Policy Council Kicks Off 2026: New Chair, City Hall Priorities, & an Olympia Preview

The Bellevue Chamber’s Policy Council started 2026 with a full agenda and a clear focus: Practical policy conversations that affect employers, employees, and the day-to-day health of our region. The meeting also marked a leadership hand-off, with outgoing chair Kristi Tripple (Rowley Properties) reflecting on the Council’s work over the past year and welcoming Joe Woods (Pacific Public Affairs) as the new Policy Council Chair.

Priorities for 2026? Keep Momentum, Reduce Friction

The Council welcomed Bellevue Mayor Mo Malakoutian and Deputy Mayor Dave Hamilton for a discussion of the City’s priorities and how the Chamber and City can stay aligned on shared goals. Mayor Malakoutian framed his approach in terms that will feel familiar to anyone trying to keep a schedule intact.

“Our goal is to make sure government doesn’t become another red line … slowing your businesses down.” - Mayor Mo Malakoutian, City of Bellevue

Deputy Mayor Hamilton emphasized the importance of partnership with the Chamber and highlighted a key challenge the City continues to face: The gap between where people work and where they can afford to live.

“We know that only 11% of the workforce that works here in Bellevue lives in Bellevue, [and] I think a really dangerous number.” -  Dep. Mayor Dave Hamilton, City of Bellevue

Olympia Briefing from AWB: Big Issues, Detailed Work, & a Few Curveballs

The Council then heard a 2026 legislative session update from Morgan Irwin of the Association of Washington Business (AWB). The briefing covered major themes expected this session, including labor policy, environmental proposals, energy and siting questions, and the importance of definitions in technology policy.

On taxes, Irwin offered a detailed look at several proposals he said are being discussed early this session. He flagged a wealth tax proposal that advanced in the Senate last year and is now in the House, as well as two versions of a higher-earner wage tax.

He also noted that Representative April Berg had introduced a margins tax proposal that had been submitted to the Code Reviser, and he walked the group through the outline of an income tax concept Senator Jamie Pederson described publicly in November.  As Irwin summarized it, that concept would apply a 9.9% tax to households with adjusted gross income above $1 million, beginning at $1,000,001 rather than applying to the first dollar. He also said Pederson has discussed possible allowances so income already taxed as capital gains, and certain pass-through business income that has already paid B&O tax, is handled appropriately.

He emphasized that AWB had not taken a formal position because the bill text was not yet available and member views vary. He also described coordination already underway among AWB, the Washington Roundtable, and the Bellevue and Seattle Chambers, including meetings with lawmakers, and noted that if bill language remains unavailable, the conversation may shift toward concerns about legislators being asked to vote without adequate time to review details.

Washington Policy Center Request: Opposition to New Taxes

The Council also heard from Ryan Frost (Director of Budget and Tax Policy, Washington Policy Center) regarding a request for the Chamber to consider a resolution opposing any new taxes this session, including a proposed state income tax concept. Frost noted that, as of the meeting, there was not yet a bill text to review, and he urged readiness once legislation is introduced.

During discussion, Councilmembers emphasized the importance of evaluating final language, moving promptly when details become available, and being clear about the Council’s role in the broader coalition of business advocacy organizations.

Bellevue School District Levy Renewals: Council Takes a Position

To close, the Council considered support for renewal of the Bellevue School District operations and technology levy and capital projects levy. Genesee Adkins (City of Bellevue) shared that the City Council received a presentation from the School District at its January 6 meeting and planned to revisit the topic at the City Council’s January 27 meeting.

The Policy Council then voted. The motion passed with majority. 

Policy Council meetings are where the Chamber’s advocacy priorities get tested, refined, and put into action, with input from members and partners across the region. This January meeting set the pace for what looks like a busy year with no shortage of topics.