5 Things You Need to Know This Week: Budgets, Legislative Session, WLC
1. Legislative Session = Kicked Off!
You saw the pics last week, and now, we've got the blog and recap videos all geared up, too. This year’s Legislative Kick Off program covered a lot of ground, from education and workforce to public safety, the economy, housing, energy, and transportation.
And, as per usual, the conversations were candid — sometimes blunt — and consistently focused on the real world impacts businesses and residents feel every day.
2. Budget Woes: Extra, Extra! Ed Board Wrote All About It!
The news cycle took a turn in our favor this week, as the Editorial Board over at The Seattle Times put together a stellar piece detailing our state's budget dilemma.
Take a look at their reporting here to get a different perspective ... one that isn't coming from us for once! And if you miss our musings, you can access this one-pager we recently put together to consolidate some of the troubling economic news that we have been sharing as part of our advocacy in Olympia that underscores the warning issued by the Ed Board.
3. Next Month: Women's Leadership Conference
It's year six for our annual Women's Leadership Conference, and we are GEEKED. The 2026 theme is "Equipped to Rise, Empowered to Elevate" and we are focusing on professional development and self-betterment throughout one’s career, and frankly, life.
In past years we have discussed the importance of investing in your health and finances, intersectionality in the workplace, and traversing the ranks in male-dominated fields, and this year, we are re-framing these lessons for folks at all stages.
Being a leader is one thing, but being a GOOD leader, that empowers those around them to also be better, is an entirely different story. So, from youth to entry-level to the C-suite, WLC 2026 is all about the skills and confidence necessary to help bring us all to the next level. We hope you join us!
4. City Council Happenings
At last night's Bellevue City Council meeting, our new crew jumped back into the nitty gritty of things as the City Manager's office presented on the City's priorities for the legislative session, then the group dove into two important study session items: The Council's initiation of the Parking Reform Land Use Code Amendment (LUCA) in response to recent changes to state law enacted through Senate Bills 6015 and 5184, as well as an update to the Multifamily Tax Exemption Program.
Watch the full meeting here, and take a peek at our PLUSH Committee's letters to the Council on these topics below. The Chamber thanks the Council for unanimously advancing our recommendations on both parking, and MFTE reform.
Multifamily Tax Exemption Program:
Before: Last week, we submitted the letter below emphatically supporting the Wilburton MFTE “supercharger.
After: There was unanimous Council support to direct staff to finalize the MFTE code update for final action at a future meeting.
We also worked alongside our transportation and developer partners to establish a set of recommendations for City staff as it pertains to parking requirements and reform.
See the letter below, and watch this portion of the meeting here.
5. Upcoming Networking Events
Did somebody say, "I'm looking for networking and small business-oriented events"???
Either way, our membership lead Sarah has a bunch of exciting workshops, after hours networking, and similar mingling-amongst-yourselves shindigs coming up for members this month, including …
Network With Us: "After Hours" - Members Only!
January 15
Small Business Workshop: The Buyer-Seller Dynamic
January 28
Insurance 101: Coverage & Loss Mitigation for Small Biz
February 12
Member News:
- New Year, New Session: Before the Washington State Legislature convenes for the 2026 short session, we want to get the scoop from our electeds! Join us and our fellow Eastside Chambers of Commerce for our Legislative Kick-Off breakfast on Tuesday, January 6. Register here.
- Fashion Privé: Tomorrow night, The Thirst Trap Bar in Kirkland will transform into a space where art, fashion, and music come together in perfect harmony. An event put on by BelleVue Fashion, there will be music, entertainment, drinks & bites, and of course, a whole lot of fashion.
- Nutcracker Season: Our new members, the Emerald Ballet Academy, are putting on their rendition of The Nutcracker! Ring in the holidays with a joyous and festive show featuring dazzling costumes, sets, and choreography, with performances on December 13, 14, 20, & 21. Get your tickets here.
- Let the Shopping Commence: Believe it or not, the holiday season is pretty much here. Don't fret, though — we are putting together a Chamber member Gift Guide! Using this link, submit your own business's gift ideas to be included in the listing.