5 Things You Need to Know This Week: Black History Month, This Week in Olympia

February 4, 2026

in 5 Things,

1. Olympia Update: Week 3

Another week, another update from our lobbyist Lyset on what's shaking down at the legislative session. This week, the proposed "millionaire's tax" legislation was released — more on that in item #2 — and more generally, committees began moving beyond the preliminary stage of holding public hearings on newly introduced bills.

Use this link to read the full report, which includes important dates and upcoming events.

2. The Joe Fain Edit

As the legislative session pushes on, we are keeping our head honcho, Joe Fain, as busy as ever. (Oops!) Taxes of all shapes and sizes have been the predominant agenda item, with some housing policy and transportation discussions trickling in, too.

Read his FAQ on the proposed "millionaire's tax" here, and his rundown of the history of income taxes in Washington state here.

The Articles:

Interviews are flowing through the Chamber like water — check out our leading dude's ruminations in The Seattle Times here, and reporting from Post Alley here.

The Panel Appearance:

Last week, Joe also spoke at the King County Affordable Housing Symposium, presented by HDC
and the Urban Land Institute, and spoke on their Cross-Sector Partnerships panel.

The Testimony:

On the topic of testimonies, we also took the chance to speak at last night's City Council meeting on the proposed Affordable Housing Strategy, as well as in Olympia on ESHB 1980.

3. Black History Month on the Eastside

It's Black History Month! Celebrate here on the Eastside with the help of The Bellevue Collection, Intentionalist, the BelRed Arts District, the City of Bellevue, and Bellevue College.

Looking for something else? Take a look at roundups from Seattle Met, or visit the Northwest African American Museum for free through February 8th as part of "Freedom Week".

Intentionalist Listings:

Wanna support a Black-owned small business this month? (You should every month, but we digress ...)

At the City Level:

Visit "Melodies of the Diaspora" — a new art exhibit at City Hall. Visitation info and details below.

4. Now Open: More Seats for WLC!

Our Women's Leadership Conference is coming up in a little over two weeks, and since selling out, we have decided to open up registration for some more seats! Snag your spot ASAP to ensure you can join us.

Tuesday, February 24, 2026
12:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Meydenbauer Center

As a reminder, for this year’s WLC we are focusing on professional development and self-betterment throughout one’s career, and frankly, life. Peruse the speakers and agenda!

5. Game Day ... in Bellevue?

The weekend is almost here, and we can almost hear Bad Bunny and the screams of Seahawks fans already. In case you want to catch the Big Game™️ while out-and-about, Visit Bellevue threw together their listing here, while The Seattle Times took a stab at theirs here, and the Bellevue Downtown Association here.

+1 Nieuwenhuis Weighs In: HB 2489

In a recent op-ed written alongside Kristine Moreland, founder of “The More We Love”, Bellevue City Councilmember Jared Nieuwenhuis spoke to our region’s homelessness crisis, ultimately arguing against proposed House Bill 2489.

View the draft legislation here, and read the op-ed here.

Member News:

Escape While Ya Can: Our longtime members, Reality Break Escapes, have made the unfortunate decision to close their Bellevue location at the end of the month. The business will continue operating through its Portable Escape Activations, but stop by the IRL space before the end of February for one last escape.
Pillow Talk: Mary’s Place put out a plea for pillows — see the wishlist here, and the call for help here.
Cirque de Marymoor: Experience the magic of Cirque du Soleil ECHO, where poetry, stagecraft, daring acrobatics, and cutting-edge technology come together to explore the delicate balance between people, animals, and the world we all share — now through March 22. Use this link to save up to 20% off select seats/dates, and for VIP Packages and group tickets, contact Michael.Ciaccia@cirquedusoleil.com for more details and to save up to 30%.
Hey, Naren: Bellevue Lifestyle magazine did a feature on our most recently elected councilwoman, and spoiler alert: She’s a badass. Read for yourself on page 30.
Bold for the Blue, Over Brekky: The Bellevue Police Foundation's annual breakfast fundraiser is coming up on Tuesday, March 10, and tickets are going fast. Learn more and sign up here.

Welcome New Members:

Washington's Long Sordid Saga With Income TaxesFebruary 3, 2026