​Property taxes can be complex, as bills often include various charges that may fluctuate. Benton County’s Assessor’s Office recently launched a new online “tax transparency" tool, making it easier to see current payments and potential future charges if a proposed levy receives voter approval.


The tool is part of an upgrade to the county’s property records website. Essentially, it helps you look up a property and view the levies associated with it, then compare current levies to proposed ones so you can estimate how your tax bill might change. The county describes the tool as a way to give residents easier, more convenient access to property and tax information, especially when voters are considering levy measures.


You can use this to monitor fluctuations in property taxes over time, and the site displays basic property details like tax value and land parcel size. Local reports emphasize that a key feature is the median residential sales price chart, helping residents grasp market trends affecting property assessments. Note that the “tax transparency” section may only be visible if a bond or levy measure influences the property, so proposed levies might not always be shown comparisons.


Visit the Benton County Property Search site at https://property.spatialest.com/wa/benton#/. Search for an address or use the map, then scroll down to the “taxes and levies” section and open the tax transparency area if available. You can compare your current levies with the estimate from the proposed levies tool, which aids in budgeting and making informed voting decisions.

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Keep in mind that this tool is designed for transparency and planning purposes, not for issuing final bills. In Benton County, the Assessor’s Office determines property values, taxing districts set levies, and the Treasurer’s Office handles tax collection. Your official tax bills will still be sent through the usual billing and collection process. When used correctly, this tool can promote clearer and more informed discussions about property taxes in Benton County. 

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Thanks to all that joined us at the ribbon cutting for Tri-Cities Chaplaincy's newly remodeled hospice house, located at 2108 W. Entiat Ave., Kennewick, WA 99336.

A strong local economy relies on two key factors working together: businesses that are eager to invest and expand, and public budgets that remain stable and predictable. That is why the Tri-City Regional Chamber emphasizes sound tax policies and fiscal stewardship. It advocates a competitive and balanced tax system, supports fair tax policies, and promotes prudent budgeting to ensure our region remains a great place to do business.


For employers, taxes are more than just a line item. They influence whether a business can hire, increase wages, expand a building, or purchase new equipment. When taxes are too high, too complicated, or change frequently, businesses face greater risks and have less room to grow. A fair and competitive tax environment helps local companies stay strong, encourages entrepreneurs to start new ventures, and makes the Tri Cities more appealing to outside investors who can create new jobs.


This principle also recognizes that the community needs quality public services. Businesses rely on safe neighborhoods, dependable roads, robust utilities, and well-kept infrastructure that supports shipping, commuting, and growth. The Chamber’s strategy is to prioritize funding for vital services and infrastructure while keeping spending within expected revenues. In simple terms, the aim is to fund what truly matters without depending on wishful budgeting.


This guiding principle also serves as a practical tool the Chamber uses to evaluate public policies. When a proposal arises, we ask straightforward questions: Does it create a more competitive and balanced tax environment, or does it introduce new costs that hinder private sector growth? Is the tax policy fair and predictable across different industries and business sizes? Does the funding plan rely on realistic revenue estimates, and does it prioritize core services and infrastructure that support long-term growth? These questions help the Chamber clearly explain its position, maintain consistency over time, and advocate for policies that enhance the business climate.
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Ultimately, this principle focuses on maintaining stability in the Tri Cities. Businesses need space to grow, and communities require smart investments to keep the region functioning well. By promoting fair taxes, disciplined budgets, and targeted spending, the Chamber applies this guiding principle to support both economic growth and the public foundations that enable it.

​Thank you to everyone who joined us for the Legislative Send-Off Luncheon! It was great to see our community come together to support the Tri-Cities Legislative Council’s 2026 priorities and help send our legislators to Olympia with a strong, unified voice for the Tri-Cities.

Every January, Washington State lawmakers start preparing for the upcoming legislative session. One of their initial actions is submitting bills early, called pre-filed bills. These are filed before the session officially begins, allowing lawmakers to get an early start on their planned work for the year.


Pre-filing a bill means a legislator officially introduces an idea for a new law or a change to an existing one. These bills are written and assigned a number for tracking. Once filed, they are published and made available for the public to read. This allows people to see what issues lawmakers plan to address and begin learning about them.


After a bill is prefiled, it is assigned to a committee when the session begins. Committees are small groups of lawmakers who focus on specific topics like education, health, or business. The committee will decide whether the bill should advance, be amended, or be halted. If the committee approves it, the bill moves to the full chamber, such as the House or Senate, for a vote. If it passes there, it goes to the other chamber. If both the House and Senate approve it, the bill moves to the governor, who can sign it into law or veto it.


Anyone can view pre-filed bills on the Washington State Legislature’s official website at leg.wa.gov. Just visit the site and go to the “Bill Information” section to search for bills by number, topic, or sponsor. This allows the public to stay informed about their lawmakers’ actions and provides an opportunity to support or oppose particular bills.
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Pre-filing bills is an important step in Washington's legislative process. It allows lawmakers to prepare ahead and provides the public with an early preview of upcoming legislation. 

The Tri-City Regional Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to announce an exclusive sponsorship opportunity for one of our most impactful and popular programs: "Ask the Experts." We're looking for a visionary partner to champion this vital community resource and elevate their brand in the process.

What is "Ask the Experts"?

"Ask the Experts" is our highly successful monthly series of hybrid workshops (in-person and via Zoom) dedicated to equipping our members and the broader business community with crucial, actionable insights on a wide range of workplace topics. From "Unlocking Employee Engagement" to "Mental Well-Being and Building a Resilient Workforce," these sessions feature leading experts and provide invaluable professional development--all offered free of charge to attendees.

