Newsletter — August 06, 2026 | | |
POLTICAL NEWS
POLICY
ECONOMY
ON THE LOCAL FRONT
RETAIL THEFT & PUBLIC SAFETY
IN THE NEWS
SAFETY
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2026 Primary Election: Awaiting Final Results
Washington's primary election was held on Tuesday, August 4. While Election Day has passed, the results are not yet final. As a vote-by-mail state, Washington counts all ballots postmarked by Election Day, so vote tallies will continue to update in the days ahead as county elections offices process outstanding ballots. Counties certify their results by August 18, and the Secretary of State will certify the statewide totals by August 21.
Turnout is also running behind the last midterm, which means the picture could shift as later ballots are counted. A few races are already giving a sense of who is likely to advance to the general:
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3rd Congressional District — Incumbent Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D) holds a razor-thin lead over State Senate Republican Leader John Braun (R), 38.9% to 38.71%
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48th LD, House Pos. 2 — Rep. Amy Walen (D) leads Redmond City Councilmember Jessica Forsythe 51% to 46.3%
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42nd LD, Senate — Four candidates filed for this open seat. Erika Creydt (R) currently leads with 46.05%, while second place remains a toss-up between Michael Alvarez Shephard (D) at 27.04% and Eamonn Collins (D) at 24.46%.
Please note: these are early, unofficial results as of August 5, 2026, and remain subject to change until certification is complete.
WR is monitoring results closely and will provide an update once the election is certified. WR will also announce a second round of endorsements ahead of the November general election.
For a full list of the candidates WR endorsed in the 2026 primary is available here.
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What CEMA means for businesses
Recent litigation involving Washington's Commercial Electronic Mail Act (CEMA) is a reminder that the state's commercial email law has broad implications for businesses that rely on digital marketing. While the lawsuit focused on promotional email subject lines, the larger issue extends well beyond any single company.
Enacted to protect consumers from deceptive commercial email practices, CEMA allows recipients to seek statutory damages when qualifying emails contain false or misleading subject lines. Following a 2025 Washington Supreme Court decision, businesses across a wide range of industries experienced a sharp increase in litigation over routine marketing language, even in cases where the content of the email accurately reflected the promotion.
Recognizing the growing uncertainty for employers, the Washington Retail Association (WR) led a broad coalition advocating for legislative reforms that would preserve consumer protections while providing clearer standards for compliance. Those efforts resulted in the passage of HB 2274, which Governor Bob Ferguson signed into law earlier this year. The legislation clarifies the standard for determining when a subject line is misleading, introduces a knowledge standard for liability, and reduces statutory damages, while maintaining protections against deceptive commercial email practices.
Recent CEMA litigation serves as a timely reminder that Washington's commercial email law has far reaching implications for businesses of all sizes. As digital communication continues to be a critical tool for engaging customers, it is important that state law strikes an appropriate balance by protecting consumers from deceptive practices while providing businesses with clear, practical standards that encourage compliance rather than litigation.
Cases like this underscore why WR continues to advocate for policies that strengthen consumer confidence while supporting a healthy business climate.
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Cosmetic formaldehyde releaser restrictions begin Jan. 1, 2027
Washington state is continuing implementation of its Toxic-Free Cosmetics Act (TFCA), which establishes restrictions on certain chemicals in beauty and personal care products to reduce exposure to toxic substances.
The state’s restrictions on formaldehyde and methylene glycol in cosmetics took effect Jan. 1, 2025, under Chapter 173-339 WAC. Products containing these chemicals were subject to a sell-through period that ended Dec. 31, 2025, meaning cosmetics currently sold or used in Washington cannot contain formaldehyde or methylene glycol. These chemicals are commonly found in some hair straightening and smoothing treatments.
Additional restrictions on formaldehyde releasers will begin Jan. 1, 2027. Washington became the first state to adopt a comprehensive ban on intentionally added formaldehyde-releasing chemicals in cosmetics. The requirements apply to manufacturers, distributors, retailers, and cosmetology businesses, including products sold online, in stores, or used in professional services.
The upcoming restrictions cover 25 intentionally added formaldehyde-releasing chemicals. Retailers and other businesses are encouraged to review product labels, research ingredients that may not be clearly identified on packaging, and evaluate their supply chains to determine whether affected products are present.
