An End of an Era: Thank You, Kemper
Date postedSeptember 1, 2026
SPECIAL EDITION · IN THE NEWS
An End of an Era: Thank You, Kemper
You've likely already heard the news that shook Bellevue's downtown last week, as Kemper Development Company is exploring a sale of The Bellevue Collection.
Last Friday, the group announced that they are exploring a sale of the roughly 5.5 million-square-foot complex encompassing Bellevue Square, Bellevue Place and Lincoln Square North and South, following eight decades of family ownership.
"Kemper's commitment to his unique vision for The Bellevue Collection will be impossible to replace," said our President & CEO Joe Fain. "We must all do our part to ensure this vision and the commitment to our community lives on with any new ownership group."
While we wait for further news, let's take a moment to walk down memory lane and recognize all the Freeman family has done for our City!
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The Seattle Times editorial board is weighing in on the statewide payroll tax proposal.
Bellevue Chamber President & CEO Joe Fain: “In practical terms, this means taxpayers and employers from every corner of Washington would be directly subsidizing the City of Seattle’s budget.”
Read the editorial: https://lnkd.in/g-MttGZa
Bellevue Chamber President & CEO Joe Fain: “In practical terms, this means taxpayers and employers from every corner of Washington would be directly subsidizing the City of Seattle’s budget.”
Read the editorial: https://lnkd.in/g-MttGZa
Read more
Bellevue Chamber
3 minutes ago
The Bellevue Chamber joined Washington Roundtable, Association of Washington Business, Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce, and Greater Spokane Inc. in responding to an income tax measure introduced in Olympia. While framed as a personal income tax, the proposal has clear implications for business activity, and deserves careful review.
As we evaluate the legislation, we’re focused on affordability impacts for families and employers, whether outcomes are tangible in communities, and how the policy affects long-term budget sustainability and Washington’s competitiveness.
Chamber President & CEO Joe Fain also flagged several structural issues that need closer review, including treatment of pass-through entities, charitable deductions, a potential marriage penalty, and interactions with other state tax policies.
Read more: https://lnkd.in/g8Uv_wD4
As we evaluate the legislation, we’re focused on affordability impacts for families and employers, whether outcomes are tangible in communities, and how the policy affects long-term budget sustainability and Washington’s competitiveness.
Chamber President & CEO Joe Fain also flagged several structural issues that need closer review, including treatment of pass-through entities, charitable deductions, a potential marriage penalty, and interactions with other state tax policies.
Read more: https://lnkd.in/g8Uv_wD4
Read more
Bellevue Chamber
52 minutes ago