Newsletter — May 14, 2026 | | |
WR offers flexible office space in prime Olympia location
WR is leasing professional office space at its building located at 618 Quince St. SE in Olympia, just minutes from I-5 and Downtown Olympia. The available first-floor offices offer a convenient, flexible option for small businesses, consultants, nonprofit partners, or professionals looking for a well-located workspace in the capital city.
The building currently features three private office suites, ranging from approximately 100 to 120 square feet. Suites are partially or fully furnished, with lease rates from $400 to $600 per month, full service. Each office includes one parking space, and street parking is also available nearby.
The space offers strong visibility, easy access, and a professional setting within the WR Building. Tenants are responsible for their own in-suite internet and janitorial services.
For leasing information, interested tenants may contact Zeke Rehn, Managing Broker with The Rants Group, at (360) 915-5678 or zeke@rantsgroup.com.
Full leasing document
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POLICY
ECONOMY
ON THE LOCAL FRONT
POLITICAL NEWS
RETAIL THEFT & PUBLIC SAFETY
IN THE NEWS
TRENDS
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New Equal Pay rules take effect in May
New rules adopted by Washington State’s Department of Labor and Industries will bring updates to employer hiring and job posting practices under the Equal Pay and Opportunities Act beginning May 22, 2026. The changes are designed to clarify existing law and implement legislation approved in 2025.
One of the most notable updates limits when employers may require a valid driver’s license as a condition of employment. Under the new rule, businesses may only require a driver’s license if driving is an essential duty of the job. Employers are also prohibited from listing a driver’s license as a job requirement in postings unless it is directly tied to core job responsibilities.
The updated rules also provide additional clarity around wage and salary disclosure requirements in job postings. Guidance has been refined on what qualifies as a posting, who is considered an applicant, and how employers should communicate compensation ranges.
In addition, the rules outline procedures for complaints, investigations, appeals, and resolving violations, offering employers clearer direction on compliance expectations.
For WR members, these updates may require a review of job descriptions, hiring criteria, and posting language to ensure policies align with the revised standards before the rules take effect later this spring.
Rulemaking web page
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L&I seeks feedback on domestic worker protections
The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries recently launched the rulemaking process for a new law establishing labor protections for domestic workers. The legislation, often referred to as the Domestic Workers Bill of Rights, takes effect July 1, 2027.
The law applies to hiring entities that employ domestic workers in private residences for four or more hours per month. Covered work may include childcare, housekeeping, home care, personal care, cooking, gardening, and household management. The requirements could affect both businesses and individual households that hire workers for these services.
L&I issued a preproposal notice on May 5, 2026, and is encouraging employers, workers, and community members to provide feedback as rules are developed. The agency says the process is intended to clarify how the law will be implemented and to help stakeholders better understand upcoming policy changes before they take effect.
Questions and comments may be submitted to DomesticWorkers@Lni.wa.gov by 5 p.m. on June 1. Draft rules are expected to be released later this year, and additional opportunities for public comment will follow.
Stay informed
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Import cargo volumes expected to remain below prior year levels despite spring increase
U.S. container import volumes are projected to stay below last year’s levels into early fall, even with temporary increases in May and June, according to the Global Port Tracker report from the National Retail Federation and Hackett Associates.
Port activity in March reached 2.16 million twenty-foot equivalent units, slightly higher than the same month in 2025 and up from February due to seasonal disruptions. Imports in April are estimated at 2.13 million units, a decline compared to the prior year, while May and June are expected to rise year over year before declining again in July through September.
Analysts attribute the uneven trend to last year’s sharp decline following tariff changes, along with ongoing inflation pressures, weaker consumer confidence, and global uncertainty. Retailers are also showing caution in restocking inventory amid geopolitical tensions and softer demand signals.
Overall, the first half of 2026 is projected to be modestly higher than the same period in 2025, but full-year import volumes in 2025 already showed a slight decline compared to 2024.
For WR members, the report signals continued volatility in supply chains and suggests retailers should plan for fluctuating import levels rather than steady growth in the near term.
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WR outreach to local Seattle chambers of commerce and businesses
On May 12, WR’s interim CEO Alesha Shemwell, Director of Policy & Government Affairs Crystal Leatherman, and John Engber, Director of the Retail Industry Coalition of Seattle, met with the Fremont Chamber’s Executive Director, Pete Hanning. This meeting is one of a series of meetings that WR is holding with Seattle retailers and local chambers.
Businesses that are members of the Fremont Chamber face many of the same challenges confronting retailers across Seattle and beyond. Ongoing public safety concerns and strategies to better engage with Seattle government leaders and the Seattle Police Department were discussed.