The Washington Department of Ecology has updated its TFCA guidance materials to help businesses understand restricted chemicals, compliance timelines, and steps needed to prepare. The updated guide provides information for companies that manufacture, distribute, sell, or use cosmetic products in Washington.
Businesses can review the Toxic-Free Cosmetics Act resources and compliance guidance through the Department of Ecology to prepare for the 2027 requirements and ensure affected products are addressed before the restrictions take effect.
TFCA compliance webpage
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Coalition of 25 states challenge latest Trump tariffs in court
A coalition of 25 states, including Washington, has filed a lawsuit challenging the Trump administration's latest tariffs on imports from 60 trading partners. The case, filed in the U.S. Court of International Trade in New York, argues that the administration exceeded its legal authority by imposing broad tariffs under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974.
The tariffs, which took effect July 24, impose rates of 10% and 12.5% on imports from countries and regions including the European Union. The administration said the action is intended to address concerns that trading partners have not done enough to prevent the export of goods produced with forced labor.
The lawsuit follows similar legal challenges filed by small businesses. Earlier tariff actions during President Donald Trump's second term have also faced successful court challenges, although some tariffs have remained in effect during the appeals process.
The states argue that Section 301 has historically been used to target specific countries or industries in response to particular trade practices, rather than imposing broad tariffs affecting nearly all U.S. imports. They also contend that the administration's reliance on forced labor concerns is an improper basis for reinstating tariffs that courts previously ruled unlawful.
The White House defended the policy, saying the tariffs are a lawful response to unfair trade practices and are intended to protect U.S. commerce and American workers from the effects of goods produced with forced labor.
The latest case adds to a growing series of legal disputes over the administration's trade policies and could further shape the scope of presidential authority to impose tariffs without congressional approval.
| | Image: Spokane Valley Fire Department | | |
Retail community supports Spokane wildfire recovery efforts
Wildfires continue to impact communities across the Spokane area in what officials have described as the largest natural disaster in the city’s history. The Spokane Complex Fire, which includes the Old Trails, Fairview, and Autumn Lane fires, has forced the evacuation of more than 60,000 residents, destroyed an estimated 600 structures, and burned more than 5,000 acres.
Many businesses, employees, and families have been directly affected, with thousands of residents facing immediate needs for shelter, food, clothing, and other essential resources. Recovery efforts are expected to continue long after the fires are contained.
Several organizations and businesses across the Inland Northwest have stepped forward to support residents impacted by the fires. Available resources include food, clothing, emergency supplies, temporary assistance, and other services:
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Lowe’s has deployed disaster relief support to Washington following the wildfires. An emergency distribution event will be held Wednesday, August 5, at 2 p.m. at the Lowe’s of Spokane Valley store, located at E. 5204 Sprague Avenue. Free totes containing clean-up and recovery supplies will be available while supplies last, with a limit of one tote per vehicle.
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Gap Inc. is supporting families impacted by the Spokane fires by offering a 50% discount at participating Spokane-area stores through August 16:
- Old Navy 5468 — Spokane Valley Mall
- Old Navy 1823 — Franklin Park (currently closed due to air quality issues)
- Gap 7501 — River Park Square
- Athleta 7084 — River Park Square
In addition, the Gap Foundation is donating $50,000 to the American Red Cross to support relief efforts.
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Partners Inland Northwest is providing food, clothing, and diaper assistance at its Spokane Valley location. The organization is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and no appointment is required.
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GoFundMe has established a centralized hub featuring verified fundraisers and nonprofit organizations supporting those impacted by Washington wildfires. GoFundMe.org’s Wildfire Relief Fund is also providing emergency cash grants to verified individuals who have lost homes, property, or been displaced.
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Airbnb.org is offering free emergency housing support for eligible residents displaced by wildfires in Spokane and Stevens counties through referrals from 211.
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Flatstick Pub in downtown Spokane is offering free pizza, mini golf, and Duffleboard for displaced residents needing a place to gather and recharge.
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The Garland Theater is providing donated items, including diapers, food, toiletries, blankets, clothing, and pet supplies.
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Diverse Roots, Plato’s Closet, and Global Neighborhood Thrift are providing free diapers, clothing, or vouchers for impacted residents.
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YMCA of the Inland Northwest is opening Spokane-area locations for showers and other temporary needs Monday through Friday from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m.
