Remembering Former Secretary of State Ralph Munro

Ralph Munro’s impact on Washington is immeasurable. His leadership and advocacy transformed the state, from improving access for people with disabilities to preserving public lands and protecting marine life. He was a champion for education, social services, and civic engagement, always working to create a more inclusive and forward-thinking Washington.

His dedication to public service set a high standard, and his influence will continue to be felt for generations. WR honors his legacy and the lasting contributions he made to our communities.

Remembering Former Speaker Frank Chopp

WR joins the many voices honoring the legacy of former House Speaker Frank Chopp. His lifelong dedication to housing, economic development, and social programs transformed communities across our state. Through initiatives like the Housing Trust Fund and Apple Health and Homes, he helped build a stronger foundation for Washingtonians in need.

Chopp’s leadership and advocacy left a lasting imprint on our state’s economy and workforce. His commitment to service will continue to inspire those working to create opportunities for all. His impact will not be forgotten.

IN THIS ISSUE

ON THE LOCAL FRONT

• Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell draws significant challenger for reelection
• US Small Business Administration relocating Seattle Office and revising loan eligibility policies
• Downtown Seattle’s recovery gains momentum
• Seattle Council Committee hears police update from new Chief
• Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell addresses past arrest, cites racial profiling

POLICY

• Potential Medicaid cuts could push Washington lawmakers into special session
• Senate unanimously passes bill to improve safety in juvenile facilities
• WR urges Senate to address root causes of rising workers' disability rates
• From strain to crisis: Lawmakers consider crushing employment costs for retailers
• Bad for business: A look at bills that missed the mark in Washington State
• Senate passes unemployment benefits for striking workers
• Governor Bob Ferguson’s statement on the Governor’s Emergency Powers

ECONOMY

• Washington State revenue forecast adjusted down by $844 million
• 5 things to know about tariffs
• Economic uncertainty looms as inflation data awaits
• Retailers brace for rising tariffs as import volumes hold steady

RETAIL THEFT & PUBLIC SAFETY

• Washington cracks down on organized retail crime amid rising theft cases

Katie Wilson, who is running for mayor, poses for a portrait in Seattle on Tuesday. (Karen Ducey / The Seattle Times)

Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell draws significant challenger for reelection

Katie Wilson, co-founder and General Secretary of the Transit Riders Union and a leading progressive leader in Seattle, announced her candidacy for mayor of Seattle. Although Wilson is the fifth challenger to announce, she is the first credible threat to Mayor Harrell.

Wilson told The Stranger that Mayor Harrell’s lack of action on homelessness is a major reason she entered the race. She explained “[f]our years ago, when Harrell was running for mayor, he made some big promises on homelessness. He promised to open 2000 units of emergency housing shelter in his first year; he did not even come close to delivering those numbers.”

She urged a shift in the city’s focus from permanent housing for the homeless to building more tiny home villages and expanding programs like JustCare, which works with the unhoused on their individual needs.

Wilson has not only criticized the mayor and city government but has also taken aim at the city’s progressive left, arguing that it failed to acknowledge public concerns about safety, open drug use, and rising homelessness. She believes this disconnect contributed to the success of more pragmatic candidates in the 2023 City Council elections.

“Specifically on homelessness and also public safety, the left, broadly speaking, got to a place where we were not responding sufficiently to the reality that people were experiencing and seeing around them, and that cost us,” explained Wilson.

Unlike his two immediate predecessors, Harrell is seeking reelection, making this race a potential barometer for the public’s confidence in Seattle city government. It remains to be seen whether Wilson can raise the money and build the organization needed to mount to strong challenge to Mayor Harrell. Harrell retains strong support from labor unions, business leaders, and key progressives, including Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal.

US Small Business Administration relocating Seattle Office and revising loan eligibility policies

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has announced plans to relocate its office in Seattle. This decision is part of a broader move to shift SBA offices in several cities, including Denver, Atlanta, Boston, New York, and Chicago. While the SBA has not specified the new location for the Seattle office or the timeline for the move, the agency has indicated that the change is part of a broader adjustment to its operations.

In addition to the office move, the SBA introduced a new requirement for loan applications. A “citizenship verification provision” will be included to ensure that businesses seeking SBA support are not owned, in whole or in part, by individuals who are not authorized to be in the country. The SBA has not clarified whether loans will still be available to noncitizens who hold permanent resident or green card status.

