5 Things You Need to Know This Week: DC Advocacy, Upcoming Chamber Events
1. Upcoming Events @ the Chamber
School is back in session, Labor Day weekend has come to a close, and now, we are barreling toward fall. So, while we are jumping back into it ... our 2025-2026 events season starts in just two weeks! Learn more and grab your tickets using the links below.
- Chamber Lunch: City Council Candidate Forum
- 2025 Eastside Leadership Conference, presented by Microsoft
- Chamber Lunch: The King County Executive Race
2. Tax Dollars, At Work (Allegedly)
ICYMI: There was some financial news — both within the King County Department of Community and Human Services, and Sound Transit — over the weekend, leaving taxpayers and policymakers with a whole lot of questions.
- At the County: Following initial coverage on the 26th, the Editorial Board at The Seattle Times wrote this piece, “‘Damning audit’ begs the question: Who is protecting taxpayer interests in King County?”
- At Sound Transit: Sound Transit’s Board of Directors has acknowledged that they are facing a $30 billion construction shortfall, putting future expansion of light rail into question.
3. Last Month o' Markets
As summer winds down, so is the Bellevue Farmers Market. After an impressive season with new programming, vendors, and performers, the BFM will hold its last market of the season on Thursday, October 2. Be sure to stop by before then!
They also will be hosting a harvest market on Saturday, October 25, and a holiday market on Saturday, November 22.
4. Flight Path: Set for D.C.
Policy fiends — we are heading back to DC for our annual advocacy Fly In. Jodie is working hard to square away meetings with top electeds, commissions, and departments, and arrangements for attendees have been made.
Tuesday, December 2 - Friday, December 5
Interested in joining, but not sure if it's the right fit? Shoot Jodie a message to chat!
5. Wine Walk, 2 Weeks Out
The Old Bellevue Merchants Association is celebrating the changing of the seasons by putting on another Wine Walk! This time taking place on Thursday, September 18, the event will feature over 24 wineries and a whole bunch of the best downtown shops.
Member News:
- The Name Game: As of September 1, all Pacific Premier and Umpqua banks have rebranded as Columbia Bank following the acquisition first announced in April. Read the news release here.
- Bellevue is a Beaut: Our backyard botanical garden had its own feature in The Seattle Times! Check out the pictures and reporting here.
- Tasty, Too: Visit Bellevue’s “A Taste of Bellevue” 2025-2026 Culinary Guide is here. Access the book using this link.
- Home Field Advantage: Good news for the Venn diagram of Chamber members and football fans: We’ve got discounted Seahawks tickets. Using this unique link, folks can snag their own tickets in the 300-level at select games.
- New Execs: The Chamber's New Executives program is just around the corner — have you gotten your application in? Learn more and sign up here.
- Best in Show: Bellevue Lifestyle Magazine is back with its Best of Bellevue 2025 campaign, and there are around 60 categories to vote in. Submit your nominations using this link.