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City of Spokane has launched a wildfire relief effort through its H.O.M.E. Starts Here Fund to help individuals and families affected by the Spokane Area Fires.
Retailers and organizations offering support, as well as those seeking assistance, are encouraged to share their information with WR, info@washingtonretail.org, so resources can be connected with those who need them most.
The retail community has a long history of supporting neighbors during times of crisis. Through collaboration and shared resources, businesses and community partners can help Spokane residents recover and rebuild.
Spokane Wildfire Resource List
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Mayor Wilson faces pushback after firing Police Chief Shon Barnes
Within a few days of the tragic mass shooting at the Bite of Seattle festival on the Seattle Center campus, Mayor Katie Wilson gave Seattle Police Chief Shon Barnes a choice – quit or be terminated. Upon receiving his resignation, the Mayor named Deputy Chief Andre Sayles as the interim Police Chief.
Immediately after the shooting, Chief Barnes faced stiff scrutiny for being out of town, and those questions grew louder over the next four days before he was pushed to resign by the Mayor. However, the Mayor’s action to terminate the Chief triggered loud questions and criticism from the Seattle City Council and others.
Councilmember Debora Juarez, a former Council President, had sharp words for the Mayor, saying “what we’re seeing under Mayor Wilson are more than just gaffes or missteps. I see a complete lack of leadership.” Councilmember Maritza Rivera called Wilson’s decision to fire Barnes “reckless and impulsive . . . Her lack of experience and her incompetence have led to poor decision-making and put the safety of our communities at risk.”
Leaders of the city’s Black community quickly urged the Mayor to reverse course and keep Chief Barnes. As Michelle Merriweather, president and CEO of the Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle, pointed out “how often have you seen the Black community stand up for a police officer? . . . That should resonate.”
Bishop Reggie Witherspoon of the Mount Calvary Christian Center praised progress made under Chief Barnes by observing “Seattle’s Police Department has been notorious for just not understanding the Black community, and I’m saying with Chief Barnes, we were moving in the right direction,”
The editorial board of The Seattle Times called for greater openness by the Mayor.
Every statement, every news conference she held in the last week — beginning with her being accompanied by Barnes on Monday and ending with Friday’s introduction of an interim chief — left more confusion, innuendo and mystery.
To regain public trust, Wilson must immediately release the after-action review of the city’s communications with the public and news media during the mass shooting. Such a report exists, and it “revealed real gaps,” she said in a social media post on Thursday.
Mayor Wilson shared what she is looking for in a new chief. Specifically, the Mayor wants a chief who builds strong relationships within the department, communicates calmly and accurately in crises, and handles criticism well. She added that she is launching the search for a new chief “with urgency,” starting with the creation of a search committee.
The Mayor also accepted criticism by stating “there were gaps in communication all around, and I definitely want to own my part in that. . . Part of this is communication failures within SPD and part of that is communication failures between SPD and my office.”
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Seattle business leaders and event organizers urge reactivation of police cameras
A coalition of 11 organizations that operate or host major public events in Seattle is urging Mayor Katie Wilson to reactivate police surveillance cameras in the stadium district and expand their use to Seattle Center following recent shootings in the city.
In a letter sent Aug. 3, the group said Seattle's FIFA World Cup events were successful but warned that recent incidents of gun violence demonstrate that large public gatherings remain vulnerable to public safety threats. The organizations include Seafair, Climate Pledge Arena, Capitol Hill Block Party, Seattle Storm, Downtown Seattle Association, Visit Seattle, Washington State Ballpark, Seattle Convention Center, Space Needle, Seattle Sports Commission and Chihuly Garden and Glass.
Seattle currently has about 60 police cameras operating on Aurora Avenue, downtown and in the Chinatown International District. Temporary cameras in the stadium district were activated during the World Cup because of a credible threat and were turned off afterward, consistent with the city's plan.
Mayor Wilson has said she supports a careful review of the camera program, citing concerns about privacy, civil rights and the potential misuse of footage by other government agencies. Her office said the city will continue evaluating the program while increasing visible police presence at upcoming summer events.
The city has commissioned independent reviews by New York University and the University of Pennsylvania to examine the program's effects on public safety, policing practices, privacy and civil liberties. Both evaluations are expected to be completed in September.
Supporters of the cameras argue they can help deter crime, aid investigations and improve public safety around major event venues while the city continues its review of the program.