Transportation is another frequent issue of concern for businesses. The central business district in Fremont is currently disrupted by a large road improvement project that is tying up a significant percentage of street parking – even when construction is a couple of blocks away.
Both organizations committed to work closely together on these and other issues.
Afterwards, the WR team traveled to Ballard to meet with new WR board member, Matt Humphrey, owner of Steele Barber + Spa. Matt’s has had ongoing challenges with break-ins and vandalism over the past several years, frequently drawing the attention of local and national news media. Matt gave the WR team a tour of his spectacular barbershop, then took them to a terrific neighboring retailer, Gold Dogs, which is also dealing with significant retail theft problems.
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Seattle considers pause on large data centers
Seattle leaders are considering a temporary pause on new large-scale data centers after a strong public response to several proposed projects. Four companies had approached Seattle City Light about building five facilities that together could require up to 369 megawatts of electricity, roughly one-third of the city’s average daily power use.
Since the proposals became public, two developers have withdrawn their plans, including Tukwila-based Sabey. Two companies, Equinix and Prologis, still have proposals under consideration for three data centers with a combined demand of 249 megawatts.
Seattle City Councilmembers Eddie Lin, Debora Juarez, and Council President Joy Hollingsworth announced plans to introduce legislation creating a one-year moratorium on new large data centers. Mayor Katie Wilson has also expressed support for the proposal. Supporters say the pause would allow the city to evaluate long-term policies related to energy demand, infrastructure, and utility costs.
Seattle City Light has stated that serving major new power loads could create challenges in maintaining reliable service for existing customers and businesses.
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Nonprofits fear closure of Regional Homelessness Authority
After enduring a painful startup phase of the Regional Homelessness Authority (“RHA”), the nonprofits that build housing are worried about the effects of shutting down the agency.
Members of both the King County Council and the Seattle City Council have filed resolutions to shutter the RHA. While Councilmember Rod Dembowski believes he has the votes to pass it through the King County Council, its fate in the Seattle City Council is less clear.
Nonprofit leaders fear that the solution could prove to be as bad as the current RHA problems. Derrick Belgarde, executive director of Chief Seattle Club, remembers the pain of the RHA startup, “It was brutal, and we just can’t, we can’t go through that again.”
As Lisa Daugaard, co-executive director at the nonprofit Purpose Dignity Action agrees, “We need a path from here that’s not as ill-considered as the formation of KCRHA was.”
With no real clarity of what would replace the RHA, the path forward is uncertain. As Alison Eisinger, executive director of the Seattle/King County Coalition on Homelessness explained, “Saying ‘shut it down’ is simplistic . . . This is not a game, nor is it a situation to be used to score political points.”
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FEMA assistance deadline approaches for Washington residents and businesses
Washington residents and businesses impacted by the December storms and flooding have until June 10, 2026, to apply for federal disaster assistance through FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration.
According to FEMA, more than 605 households have already received nearly $5 million in grants. An additional $12 million in low-interest SBA disaster loans and $47 million in National Flood Insurance Program payments have also been distributed.
FEMA assistance may help cover temporary housing, home repairs, personal property losses, and other disaster-related expenses. SBA disaster loans are available for businesses, private nonprofit organizations, homeowners, and renters.
Disaster Assistance Centers remain open in impacted communities, where specialists are helping residents complete FEMA and SBA applications.
Eligible counties include Chelan, Grays Harbor, King, Lewis, Pacific, Pierce, Skagit, Snohomish, Thurston, and Whatcom, along with several Tribal nations across Washington.
Applications can be submitted online through FEMA or SBA websites, by phone, through the FEMA mobile app, or in person at a Disaster Assistance Center.
Three Ways to Apply for FEMA Disaster Assistance - YouTube
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Election season begins: Legislative races take shape across Washington
Candidate filing week closed on Friday, May 8, officially setting the stage for Washington’s 2026 election cycle. This year, all 98 seats in the Washington State House of Representatives and 24 of the 49 seats in the State Senate are on the ballot. The statewide primary is scheduled for August 4, with the general election set for November 3.
For Washington retailers and the broader business community, this election cycle matters. The lawmakers elected this year will help shape the policy environment for the 2027 legislative session and beyond, including decisions related to employment law, public safety, taxes, environmental regulation, data privacy, product stewardship, consumer protection, and the overall cost of doing business.
The Legislature is also guaranteed to look different next year. At least 20 current legislative seats will be represented by someone other than the current incumbent in 2027.
Lawmakers retiring or not seeking another elected office include:
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House: Timm Ormsby (D-3), Jenny Graham (R-6), Mike Volz (R-6), Steve Tharinger (D-24), Michelle Caldier Valdez (R-26), Carolyn Eslick (R-39), and Larry Springer (D-45).