Our audience is diverse and engaged, including small business owners, non-profit leaders, professionals in higher education, and individuals from every corner of our thriving Tri-Cities economy.

View recordings of previous sessions on the Chamber's YouTube channel.

A Program at the Peak of Its Popularity!

"Ask the Experts" isn't just impactful; it's experiencing record growth and popularity!

• We're seeing increased in-person attendance and significant growth in online viewership for session recordings.
• Attendee feedback is consistently glowing, with professionals praising the program for its "bountiful harvest of wisdom" and its "rockstar experts."
• Our sessions attract a broad appeal, providing information that truly benefits all businesspeople, regardless of industry.

Why This Sponsorship Matters

This is more than just a sponsorship; it's an opportunity to align your brand with a highly respected, successful program that directly contributes to the strength and prosperity of the Tri-Cities business community. As the exclusive sponsor, your organization will gain:

• Significant Brand Visibility: Prominent recognition across all program materials, Chamber communications (eNewsletter, social media, website), and during each event.
• Direct Engagement: Opportunities to connect directly with a targeted audience of engaged business leaders and professionals.
• Thought Leadership: Position your organization as a key advocate for professional development and business excellence.
• Community Impact: Demonstrate your commitment to fostering growth, education, and success within the Tri-Cities region.

Your Chance to Make a Difference

The "Ask the Experts" program embodies the Chamber's mission to strengthen member businesses through innovative and essential programs. As our exclusive partner, your organization will play a pivotal role in continuing this vital service and enhancing its reach and quality for years to come.

Interested in Learning More? Contact Austin Regimbal, Vice President, at 509.491.3238 or [email protected]

​Earlier in this series, we explored why Washington lacks a personal income tax and reviewed its basic pros, cons, and design options. In this final part, we show how various income tax models might work in practice. These scenarios aren't predictions, but simple examples to help businesses and communities consider how different choices affect jobs, investment, family budgets, and local services.

 
In a flat rate model, everyone pays the same percentage on taxable income above an exemption. For example, the state could tax income over $20,000 at 4 percent. Someone earning $50,000 would pay about $1,200 in tax. Someone earning $200,000 would pay more in total, but still the same 4 percent rate. This approach is easy to understand and simple to administer. It offers predictability for small business owners whose profits are taxed as personal income. The main trade-off is fairness: lower- and middle-income households pay a larger share of their income than high earners, unless the state provides large exemptions or credits. The tax could produce stable revenue for schools, roads, and public safety, but might increase pressure on moderate earners.

 
A progressive tax uses tiers so higher incomes pay higher percentages. For example, the state might tax the first $50,000 of taxable income at 2 percent, $50,001 to $250,000 at 5 percent, and above $250,000 at 8 percent. A worker earning $40,000 would pay about $800. Someone earning $300,000 might pay around $15,000 across the three brackets. This structure eases the burden on lower and middle-income individuals and can boost revenue for community needs. However, high-earning individuals and business owners may face higher bills and change how they invest, hire, or operate. The tradeoff is greater equity and flexibility for public investment, at the cost of more complexity and potential competitiveness concerns.

 
A business-friendly design focuses on protecting job creation and investment. The state might exempt a set amount of pass-through business income, apply a lower rate to small business profits than to wages, or offer credits for training workers, investing in equipment, or operating in underserved areas. This can make the tax climate more attractive to employers, potentially encouraging expansion and hiring in Washington. At the same time, if the state gives too much relief, it may not collect enough revenue to support schools, transportation, and other services. The burden could shift to wage earners or to other taxes, and smaller firms without tax experts might not benefit as much from complex credit programs as larger companies do.

 
An aggressive income tax design combines high rates and a broad base. Under this model, the state taxes wages, business, and investment income—including capital gains—at a higher top rate, such as 10 percent, with fewer exemptions. The goal is to generate steady revenue for major investments in education, infrastructure, health care, and social support. Lawmakers might pair this with deep cuts in other taxes, such as sales or B&O taxes. This can create a more robust public system and improve long-term business conditions, such as better roads, broadband, and workforce skills. The risks are higher: businesses and top earners may be more sensitive to costs and could scale back or relocate, and a downturn could strain the state budget.

 
Comparing these four approaches underscores key tradeoffs: Flat-rate systems prioritize simplicity and predictability but tend to shift costs to lower- and middle-income households. Progressive systems emphasize fairness and boost community resources, yet introduce complexity and draw concerns from high earners and some businesses. Business-friendly models favor growth and job creation, but can shrink the tax base and challenge notions of equity. Aggressive designs pursue ambitious public service gains, but heighten economic and fiscal risks if revenues dip.
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For businesses and communities, key questions arise in every scenario. What income is taxed, and at what rates? How large are exemptions and credits, and who benefits? How will the state phase in changes and adjust other taxes, such as sales, property, or B&O? Most importantly, how will leaders show that new revenue visibly improves schools, infrastructure, and quality of life? Clear answers help employers, workers, and residents judge which model fits Washington’s economy, competitiveness, and community goals. Tools and worksheets that let people input their own numbers can make these choices more concrete and support productive discussion about the path forward.

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References
“Washington State Taxes: Income, Property and Sales.” AARP.
“Income tax – Washington State Department of Revenue.”
“How Washington State Doesn’t Have an Income Tax: The 1930s Campaign for Tax Reform and the Origins of Washington’s Tax System.” University of Washington.
“Washington may not have an income tax … but we pay more than you think.” Washington Policy Center.
“Washington state Democrats look at imposing income tax on higher earners.” Washington State Standard.

• ​This article was written with contributions from AI to organize the information and improve its readability.

Thanks to everyone who attended our Business After Hours at Marsh McLennan Agency on Dec. 11th!