In 2024, the Seattle office approved significant loan amounts, including $117 million in 504 program loans for real estate projects and over $965 million in 7(a) program loans for working capital.

The SBA's decision has sparked responses from local leaders. Rachel Smith, president and CEO of the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce, expressed concern, stating that the move could hinder small business leaders in the region. A spokesperson for Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell also voiced criticism, arguing that the change could negatively impact local businesses and communities.

The SBA maintains an additional office in Spokane, and its Portland office supports several counties in southwest Washington. The future of SBA services in the region will depend on the relocation and the new loan eligibility policies.

Downtown Seattle’s recovery gains momentum

Downtown Seattle is on the path to a “bloom loop,” signaling a hopeful shift from the pandemic-era “doom loop,” according to business leaders and city officials at the recent State of Downtown event.

Jon Scholes, president of the Downtown Seattle Association (DSA), highlighted the city’s progress after years of pandemic-driven challenges. While issues like high office vacancy rates and crime persist, key indicators suggest a turnaround. In 2024, local visitors to downtown surged 20% to 1.1 million, and foot traffic in the Pike-Pine corridor surpassed pre-pandemic levels. Office leasing also hit a five-year high, with 448 new leases signed.

Seattle’s largest private employer, Amazon, has begun bringing workers back to the office full-time, already boosting foot traffic. January 2025 data showed the second-highest daily average of worker foot traffic since March 2020 and nearly 2 million unique visitors downtown—94% of pre-pandemic levels.

Mayor Bruce Harrell and Governor Bob Ferguson expressed optimism about Seattle’s recovery, emphasizing continued investment in the city’s core. “2024 was a great year,” Harrell said. “And going into 2025, this is when we dig deep.”

As businesses, workers, and visitors return, Seattle’s retail and economic landscape is poised for further revitalization.

Seattle Council Committee hears police update from new Chief

On February 25, the Seattle City Council’s Public Safety Committee heard a presentation from Interim Police Chief Shon Barnes.

The Interim Chief opened with his vision for the Seattle Police Department (“SPD”):

"The Seattle Police Department will aim to create and maintain a safe and supportive Seattle through our commitment to Excellence, Selfless Public Service, Resilience, Community Partnerships, and Evidence-Based Policing Practices."

Next, he discussed his approach to improving officer retention, which has been a major challenge over the past 5 years. Chief Barnes pledged to:

• Listen and Respond to Employee Feedback
• Negotiate Timely Labor Contracts
• Invest in Officer Safety and Wellness
• Promote Internal Procedural Justice
• Develop Our People

It’s worth noting that the Seattle Police Officers Guild worked for three years on an expired contract before a new contract was approved in 2024. This contract made the Seattle police the highest paid in the state. However, this retroactive contract only covered the time period in which officers worked without a contract. The City is now negotiating a contract to cover 2024 and future years.

The Interim Chief shared good news about police recruitment efforts. Last year, SPD saw a 123% increase in unique applicants and a 139% jump in applicants who passed the police exams. For the first time since 2019, SPD achieved a net gain in officers, although it was just a net gain of a single officer. In terms of total officers, SPD peaked in 2017 with 1,316 officers before plunging the following years. With 907 officers, SPD reached its low ebb last year. Chief Barnes projects having 970 officers in 2025, jumping to 1,024 in 2026.

Beyond the drop in officers, SPD has seen a slew of lawsuits by officers and senior leadership in the department over the past few years. With new leadership at the top of the department and improved recruitment and retention, SPD could be facing a much brighter future with more police officers to improve public safety.

Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell addresses past arrest, cites racial profiling

Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell recently spoke about a 1996 arrest in Iowa, which he says was the result of racial profiling. At the time, Harrell, then a young attorney, was charged with carrying a concealed weapon, brandishing it, and resisting arrest - charges that were later dismissed.

Harrell explained that as a Black man newly relocated to the Midwest, he carried a gun for protection. He linked the experience to his long-standing advocacy for police accountability. “This is one reason I have been a strong advocate for police accountability,” Harrell stated.

The arrest, which had not been widely known during his political career, came to light through an anonymous tip. Harrell’s spokesperson confirmed that he has shared the incident privately with friends and family over the years.

Harrell, elected mayor in 2021, has prioritized public safety and criminal justice reform, including police body cameras and tenant protection laws. Entering his re-election year, he continues to emphasize transparency and equity in law enforcement.

