Washington employers continue to face questions about the state's long-term economic growth and fiscal outlook. This week's Association of Washington Business (AWB) update highlights new employment projections and an upcoming business community briefing focused on potential tax issues in the 2027 legislative session.

Washington businesses, nonprofits, homeowners, and renters impacted by the December 2025 storms may qualify for SBA disaster loans and federal recovery assistance. Learn about eligibility, available loan programs, important deadlines, and recovery resources.

A new AWB-commissioned study finds Washington ranks as the eighth-most regulated state in the nation, with more than 200,000 regulations impacting business operations, job creation, and economic competitiveness. The report examines the effects of regulatory complexity on small and medium-sized businesses, highlights industry-specific challenges, and outlines recommendations to streamline regulations, reduce compliance costs, and support long-term economic growth.

This week's AWB Friday Five highlights key developments impacting Washington's business community, including the economic benefits of the FIFA World Cup, major infrastructure investments at Sea-Tac Airport, Seattle's decline in foreign business rankings, the role of rural tourism in supporting local economies, and workforce development opportunities tied to graduation season. The update also explores growing film industry activity in Eastern Washington and its potential economic impact on communities across the state.

Washington's ESSB 5184 reshapes urban parking. What does this mean for Renton's future development, local businesses, and community accessibility? Gain insight into how new statewide standards could redefine local growth and livability.

The BUILD America 250 Act sets a $580B direction for transportation, unveiling new EV fees and the first federal autonomous vehicle framework. Grasp the profound implications for future policy and investment.

December storm impacts persist? Understand the upcoming June 10 deadline for vital federal assistance. Our guide illuminates FEMA grants and SBA disaster loans critical for Washington's recovery efforts.

While WA's minimum wage rises, a critical shift in exempt worker classifications by L&I demands strategic insight. This evolving framework redefines compliance and operational costs for businesses statewide. Understand its implications.

As Washington addresses fiscal headwinds, former Governor Gregoire identifies state spending, not revenue, as the core challenge. What do these critical insights and a new employer survey, revealing rising relocation concerns, mean for WA businesses?