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Kirkland police arrest suspect in organized retail theft investigation
A months-long investigation into organized retail theft across the Puget Sound region has led to the arrest of a suspect accused of stealing an estimated $500,000 in fragrance products and other merchandise from stores in multiple jurisdictions.
The investigation was led by the Kirkland Police Department's ProAct Unit in partnership with regional law enforcement agencies and loss prevention professionals. According to police, the collaborative effort focused on thefts affecting businesses throughout the region, including stores in Kirkland.
On July 16, detectives served a search warrant at the suspect's residence in Kent. Police said the suspect attempted to flee through a second-story window as officers moved in to make the arrest but was quickly taken into custody. Detectives also recovered additional evidence during the search that they believe is connected to the investigation.
The Kirkland Police Department is forwarding a charge of Organized Retail Theft in the First Degree to the King County Prosecuting Attorney's Office for review. The suspect remains in custody at the King County Jail with bail set at $255,000.
Kirkland Police Chief Mike St. Jean said organized retail theft affects businesses, employees, customers, and the broader community. He also credited the successful investigation to the strong collaboration between law enforcement agencies and retail loss prevention professionals, emphasizing the value of information sharing in identifying prolific offenders.
The department also recognized its regional partners for their role in the investigation, noting that cooperation across agencies and the private sector was instrumental in bringing the case forward.
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Vancouver changes misdemeanor citation process amid public defender shortage
The City of Vancouver has changed how police handle certain misdemeanor offenses, including shoplifting, after ongoing shortages of public defenders created challenges in meeting legal requirements for timely representation.
Under the new process, officers will no longer routinely issue citations at the scene for offenses such as third-degree theft, criminal trespassing, drug possession, and disorderly conduct. Instead, reports will be forwarded to the city attorney's office, which will determine whether charges should be filed. City officials said the change is intended to address cases that could otherwise be dismissed if a public defender cannot be appointed within required timeframes.
The policy applies only within Vancouver city limits. The Clark County Sheriff's Office has said it will continue its existing enforcement practices in areas under its jurisdiction.
The change comes as Washington courts implement new public defender caseload standards established by the state Supreme Court. The updated standards significantly reduce the number of cases individual public defenders may handle each year. Supporters of the changes say the new limits are intended to ensure defendants receive adequate legal representation. However, many local governments have raised concerns about the cost of hiring enough attorneys to meet the new requirements.
According to city officials, Vancouver has already dismissed dozens of misdemeanor cases because defense counsel was unavailable, including some involving domestic violence allegations.
Law enforcement representatives have expressed concerns that delaying citations may make some investigations more difficult, including limiting opportunities to recover stolen property immediately after an incident. City officials have said they intend to strengthen cases by reviewing reports before filing charges as resources allow.
The policy highlights broader statewide challenges as cities work to balance constitutional requirements for legal representation with limited public defense resources.
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Retail fraud rises as shoplifting declines, NRF study finds
A new report from the National Retail Federation (NRF) found that while traditional shoplifting declined in 2025, retailers are facing growing challenges from fraud and increasingly sophisticated, organized retail crime.
According to the 2026 Impact of Retail Theft & Violence report, shoplifting incidents decreased 12.4% compared with the previous year, while retail merchandise theft fell 8.1%. The report attributes much of the decline to retailers' investments in security technology, enhanced surveillance, employee training, and improved analysis of loss patterns.
At the same time, retailers reported increases in fraud and external theft schemes. Phone scams were identified as the fastest-growing threat, with 69% of respondents reporting an increase. Loyalty fraud increased for 51% of respondents, while 42% reported more gift card theft or fraud. Other growing concerns include repeat offenders, organized retail crime incidents, and walkout or pushout thefts.
The report also found that workplace safety remains a significant concern. Retailers cited continued increases in homelessness-related disruptions and guest-related incidents, leading many to expand management and employee training while investing in risk intelligence technologies
Despite ongoing criminal activity, many theft incidents are not reported to law enforcement. Nearly two-thirds of surveyed retailers said they report fewer than half of store theft incidents, citing low dollar losses that do not meet felony thresholds and concerns about limited law enforcement response.
The findings come as NRF continues to advocate for passage of the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act, which would strengthen coordination among federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to address organized retail crime.