SeattleTimes.com

Potential Medicaid cuts could push Washington lawmakers into special session

Proposed federal Medicaid cuts could significantly impact Washington state’s budget, potentially forcing lawmakers into a special session. The Republican-led U.S. House recently passed a budget that assumes an extension of the 2017 tax cuts while slashing spending on programs like Medicaid and Medicare by $880 billion.

Washington’s Medicaid program, Apple Health, covers approximately 1.9 million residents—around 20% of the state’s population. If Congress enacts a proposed one-third reduction in Medicaid funding, Washington could see:

• 61,000 rural residents lose health coverage
• 210,000 children lose insurance
• Nearly 1 in 5 seniors lose nursing home care
• Over 600,000 people lose health coverage

House Speaker Laurie Jinkins (D-Tacoma) warned that such drastic cuts could send the Legislature into “completely uncharted territory.” The state is already working to close a projected $6 billion budget gap, and additional Medicaid cuts could cost Washington billions more.

With the legislative session set to end April 27, uncertainty looms over how the state will respond if federal cuts materialize. For now, lawmakers remain focused on balancing the budget while preparing for the potential financial strain ahead.

The Green Hill School in Chehalis. (Photo courtesy of Department of Children Youth and Families)

Senate unanimously passes bill to improve safety in juvenile facilities

The Washington State Senate has unanimously approved SB 5278, sponsored by Sen. John Braun (R-20th), to address overcrowding and safety concerns in juvenile justice facilities. The bill now moves to the House of Representatives for further consideration.

SB 5278 aims to resolve issues at facilities like Green Hill School in Chehalis, which have faced rising violence, gang activity, and drug-related incidents since the passage of justice reform laws in 2018 and 2019. One such law, “JR to 25,” allows individuals convicted before age 18 to remain in juvenile facilities until age 25, contributing to overcrowding and security challenges.

The bill grants the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) more flexibility in transferring dangerous individuals over 18 to the Department of Corrections (DOC). It also creates pathways for lower-risk residents to transition into work-release programs, vocational training, or community-based rehabilitation.

“The current system is failing both staff and inmates,” said Braun. “This bill provides essential tools to manage populations safely while ensuring rehabilitation remains a priority.”

With unanimous Senate approval, SB 5278 signals a bipartisan commitment to safer, more effective juvenile justice policies.

WR urges Senate to address root causes of rising workers' disability rates

The Senate Labor Committee recently held a hearing on HB 1788, a bill that standardizes temporary total disability (TTD) payments for injured workers based on the number of dependents, regardless of marital status. WR and other business groups testified in opposition, urging lawmakers to focus on addressing the root causes of rising long-term disability (LTD) rates rather than implementing another short-term fix.

The data speaks for Itself:

• Washington’s workers’ compensation system allocates 73% of its funds to disability payments—the highest percentage in the nation. By comparison, the national median is 47%, while California and Oregon stand at 49% and 50%, respectively.
• In 2011, the Legislature set a goal to reduce LTD by creating the Stay at Work reimbursement program when LTD rates stood at 16.1%. While the rate improved to 13% in 2019, it has now reversed back to 16% as of December 2024—erasing a decade of progress. 
• Pension costs per claim have surged 70% from 2015 to 2022, with the latest total permanent disability claim costing an average of $1.4 million.

WR urges the Legislature to amend HB 1788 to require L&I’s Workers’ Compensation Advisory Committee—which includes both labor and business representatives—to investigate the systemic drivers of rising LTD rates before imposing additional costs. Expanding benefits without addressing the root causes will only exacerbate the issue. Policymakers should focus on preventing workers from entering LTD in the first place through sustainable, long-term solutions.

From strain to crisis: Lawmakers consider crushing employment costs for retailers

Washington retailers have faced staggering payroll cost increases in recent years, and pending legislation threatens to make the financial strain unsustainable.

Key proposals driving up employment costs:

• ESSB 5041 - provides up to 12 weeks of unemployment benefits to striking workers, a move that could unnecessarily prolong labor disputes and increase employer costs.
• HB 1213 – eliminates the small business exemption from offering job protection and healthcare continuation for workers using Paid Family and Medical Leave program.
• SB 5463 – Imposes vague "good faith and fair dealing" standards on self-insured workers’ compensation employers, increasing litigation risks.
• HB 1308 and HB 1402 – Expands private rights of action, effectively privatizing labor law enforcement and exposing employers to costly lawsuits.