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Senate: Judy Warnick (R-13), Steve Conway (D-29), and Sharon Shewmake (D-42).
Lawmakers seeking a different elected office or another legislative seat include:
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House: Suzanne Schmidt (R-4), Alex Ybarra (R-13), Jeremie Dufault (R-15), Sharlett Mena (D-29), Cindy Ryu (D-32), Chipalo Street (D-37), and Sharon Wylie (D-49).
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Senate: Matt Boehnke (R-8), Nikki Torres (R-15), and Rebecca Saldaña (D-37).
WR is currently working through its first round of endorsement recommendations. For incumbent lawmakers, WR evaluates legislative performance, including voting records, engagement on retail issues, responsiveness to industry concerns, and whether their work has been helpful or harmful to Washington’s retail sector. For new candidates and challengers, WR uses an interview process to better understand their priorities, policy approach, experience, and willingness to work with the retail community.
As campaigns move from filing week into the primary season, WR will continue monitoring races across the state, meeting with candidates, and reviewing legislative records. WR will remain engaged throughout the election cycle and continue supporting candidates who understand that a strong retail sector is essential to Washington’s economy, workforce, and local communities.
To learn more about WR’s endorsement process, please contact Crystal Leatherman, Director of Policy & Government Affairs (cleatherman@washingtonretail.org | 360-884-0771).
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Organized retail crime April recap highlights rising cargo theft and enforcement gaps
Cargo theft is costing an estimated $18 million per day, with annual losses of about $6.6 billion and 74 percent of goods unrecovered, according to industry analysis. Criminal activity is concentrated near major freight corridors in states including California, Texas, Illinois, and Tennessee, with increasing use of digital fraud to reroute shipments and exploit logistics systems.
In Washington, Gov. Bob Ferguson vetoed $500,000 in proposed funding for organized retail crime enforcement, despite the state being identified as a leading location for retail crime with roughly $3 billion in related losses. Stakeholders noted prior pilot funding of $1 million supported increased case activity and diversion efforts.
April also saw widespread enforcement actions, including multimillion-dollar counterfeit and cargo theft schemes tied to ports, online resale operations, and freight theft rings across California, Florida, Oregon, and other states. Additional cases included seizures of counterfeit luxury goods and arrests linked to organized theft operations targeting national retailers and supply chains.
Full report
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Washington man sentenced in Clackamas retail theft case
A Washington man has been sentenced to five years in prison for his role in a 2024 Clackamas County liquor store burglary and related thefts involving high-value alcohol and stolen goods.
Kyle Dean Runyon, 36, of Ryderwood, Washington, pleaded guilty to first-degree burglary and two counts of aggravated theft as part of a plea agreement. Prosecutors said Runyon was part of a group that stole more than $25,000 worth of liquor from a Wilsonville area store after smashing a glass entry door and display cases during an overnight break-in. The stolen inventory included premium spirits such as tequila valued at more than $7,900, Scotch whisky valued at approximately $5,500, and Irish whiskey valued at about $2,200.
Authorities also linked Runyon and co-defendants to a separate October 2024 storage facility burglary in which more than $70,000 in merchandise was taken. Investigators later recovered the stolen property following the execution of search warrants.
Other individuals involved in the cases received varying outcomes, including probation and pending trial dates. Prosecutors noted Runyon has prior convictions in Washington state related to theft and burglary.
The case reflects ongoing cross-jurisdiction collaboration on organized retail theft and property crime impacting regional businesses.
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Tukwila police report arrests involving retail theft, warrants and burglary
A series of recent incidents in Tukwila, Washington, highlights ongoing enforcement activity involving outstanding warrants, property crime, and retail theft, according to the Tukwila Police Department.
Officers reported multiple encounters with individuals who had active warrants, often while committing new offenses. Cases included arrests related to driving under the influence, possession of a stolen vehicle tied to a residential burglary investigation, and several warrant arrests during routine patrols.
Retail theft continued to be a focus, with multiple shoplifting arrests, including one individual arrested twice within minutes after allegedly reoffending at nearby stores. Police noted that some cases may lead to additional organized retail crime charges. Another suspect with a felony warrant was also taken into custody during a theft incident.
Additional arrests included individuals detained for first-degree trespass after a vacant apartment incident, and a semi-truck driver arrested for reckless driving. Officers also responded to a collision involving a dirt bike rider performing unsafe maneuvers that resulted in injuries.
Police emphasized continued efforts to book suspects, when possible, particularly those with repeated offenses or multiple warrants, noting challenges when individuals cite medical or substance-related issues during arrest processing.