The survey was conducted between February and April 2026 and included 66 retail companies representing 143 brands and approximately one-third of total U.S. retail sales.
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Walgreens opens new Kent micro-fulfillment center
On July 22, Walgreens opened a new 45,000-square-foot micro-fulfillment center (MFC) in Kent, Washington. This new facility brings 85 new jobs to the greater Seattle community and will support nearly 196 Walgreens stores across the Mountain West region, including 122 in Washington alone. Washington Retail Association President & CEO Jan Himebaugh was on hand to welcome the state-of-the-art facility to Washington; the opening was also attended by multiple state legislators, locally elected officials, and pharmacy school representatives, demonstrating that WRA's retail members are driving technological solutions that better serve our communities.
Walgreens’ MFCs use innovative robotic technology in a centralized pharmacy environment to dispense and ship prescriptions to its retail stores. This helps improve efficiency, stabilize staffing and pharmacy hours, reduce workflow pain points, and free up pharmacy team members’ capacity to spend more time with patients.
The Kent MFC joins 13 other facilities supporting 5,400 stores across the country. These centers fulfill anywhere from four to five million prescriptions weekly, handling over 40 percent of Walgreens’ total prescription volume.
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Registration open for 44th annual labor and employment seminar
Employers are invited to attend the 44th Annual “Best Practices for Best Employers™” Labor & Employment Seminar hosted by Ballard Spahr and Lane Powell. The seminar will provide updates and practical guidance on key workplace and employment law issues affecting organizations.
The event will take place in two locations: September 23, 2026, at the Marriott Portland Downtown Waterfront and October 6, 2026, at the Hyatt at Olive 8. Both sessions will run from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with registration beginning at 8:15 a.m.
Topics will include recent legal developments, the impact of artificial intelligence in the workplace, employment class action trends, executive coaching strategies, leave and accommodation challenges, immigration compliance, and other issues facing employers.
The seminar is designed for employers seeking to better understand evolving workplace requirements and reduce legal risks through informed policies and practices. Continuing education credits are approved for several professional organizations, including 5.5 HRCI and SHRM credits. Washington and Oregon CLE credits are pending approval.
Registration is $265 per attendee. Washington Retail Association members can receive a $50 discount by using the code WRA50 at registration.
For more information and to register, visit the event page.
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The Washington Retail Association (WR) is pleased to partner with the Association of Washington Business, Washington Beverage Association, and Washington Hospitality Association to co-host a virtual business briefing on the potential tax issues expected to be considered during the 2027 legislative session.
The webinar, titled 2027 Tax Threats & the Legislative Outlook: A Business Community Briefing, will be held at 11 a.m. PT on Tuesday, Aug. 25. The event will provide an overview of potential tax proposals that could emerge as lawmakers work to address the state's projected budget shortfall. Presenters will discuss what those proposals could mean for employers and how the business community can engage as the legislative session approaches.
The briefing will also feature State Representative April Berg (D 44), who will share insights on Washington's fiscal outlook and expectations for the 2027 legislative session.
The webinar is open to interested participants. Those wishing to attend should RSVP by email to reserve a spot. Registered attendees will receive the webinar link approximately 24 hours before the event.
| | Image: Andrew Burke-Stevenson / The Seattle Times | | |
State lawsuit costs reach record $614 million
Washington state's legal costs reached a record nearly $614 million during the fiscal year that ended June 30, 2026, according to new figures from the state's risk management office. The total includes more than $537 million in lawsuit settlements and tort claim payments, along with approximately $76 million in legal defense costs.
The increase continues a multi-year trend driven largely by claims involving alleged abuse and neglect within Washington's foster care system. Claims involving the Department of Children, Youth and Families accounted for nearly 80 percent of the state's settlement costs during the past fiscal year. The agency received more than 1,100 claims in 2025, compared with just 13 in 2020.
Because Washington is self-insured, settlement payments and legal expenses are funded with state resources that could otherwise support public services such as education, health care, and child welfare programs.
State leaders continue to examine potential solutions. A proposal that would have required many lawsuits against the state to go through arbitration before reaching court did not advance during the 2026 legislative session. Instead, a 14-member Tort Study Committee representing state agencies, local governments, attorneys, school districts, and victim advocates is expected to provide recommendations later this year.