Additional costly employment mandates with heavy administrative burdens:

• SB 5101 – Expands domestic violence leave protections to include hate crime victims.
• HB 1748 – Restricts employer hiring decisions by prohibiting criminal background checks until after a conditional job offer.
• SB 5217 – Removes small employer exemptions for pregnancy accommodations, adding new postnatal care requirements and costs to small businesses who cannot accommodate on-site.
• HB 1524 – Increases fines and enforcement requirements for isolated workers (janitors, housekeeping, security).
• HB 1875 – Expands paid sick leave to include time off for immigration proceedings.

Each new mandate adds pressure to cut staff, reduce hours, increase automation, or even close stores. While well-intended, these legislative proposals could push retailers—and the jobs they provide—closer to a breaking point, jeopardizing community access to goods and harming the state’s economic stability.

Washington retailers urge lawmakers to consider the cumulative impact of these policies and work toward balanced solutions that support both workers and businesses.

Bad for business: A look at bills that missed the mark in Washington State

While every legislative session brings new proposals aimed at addressing social and economic issues, not all bills are well-crafted, properly stakeholdered, or beneficial for businesses. This year, several bills introduced in Washington State had the potential to create significant challenges for retailers and the broader business community. Fortunately, these bills are unlikely to advance this session—but they still warrant attention as they could return in the future.

Supply Chain Burdens

HB 1107 – Concerning environmental impacts of fashion

Positioned as a measure to curb the environmental effects of “fast fashion,” this bill was, in reality, a supply chain transparency mandate that would have placed significant compliance burdens on retailers. Instead of fostering sustainability in a collaborative way, HB 1107 risked creating costly and unrealistic reporting requirements, disproportionately impacting businesses with complex global supply chains.

Artificial Intelligence: Overregulation Without Clarity

HB 1168 – Increasing transparency in artificial intelligence

HB 1170 – Informing users when content is developed or modified by artificial intelligence

While AI transparency is an important conversation, these bills took a heavy-handed approach that could stifle innovation and add unnecessary compliance burdens. HB 1168 and HB 1170 sought to impose broad disclosure requirements without clear guidelines on implementation, potentially leading to confusion and unintended liability for businesses that use AI in customer service, marketing, or operational efficiencies.

A Public Safety Nightmare for Businesses

HB 1380 – Public property regulations (“Homeless Bill of Rights”)

This bill would have allowed encampments on public property, including sidewalks in front of businesses, making it more difficult for retailers to ensure a safe and welcoming environment for employees and customers. While addressing homelessness is critical, HB 1380 failed to provide balanced solutions that also factor in the impact this could have on public safety and economic viability.

Prohibits Protection of Proprietary Business Information and Clienteles

HB 1155 – Ban on non-compete agreements

A full ban on non-compete agreements would have eliminated an important tool that businesses use to protect proprietary information and maintain a competitive workforce. This ban could hurt businesses that rely on non-competes to safeguard intellectual property and prevent unfair competition.

Expanding Employer Liability Without Clear Justification

HB 1002 & HB 1070 – Presumptive PTSD coverage

These bills sought to expand presumptive PTSD workers’ comp coverage for certain professions with extremely high fiscal notes without considering measures to prevent such incidents.

Costly increases to minimum wage and PTO

HB 1181 & SB 5578 – Minimum wage increases & mandated paid time off

These bills would have imposed significant new and costly labor mandates by dramatically increasing the minimum wage and requiring additional paid time off, regardless of a business’s size or financial capacity.

Unworkable Data Privacy Legislation

HB 1671 – Data Privacy

While consumer data protection is an important issue, HB 1671 took an impractical approach that would have created a maze of confusing and costly compliance requirements for businesses. Instead of establishing clear, uniform privacy standards, the bill imposed vague obligations that could have resulted in legal uncertainty, operational burdens, and increased costs. The bill was also particularly harmful to Washington-based businesses.

Looking Ahead

Although these bills are unlikely to move forward this session, there is a very strong possibility we will see them return next year. WR will continue to advocate for practical, balanced legislation that protects retailers and supports economic growth while collaborating with lawmakers on solutions to address legitimate concerns in a fair and effective manner.

