risk

The escalating U.S.–China trade conflict is threatening to upend the most important shopping events of the year, from Amazon Prime Day and Fourth of July sales to Black Friday and Cyber Monday. President Trump’s recent hike in tariffs, including a 145% duty on some Chinese imports, has retailers and manufacturers warning of delayed shipments, increased prices, and possible product shortages during peak shopping periods.

China has recently signaled a willingness to reopen trade discussions, but with holiday order deadlines rapidly approaching, business leaders say time is running out. For many, the next month will determine whether shelves are fully stocked or painfully sparse come late summer and fall.

Lauren Greenwood, president of home goods brand YouCopia, said her company halted shipments in April after a factory shutdown in Nanjing. With containers of products sitting idle and tariff costs jumping from $2,500 to as much as $80,000 per shipment, restarting production isn’t feasible without tariff relief. “We’ve already raised prices 20–25%,” Greenwood said. “But we can’t sustain this without changes.”

Retailers have attempted to cushion the blow by front-loading shipments before tariffs took effect, but that’s proving insufficient. Small and mid-size businesses are especially exposed, says Jon Gold of the National Retail Federation, as they lack the financial flexibility to absorb the new costs.

Amazon is also navigating the uncertainty. CEO Andy Jassy told investors it’s unclear how tariffs will impact the platform, given the wide range of third-party sellers and their varied pricing strategies. Some may pass along costs, others may not—but either way, volatility is expected.

Other brands, like baby gear maker Colugo, are warning customers that product availability could tighten. General Manager Melissa Gad said she’s paused manufacturing and is advising parents to shop early. With fewer promotions planned, typical holiday discounts may be hard to come by.

Supply chain data from interos.ai shows a 53% drop in U.S. holiday imports since Trump’s tariff announcement in early April. Nearly half of U.S. seasonal imports typically come from China, making the situation especially precarious for goods like toys, apparel, and electronics.



Even if a trade agreement comes soon, logistics experts warn that production and shipping delays could still mean holiday shortages. “If vessels have already been rerouted, getting them back will take weeks,” said OL USA CEO Alan Baer.

Still, not all is lost. Some companies are shifting production to India and Southeast Asia to keep inventory flowing. Paul Brashier of ITS Logistics said increased shipments from outside China are softening the blow, though higher prices remain likely.

With canceled sailings piling up and growing tension at U.S. ports, the holiday retail season is shaping up to be both leaner and more expensive. Unless a resolution is reached soon, shoppers could face fewer choices and steeper prices on everything from toys to household staples.

Image: Washington State Legislature

Legislature approves $100 million for public safety

WR is pleased to share that the Legislature has approved $100 million in local government grant funding through its final Operating Budget. These funds will support the hiring of law enforcement officers, prosecutors, public defenders, treatment specialists, and community resource officers, a significant step forward in addressing public safety needs. This funding was a key priority for Governor Ferguson.

In addition, HB 2015, sponsored by Rep. Debra Entenman (D-47), provides local governments with new tools to support the long-term funding of public safety improvements. Governor Ferguson has also expressed support for this measure.

Notably, the original proposal, SB 5060 by Senator Jeff Holy (R-6), also called for $100 million, but focused solely on hiring law enforcement officers. With Washington currently ranking last in the nation for per capita law enforcement staffing, WR strongly supported SB 5060. We also believe HB 2015 represents an improvement by broadening the eligible positions and offering a more sustainable funding mechanism for cities and counties.

Public safety is a core function of government and must remain a top priority. WR commends the Governor and Legislature for making this critical investment in the safety and well-being of our communities.

2025 Western States ORC Conference set for Seaside, Oregon

The 6th annual Western States Organized Retail Crime (ORC) Conference will take place September 10–12, 2025, bringing together professionals from retail, law enforcement, and government to collaborate on strategies to combat organized retail crime. Held in Seaside, Oregon, the event will feature expert-led sessions, real-world case studies, and networking opportunities designed to strengthen regional partnerships and prevention efforts.