The increase in claims follows court rulings that significantly expanded the time frame for filing childhood sexual abuse lawsuits, allowing cases involving decades-old allegations to proceed. At the same time, state officials have pointed to recent high-profile settlements involving current child welfare cases as evidence that the issue extends beyond historical claims.
Local governments are also reporting rising liability costs and are urging lawmakers to consider reforms to address growing financial pressures.
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Former Employment Security Department employee sentenced in benefits fraud case
A former employee of the Washington State Employment Security Department has been sentenced after admitting to stealing more than $51,000 from the state's Paid Family and Medical Leave and unemployment insurance programs.
On July 28, 2026, U.S. District Judge Rebecca L. Pennell sentenced Tasha Hoggatt, 51, of Valencia, California, to five years of probation, including six months of home confinement. The court also ordered Hoggatt to pay $51,403 in restitution and a $4,000 fine after she pleaded guilty to theft involving programs that receive federal funds.
According to court documents, Hoggatt worked for the Employment Security Department as a Human Resource Consultant from October 2021 through October 2022 and later returned as a Benefits Specialist from May through September 2024.
Prosecutors said Hoggatt submitted fraudulent Paid Family and Medical Leave claims for herself and two family members using fabricated medical information and documents containing forged physician signatures. Authorities also said she improperly collected unemployment insurance benefits between October 2022 and May 2024 by falsely claiming she was unemployed while working in California.
Federal officials stated that the fraudulent claims resulted in the theft of $51,403 from Washington's Paid Family and Medical Leave and unemployment insurance programs.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Inspector General and prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Washington. Federal officials said the prosecution reflects ongoing efforts to protect public benefit programs and hold individuals accountable for fraud involving state and federal funds.
| | Image (from left): Des Moines City Manager Katherine Caffrey, Cathy Vue of the Port of Seattle, Senator Tina Orwall (D-33), Representative Mia Gregerson (D-33), Crystal Leatherman | |
Southside Leadership Conference highlights business challenges and regional opportunities
Business, civic, and nonprofit leaders gathered July 10 at Highline College in Des Moines for the Seattle Southside Chamber and Success Foundation’s 2026 Leadership Conference, bringing together approximately 250 attendees to discuss economic trends, workforce needs, policy issues and the future of South King County.
Crystal Leatherman, director of policy and government affairs for the Washington Retail Association, participated as a panelist during the conference’s economic outlook discussion, joining regional leaders in examining the challenges and opportunities impacting businesses.
Leatherman highlighted the pressures facing customer-facing industries, including retailers, restaurants, and hospitality businesses, as they navigate rising operating costs, workforce challenges, regulatory uncertainty, and changing consumer behavior. She noted that many businesses are closely monitoring the gap between the increasing costs of operating and cautious consumer spending.
“This is one of the most diverse, both economically and industry, as well as demographically regions in our state,” Leatherman said, emphasizing the importance of immigrant and refugee-owned businesses and their contributions to Washington’s economy.
The panel also discussed the region’s economic strengths, including its diverse workforce, proximity to Sea-Tac Airport, transportation and distribution networks, and industries such as aerospace, construction, maritime and green jobs.
Additional conference sessions focused on small business and nonprofit cash flow challenges, leadership strategies and navigating uncertainty. Speakers emphasized the importance of collaboration among businesses, community organizations, educators and public agencies to address shared regional challenges.
The event concluded with a fireside chat featuring King County Executive Girmay Zahilay and Tukwila Mayor Thomas McLeod. Zahilay reflected on his experiences growing up in South Seattle and how they shaped his approach to leadership and public service.
“I think leadership is finding what your gift is and then finding a problem to solve with that gift,” Zahilay said. “To me, when a gift finds a problem to solve, that’s when you find purpose.”
View the full panel discussion
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Washington Retail Association at NCSL Legislative Summit in Chicago
Crystal Leatherman, Washington Retail Association’s (WR) Director of Policy and Government Affairs, traveled to Chicago this summer for the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) Legislative Summit, representing Washington retailers at the country's largest bipartisan gathering of state policymakers.
NCSL brings together legislators and legislative staff from all 50 states and U.S. territories for several days of policy sessions, idea-swapping, and cross-state collaboration. The Summit reaches well beyond elected officials, too, drawing organizations and companies from a wide range of industries. With more than 100 breakout sessions and a full expo hall, there's no shortage of ideas to explore or people to meet.