Senate passes unemployment benefits for striking workers

The Washington State Senate has approved SB 5041, a bill that threatens the integrity of our unemployment insurance system by granting benefits to striking workers for up to twelve weeks. This legislation would disrupt labor negotiations, tipping the scales for prolonged strikes, and severe financial consequences for our state and the UI trust fund.

The right to strike is respected but should be a last resort, with labor and management negotiating in good faith. UI benefits during a labor dispute unfairly shift the balance.

Retailers and the business community remain concerned that this bill will create a conformity issue with the federal UI system because unemployment is meant for workers who lose their jobs through no fault of their own.

Additionally, public employers may be forced to cover benefits for workers participating in illegal strikes unless a court formally declares the strike unlawful.

Lawmakers should be concerned that the bill’s fiscal note fails to consider worst-case scenarios for extended strikes and excludes data from significant strikes like the recent Boeing and Teamsters concrete strike. The estimated cost of this recent 7-week strike would have cost the trust fund $162 million. An extended strike would have had an even greater impact on the trust fund and the economy.

The bill now moves to the House, where a similar proposal allowing four weeks of benefits passed in the 2024 session but ultimately failed in the Senate.

Gov. Bob Ferguson speaks to reporters at the state Capitol on Feb. 27, 2025 about his plans to cut state spending by about $4 billion over four years. (Photo by Bill Lucia/Washington State Standard)

Governor Bob Ferguson’s statement on the Governor’s Emergency Powers

March 11, 2025

Press release issued by Governor’s Office

“Despite lawmakers on both sides of the aisle engaging in good faith negotiation, it’s clear that the Legislature will not adopt bipartisan legislation to place reasonable limits on the Governor’s emergency powers.

“Reform is necessary to protect Washingtonians in times of emergency while ensuring an appropriate balance between the branches of government. 

“Consequently, I commit to the people of Washington and the Legislature that I will take the following actions in the event of an emergency when the continuity of government has not been disrupted:

“If I declare a state of emergency that lasts longer than 60 days while the Legislature is not in session, I will terminate that emergency, or any order arising from it, if three leaders of the four legislative caucuses write to me requesting that action.

“Moreover, if a state of emergency has been in place longer than 120 days while the Legislature is not in session, I will call a special session to give the Legislature the opportunity to terminate an emergency order or declaration.

“This policy will remain in effect as long as I am Governor unless the Legislature adopts bipartisan legislation amending these emergency powers.”

Senator Keith Wagoner (R-Sedro Wooley) shared this statement in response: 

“I welcome the Governor’s proactive approach; it demonstrates his sincere understanding of the issue of unchecked governors’ emergency powers and the important role the legislature plays. This is a win for Washington’s citizens but, it is a perishable win. The legislature needs to codify similar provisions into law.”

Washington State revenue forecast adjusted down by $844 million

The Economic and Revenue Forecast Council (ERFC) has revised its projections, estimating that Near General Fund Outlook (NGFO) revenues will be $844 million lower than previously expected over the forecast period.

While the forecast for the current 2023–25 biennium has increased slightly by $55 million to $66.445 billion, projections for future biennium have been reduced. The 2025–27 forecast is down by $479 million to $70.952 billion, and the 2027–29 forecast has decreased by $420 million to $76.425 billion.

Compared to the February 2024 forecast, which informed the state’s operating budget, revenues are now expected to be lower by $560 million in 2023–25, $769 million in 2025–27, and $523 million in 2027–29—a total decline of $1.852 billion.

Despite these adjustments, NGFO revenues are still projected to grow, increasing by $4.507 billion from 2023–25 to 2025–27 and by $5.473 billion from 2025–27 to 2027–29. The ERFC’s alternative forecasts suggest potential revenue fluctuations, with an optimistic scenario estimating an increase of $4.374 billion by 2025–27 and a pessimistic outlook predicting a shortfall of $4.772 billion.

Retailers and businesses should stay informed on these changes, as they may impact state budget decisions and economic policies.

5 things to know about tariffs

These ‘taxes on imports’ could increase consumer prices and uncertainty in the supply chain.

Jonathan Gold , VP, Supply Chain & Customs Policy 

March 5, 2025

Retailers strive to deliver a wide selection of affordable products every day to their customers. However, they also rely on products imported throughout international supply chains to offer American consumers high quality goods at a variety of price points. As policymakers consider a number of trade proposals, it’s important to know the significant impact tariffs will have on retailers, consumers and the U.S. economy.