Early bird pricing is available through July 15, 2025, making now a great time to secure your spot.

Conference Details: 

• Dates: September 10–12, 2025 
• Location: Seaside Civic and Convention Center, 415 1st Avenue, Seaside, OR 97138 

Register Now!

Don’t miss this key opportunity to join the fight against organized retail crime through collaboration and training.

WR Government Affairs team reflects, refines, and refocuses at 2025 session debrief retreat

The WR Government Affairs team recently held its 2025 Legislative Session Debrief Retreat, moderated by Jennie Foglia-Jones.

Together, the team conducted a personal inventory of successes, challenges, and lessons learned in WR’s mission to advocate for Washington’s retail industry. The team engaged in honest dialogue with a focus on continuous improvement.

The retreat also provided a valuable opportunity for the team to begin shaping interim strategies to strengthen retail advocacy across the state. A key focus moving forward is expanding grassroots engagement and increasing retailer participation in policy discussions.

If you’re interested in joining WR’s grassroots advocacy work or want to learn more about how to get involved, please contact Director of Local & State Government Affairs Crystal Leatherman to get involved. (360-884-0771 | cleatherman@washingtonretail.org) 

WR addresses The Bellevue Collection tenants on organized retail crime

This week in Bellevue, WR Senior Vice President Mark Johnson addressed loss prevention officers from The Bellevue Collection during a tenant meeting focused on organized retail crime (ORC). WR President and CEO Renée Sunde and Director of Local and State Government Affairs Crystal Leatherman were also in attendance in support of the event.

Johnson highlighted key legislative efforts aimed at combating organized retail crime, including the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act (CORCA) — federal bills H.R. 2853 and S. 1404, both recently introduced in Congress. The legislation has strong bipartisan support, and President Trump has indicated his support for the measure.

He also discussed HB 2015, which funds a public safety grant program designed to help cities and counties hire additional police officers, prosecutors, public defenders, treatment specialists, and community resource officers. The program has been fully funded with $100 million.

ORC is a multi-billion-dollar issue impacting communities nationwide. WR applauds federal, state, and local efforts to address this growing concern and commends The Bellevue Collection and Kemper Development for hosting the ORC Tenant Meeting to help tenants better protect themselves against these crimes.

Register now: 2025 PNWER Annual Summit in Bellevue

The 2025 Pacific NorthWest Economic Region (PNWER) Annual Summit will be held July 20–24 at the Hyatt Regency in Bellevue, WA. This premier event brings together over 600 leaders from both the U.S. and Canada to collaborate on cross-border solutions in trade, infrastructure, energy, workforce development, and more.

WR President & CEO Renée Sunde is among the host committee members helping shape this year’s Summit. Attendees will have the opportunity to connect directly with policymakers, legislators, and business leaders to discuss the future of regional economic cooperation.

PNWER is a nonpartisan public-private partnership that fosters collaboration between states, provinces, and territories to strengthen economic resilience across the Pacific Northwest.



Join the conversation. Be part of the region’s future.

Register today at pnwer.org/2025-summit.

The power of small retail businesses in Washington 

Small retail businesses are the heart of Washington’s economy and the soul of our communities. As we celebrate Small Business Month this May, WR proudly recognizes the essential role these businesses play across our state.

From bustling main streets to small-town storefronts, Washington’s small retailers provide more than just goods and services, they create jobs, fuel local economies, and contribute to the character and vibrancy of our neighborhoods. Nearly half of America's workforce is employed by small businesses, and the dollars spent locally help fund critical services like education, emergency response, and infrastructure.

Supporting small businesses means investing directly in the future of our communities. Every purchase helps a local entrepreneur succeed, keeps tax dollars close to home, and strengthens the connections that make Washington a great place to live and work.

During Small Business Month, we encourage everyone to shop local, share the stories of your favorite small retailers, and recognize the lasting impact they have on our lives. When we support small businesses, we’re not just investing in products or services, we’re investing in the well-being and future of our communities.