On May 15, Governor Bob Ferguson visited the Tri-Cities for a special bill signing ceremony, recognizing the work of local legislators during the 2025 Washington State legislative session. Held in the heart of the Tri-Cities region, the event celebrated the successful passage of bills championed by Eastern Washington lawmakers. At the ceremony, Governor Ferguson signed 11 bills into law, highlighting the impact of regional leadership on statewide policies.

The bills signed in the Tri-Cities covered a range of topics, from agriculture and infrastructure to workforce development and education. While most legislation is typically signed in Olympia, this visit underscores the importance of bringing government closer to the communities it serves. It also offered local residents a chance to witness firsthand how their elected officials are shaping laws that directly affect their region.

In total, Tri-City legislators successfully passed 18 bills into law during the 2025 session. This legislative achievement reflects the growing influence of Eastern Washington voices in Olympia and the commitment of local lawmakers to address regional needs. The remaining bills were signed earlier this year at ceremonies held at the state capitol, continuing the longstanding tradition of recognizing the legislative process at the seat of government.

This event not only highlighted the accomplishments of local lawmakers, but also emphasized the importance of bipartisan collaboration in achieving meaningful results. The governor’s decision to hold a bill signing ceremony in the Tri-Cities sends a clear message: the voices of Eastern Washington are being heard, and their ideas are making a difference across the state.
Tri-Cities can take pride in the active role their delegation plays in shaping state policy. These successes established a strong foundation for future advocacy efforts and legislative progress in the region.

​Washington State’s 2025 legislative session brought major changes to housing law, with a focus on affordability, tenant protection, and housing development. These new laws are intended to address the state’s growing housing crisis, but also bring about significant adjustments for property owners. Whether you rent out a single unit or manage a portfolio of properties, understanding these laws is key to adapting your operations and staying compliant. 

House Bill 1217: Rent Control Statewide

House Bill 1217 is one of the most talked about measures in this session. It establishes statewide rent stabilization rules, limiting how much landlords can raise rent each year. Specifically, annual rent increases are capped at 7% plus inflation or at 10%, whichever is lower. This law marks the first time Washington has implemented a broad rent control policy, signaling a shift in how the state balances market forces and tenant protection. 

For renters, this implies more predictable housing costs and a lower risk of sudden displacement. However, for landlords, the cap may impact long-term financial planning, particularly in regions where costs such as property taxes, insurance, and maintenance are rising faster than the allowable rent increases. Owners need to assess how these limits affect revenue models and consider strategies for controlling expenses.

House Bill 1491: Increasing Density Near Transit

Another major policy change came through House Bill 1491, which requires cities to allow higher-density housing near transit corridors. The law mandates upzoning around areas served by frequent public transit, such as light-rail stations and major bus lines. The goal is to create walkable, transit-connected communities while increasing housing supply in areas with strong infrastructure. 

Renters may benefit from more housing options near their jobs, schools, and public services. Property owners located in these areas could see new development opportunities with the ability to build more units than previously allowed. However, participating in such development will likely require familiarity with new permitting processes and compliance with the updated local planning codes.
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House Bill 1096: Easier Lot Splitting for Small-Scale Housing

House Bill 1096 focuses on increasing the housing supply by making it easier for property owners to split large residential lots into smaller parcels. This legislation opens the door for more “missing middle” housing, such as duplexes, triplexes, and accessory dwelling units, especially in traditional single-family neighborhoods. 

This could be a win for renters who are seeking more affordable or flexible living options. For property owners, the law creates opportunities to build and generate income from additional units on existing lots. That said, owners will need to navigate zoning, permitting, and infrastructure requirements, which could vary by jurisdiction and require upfront investment.

House Bill 1177: Housing Support for At-Risk Families

Finally, House Bill 1177 expanded the housing support for families involved in the child welfare system. This enhances funding and eligibility for housing assistance programs aimed at preventing family separation due to homelessness or unsafe housing conditions. The bill ensures that families at risk of entering the child welfare system receive rental assistance and case management support. 

This law provides a vital safety net for renters, particularly vulnerable families. Landlords may see more tenants using state-supported housing programs that can provide more reliable rent payments through vouchers. However, they must also comply with program requirements, including lease terms and property condition standards.

In summary, Washington’s 2025 housing laws reshape the relationship between renters and property owners. The new rules emphasize stability and access for tenants while encouraging denser housing development in the targeted areas. Property owners who remain informed and proactive—whether by adjusting rental strategies, exploring new development potential, or engaging with housing programs—will be best positioned to navigate these changes. As the market continues to evolve, successful landlords will adapt to new expectations while maintaining the long-term value of their properties.

The Association of Washington Business (AWB) has released a comprehensive report titled "Trade in Washington," highlighting the critical role of international trade in the state's economy. The report underscores how Washington's strategic location, robust infrastructure, and diverse industries contribute to its status as a leading trade hub. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining and expanding trade relationships to ensure continued economic growth and competitiveness. 

Washington's economy is deeply intertwined with global markets, with key sectors such as aerospace, agriculture, and technology relying heavily on exports. The report details how trade supports thousands of jobs across the state and contributes significantly to the state's GDP. It also discusses the challenges and opportunities presented by evolving trade policies and global economic shifts.
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In conclusion, the AWB's "Trade in Washington" report serves as a vital resource for understanding the state's economic landscape. It calls for proactive measures to strengthen trade infrastructure, advocate for favorable trade policies, and support businesses in navigating international markets. By doing so, Washington can continue to thrive as a dynamic participant in the global economy. 