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Business leaders discuss economy and policy at AWB Spring Summit
Business leaders, policymakers, and former elected officials gathered in Vancouver for the 2026 Association of Washington Business Spring Summit to discuss Washington’s economy, tax policy, workforce development, and the state’s business climate.
Former Governor Christine Gregoire and former Attorney General Rob McKenna warned that Washington is facing growing economic challenges and encouraged stronger long-term planning and employer engagement in public policy discussions.
Speakers highlighted concerns about rising state spending, new taxes, and increasing regulations. Discussions also focused on the state’s new income tax on households earning more than $1 million annually, with some business leaders expressing concern about potential impacts on small and midsize businesses structured as S corporations or LLCs.
The summit also featured a bipartisan conversation with former Maryland Governor Larry Hogan and former Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel. Both emphasized workforce development, economic growth, and creating business-friendly environments.
Additional sessions covered the 2026 legislative session, upcoming elections, and lessons from multigenerational family-owned businesses across Washington.
AWB.com - At Spring Summit, leaders warn Washington is at a ‘tipping point’
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Inspire Women’s Business Conference set for May 28, 2026
The Washington Center for Women in Business and Thurston Economic Development Council will present the INSPIRE Women’s Business Conference on May 28, 2026, at the South Puget Sound Community College (SPSCC) Lacey campus. The annual event is designed to connect and support women entrepreneurs from across Washington state.
Attendees can expect keynote speakers, breakout workshops, networking opportunities, and vendor booths featuring products and services from women-led businesses. Organizers also plan to introduce a new industry-focused panel discussion during this year’s conference.
The event will include Small Business Awards recognizing achievements in innovation, leadership, and community impact. Registration information and additional event details will be released in the coming months.
Register
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May 29 SafePlace golf tournament supports survivor services
SafePlace will host its sixth annual Golf Tournament fundraiser on May 29 at Capitol City Golf Club in Olympia. The event begins at 8:30 a.m. and includes practice balls, a golf cart, 18 holes of golf, and lunch for participants. Attendees can also enjoy food and raffle activities following the tournament.
SafePlace, a nonprofit organization established in 1981, provides support and advocacy services for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. The organization was formed through the merger of Rape Relief and Women’s Shelter Services and continues to focus on crisis intervention, education, and community support.
The fundraiser helps support SafePlace programs and services throughout the region.
Register
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Policy forum on June 4 to examine Washington’s business climate
A public policy forum in Vancouver on June 4 will explore whether Washington’s current policy environment supports both businesses and workers, and where those interests may align or conflict.
Hosted at the Vancouver Community Library, the discussion will focus on issues including hiring challenges, wages, workplace flexibility, business growth, interstate competitiveness, and economic opportunity for workers.
The panel will feature perspectives from across the political spectrum, including Mark Harmsworth and Elizabeth New of the Washington Policy Center, State Representatives Monica Jurado Stonier and April Berg, and moderator Renee Radcliff Sinclair, President and CEO of TVW.
Organizers say the event is designed to encourage discussion around the real-world impacts of state policies on employers, employees, and economic development. The forum is free and open to the public, with advance registration encouraged.
The event will run from 5:15 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on June 4 in the Columbia Room at the Vancouver Community Library in Vancouver, Washington.
Register
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Target refreshes Universal Thread denim line
Target Corporation is relaunching its Universal Thread denim brand with updated fits, new washes, improved fabrics, and a redesigned in-store shopping experience aimed at helping customers find styles more easily. The brand, which generates more than $1 billion in annual sales, now offers seven core fits ranging from skinny to wide-leg and palazzo styles, with prices between $28 and $40.
The retailer said the refresh focuses on comfort, quality, and fashion trends shaped by post-pandemic shopping habits. Target expanded looser and more relaxed silhouettes after seeing strong customer demand for styles such as its “90s baggy” jean introduced in 2023.
The updated collection also includes digital product identification technology that allows shoppers to access sustainability details and future resale information through their smartphones. Target said the initiative supports its broader efforts toward circular fashion and sustainability.
Company leaders noted investments in fabric innovation, supply chain efficiency, and customer testing to improve fit and durability. The relaunch comes as Target continues to emphasize design, private label growth, and technology investments while navigating broader retail industry challenges tied to consumer spending and competition.
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WR diversity statement
WR 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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Alesha Shemwell, Interim CEO — 360.200.6450 — Email
Crystal Leatherman, Dir of Policy & Government Affairs — 360.200-6453 — Email
Rose Gundersen, State and Local Gov't Affairs Associate — 360.200.6452 — Email
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