What is a tariff? 

Tariffs are a tax on goods imported into the United States and are paid for by the U.S. importer. Tariffs are just one of several trade policy tools available for policymakers to achieve a successful diplomatic outcome. They are intended to raise the cost of imported goods, making them less competitive compared with domestically manufactured products.

When tariffs are enacted, retailers are forced to choose between raising their prices or relying on already slim profit margins to absorb the increased cost of inventory.

What announcements has the Trump administration made regarding international trade and tariffs?

At the start of his second term, President Trump signed three Executive Orders placing a 25% tariff on imports of goods and a 10% tariff on energy resources from Canada, a 25% tariff on imports from Mexico, and a 10% tariff on imports from China.

Economic uncertainty looms as inflation data awaits

This week, all eyes are on the latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) report, which will reveal whether inflation continues its upward trend or if pressures on businesses and consumers are easing. With rising economic uncertainty and a potential government shutdown looming, key indicators will shape expectations for businesses and policymakers alike.

Small business confidence and job openings data will provide insight into whether growing policy uncertainty is dampening investment and hiring. Meanwhile, the Producer Price Index (PPI) and CPI reports will indicate whether inflation, driven by rising oil, food, and insurance costs, remains persistent. A higher-than-expected CPI reading could delay Federal Reserve rate cuts, pushing bond yields and mortgage rates higher.

Adding to concerns, the government faces a potential shutdown if a spending agreement isn’t reached by March 14. Economic research suggests that such uncertainty can reduce business investment by 2-3 percentage points and slow GDP growth by up to 1%.

For retailers, these developments could impact consumer spending and business planning. A lower-than-expected inflation reading and a resolved shutdown could provide some relief. Either way, this week’s economic data will be crucial in shaping the outlook for the months ahead.

Retailers brace for rising tariffs as import volumes hold steady

Amid ongoing tariff uncertainty, U.S. ports are seeing strong import volumes, with projections indicating continued growth through spring before potential declines this summer, according to the latest Global Port Tracker report from the National Retail Federation (NRF) and Hackett Associates.

Retailers are working to bring in merchandise ahead of increasing tariffs, particularly on Chinese imports, which recently doubled from 10% to 20%. NRF Vice President Jonathan Gold emphasized that tariffs are ultimately a tax on consumers, raising prices for American families. Meanwhile, new fees on Chinese-built ships being considered by the U.S. Trade Representative could further drive up costs for cargo owners.

January imports reached 2.22 million Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units (TEUs), marking a 13.4% year-over-year increase. February projections suggest the busiest month in three years, while March through May are expected to see continued growth. However, declines are anticipated in June and July, reflecting both tariff concerns and last year’s preemptive import surge ahead of labor disputes.

Retailers continue to navigate supply chain challenges, balancing cost pressures with consumer demand. The full Global Port Tracker report is available to NRF members at NRF.com/PortTracker.

Alleged shoplifting suspect at Lowe's in Lacey. Image courtesy of Lacey Police Department

Washington cracks down on organized retail crime amid rising theft cases

Law enforcement across Washington is intensifying efforts to combat Organized Retail Crime (ORC), leading to arrests and prosecutions statewide. In Spokane, Michael Lewis, 40, faces charges for allegedly exploiting Home Depot’s online system to steal $22,800 in merchandise and fraudulently obtain refunds. Authorities say he sold stolen goods on Facebook Marketplace and used multiple vehicles in his scheme.

Meanwhile, in Lacey, police arrested Jenessa Tejano, 33, for a series of thefts at Target totaling $1,512.91. The suspect admitted to multiple incidents and now faces second-degree organized retail theft charges.

In the Puget Sound region, three suspects allegedly stole over $143,000 in high-end merchandise from stores in Renton, Tukwila, and beyond. Charges include multiple counts of ORC, with one suspect held on $325,000 bail.

Oregon is also stepping up enforcement. A Clackamas County retail crime operation recently resulted in 20 arrests and the recovery of over $3,100 in stolen goods, funded by an Organized Retail Theft grant.

As these crimes escalate, Gov. Bob Ferguson is pushing for $100 million in police funding to bolster enforcement. With legislative debates ongoing, Washington’s approach to tackling ORC remains a pressing issue for both lawmakers and retailers.