Washington was well represented, with lawmakers from both chambers and both parties making the trip. For WR, it was a valuable time to connect with legislators and retail members alike, and to take the pulse of the issues likely to shape the following year for our state and our industry.
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Retail & hospitality talk state of the industries at Tri-City Regional Chamber lunch
Washington Retail Association's (WR) Director of Policy & Government Affairs, Crystal Leatherman, joined Anthony Anton of the Washington Hospitality Association at the Tri-City Regional Chamber of Commerce's July membership luncheon for a candid, side-by-side read on the state of their industries.
Crystal covered where retail stands today: the trends reshaping the sector, the workforce pressures owners are navigating, the shifts in consumer behavior, driving decisions, and the economic strengths the Tri-Cities has going for it. Anthony offered a look at the hospitality side, including what hotels and restaurants across the state are up against right now. Together they gave a full room of Tri-Cities business owners and professionals a clear-eyed look at two of the region's most essential industries heading into the busy summer and fall.
Our thanks to the Tri-City Regional Chamber for the invitation, and to everyone who was part of the conversation.
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Employers reminded of workplace heat and wildfire smoke protections
As summer temperatures rise and wildfire season continues, employers across Washington should review workplace safety requirements related to extreme heat and wildfire smoke exposure.
The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) has rules in place to help protect employees who may be exposed to outdoor heat and unhealthy air quality conditions. While some industries may have limited outdoor exposure, businesses with employees who work outside, in vehicles, or in areas affected by poor air quality should ensure they understand their responsibilities.
Washington’s outdoor heat exposure rules require employers to take steps to protect workers during periods of elevated temperatures, including providing adequate water, access to shade or other cooling measures, and training employees and supervisors on heat-related illness prevention.
Employers must also follow wildfire smoke requirements when air quality reaches unhealthy levels. These rules include monitoring air quality conditions, communicating hazards to employees, and taking appropriate steps to reduce exposure when wildfire smoke affects the workplace.
L&I provides resources to help employers prepare and comply with these requirements, including guidance on heat illness prevention and wildfire smoke safety.
Employers can review heat safety requirements and training resources at L&I’s Be Heat Smart webpage.
Additional information on wildfire smoke protections is available through L&I’s wildfire smoke safety resources.
Taking proactive steps can help businesses avoid potential penalties while supporting a safe work environment for employees during challenging summer conditions.
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August safety observances offer opportunity to strengthen workplace safety
August includes several national safety observances that provide employers with an opportunity to review workplace safety practices, reinforce employee training, and prepare for increased activity heading into the fall season.
One of the month's key events is OSHA Safe + Sound Week, which encourages organizations to evaluate their safety and health programs. Employers are encouraged to conduct workplace walkthroughs, review emergency procedures, refresh employee training, and promote reporting of hazards and near misses. Regular safety reviews can help reduce injuries while supporting a stronger workplace safety culture.
August also highlights roadway safety through campaigns focused on defensive driving and impaired driving prevention. Businesses with employees who travel for work or operate company vehicles can use this time to reinforce safe driving practices, discourage distracted or impaired driving, and review parking lot safety for both drivers and pedestrians.
National 811 Day on Aug. 11 serves as a reminder to identify underground utilities before any excavation work begins. While retailers may not regularly perform digging projects, outdoor improvements, landscaping, sign installation, and contractor work can create risks if utilities are not properly located in advance.
National Immunization Awareness Month encourages employers to promote employee wellness by supporting preventive health care, reinforcing good hygiene practices, and encouraging workers to stay home when they are ill. Maintaining a healthy workforce can help reduce absenteeism and support business operations.
As businesses prepare for the busy fall season, employers should also focus on common workplace hazards such as proper lifting techniques, safe ladder use, clear aisles and exits, and preventing slips, trips, and falls. Addressing these routine safety risks can help create a safer workplace while preparing employees for seasonal increases in inventory and customer traffic.
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Washington Retail Association diversity statement
Washington Retail Association is committed to the principles of justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion. We strive to create a safe, welcoming environment in which these principles can thrive.
We value all people regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, religion, age, identity, sexual orientation, nationality, or disability, and that is the foundation of our commitment to those we serve.
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Jan Himebaugh, President & CEO — 360.200.6450 — Email
Crystal Leatherman, Dir of Policy & Government Affairs — 360.200-6453 — Email
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