​You can read the full report here. 

On February 5, the Association of Washington Business (AWB) hosted its annual Legislative Day & Hill Climb in Olympia, bringing together hundreds of employers to engage directly with state lawmakers. For the second time in two weeks representatives for Tri-City businesses gathered to make our voices heard in Olympia.

The day commenced with a welcome session at the AWB office, setting the stage for a series of face-to-face meetings between business leaders and legislators at the Washington State Capitol Campus. These discussions covered critical topics such as transportation, housing, healthcare, workforce development, tax and fiscal policies, energy, environmental concerns, employment law, manufacturing, and data privacy. 

A highlight of the event was the keynote address delivered by Governor Bob Ferguson during the luncheon at Saint Martin's University's Norman Worthington Conference Center. Governor Ferguson emphasized the importance of responsible budgeting and avoiding revenue assumptions that could lead to future shortfalls. He stated, "I'm determined as governor to make sure we learn from mistakes that we made as a state in making decisions on how we budgeted." 

Throughout the day, participants had the opportunity to meet with key legislators, including State Representative Greg Nance, D-Bainbridge Island, who engaged with AWB members on transportation issues. 

The event concluded with a legislative reception at Anthony's Homeport Olympia, providing a platform for further networking and discussions between business leaders and policymakers. 

Despite a snowy start, the 2025 AWB Legislative Day & Hill Climb was marked by productive dialogues and a shared commitment to addressing the pressing issues facing Washington's business community. 

Last week, the Tri-Cities Legislative Council, Leadership Tri-Cities, and local businesses brought a group of over 80 citizens to Olympia to meet with our legislative representatives. Our goal was to discuss the 2025 legislative priorities and explore ways to successfully advocate for them.

You can review the 2025 Legislative Priorities in our previous blog post.

While in Olympia, the Tri-Cities delegation heard from Senators Boehnke, King, and Dozier. They provided valuable insights into the current political climate, emphasizing that despite Governor Ferguson’s positive outlook, the state budget remains tight, making it challenging to secure funding from the legislature.

We also had the opportunity to hear from two freshman representatives from the 14th Legislative District: Gloria Mendoza and Deb Manjarrez. They shared their experiences as first-year legislators and expressed enthusiasm for representing the Tri-Cities region.

In addition, Representative Connors, the Minority Floor Leader, visited our group. Now, in her second term, she is establishing herself as a strong voice in the legislature, and we are all proud of her accomplishments.

Our agenda included a visit from David Puente, Director of the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs, whose presentation on the Veterans’ Cemetery generated significant interest and discussion. We also had a surprise visit from Joe Nguyen, the new Director of the Washington State Department of Commerce. His presentation was engaging, and we look forward to collaborating with him in the future.
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The day concluded with a Legislative Reception where we welcomed lawmakers from across the state. The Tri-Cities Legislative Council organizes this trip to Olympia every January. 

The Tri-Cities Legislative Council, comprised of the Pasco Chamber of Commerce, Tri-Cities Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Tri-City Development Council (TRIDEC), Tri-City Regional Chamber of Commerce, Visit Tri-Cities, and West Richland Chamber of Commerce, recently completed its 2025 Legislative Priorities screening process. These legislative priorities represent inputs solicited from cities, counties, ports, community and not-for-profit organizations, public utilities, businesses, educational institutions, and other members of the community.

In addition to the five priorities outlined below, the Tri-Cities Legislative Council (TCLC) also supports the priorities of the community at large, as we continue working together to enhance regional collaboration for our collective benefit. We support our partners in their priority focuses, including agriculture and conservation, childcare, clean energy and transmission, economic development, education – early learning, K-12 and higher education – hospitality and tourism, housing, law enforcement and public safety, manufacturing and permitting reform, and transportation and infrastructure.

Priority #1: Battelle’s Energy Resources Testbed

The electricity demand in the Pacific Northwest is expected to grow by 30% over the next decade, requiring Washington State to expand power generation and transmission while transitioning to zero-carbon resources. With constrained transmission infrastructure limiting state-wide economic development, solutions such as energy storage, distributed energy resource management, and improved coordination of regional systems can optimize existing assets. Leveraging local resources, such as rooftop solar, can reduce transmission congestion; however, no unified pathway currently exists for grid-scale coordination. Battelle, operator of the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), proposes a $4 million testbed to enhance the integration of distributed energy resources, leveraging PNNL’s state-supported facilities to ensure grid resilience and resource adequacy during this transition.

The Tri-Cities Legislative Council strongly supports $4 million for Battelle to develop a testbed at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory to advance planning and operation capabilities to utilize distributed energy resources to provide grid services to ensure resource adequacy.

Priority #2: HB 1210 – Amending Targeted Urban Area Exemptions for Clean Energy Transformation Businesses

The Targeted Urban Areas (TUA) program authorized by the legislature in 2022 provides tax exemptions for qualifying manufacturing businesses that create new jobs. Richland established Washington's first TUA in 2023 with ATI Inc., a material company that serves the aerospace and defense industries. This success has spurred additional TUA projects, including Framatome, a clean energy supply chain manufacturer expanding advanced nuclear fuel production in collaboration with washington-based companies such as Terrapower. However, the current TUA construction timeline of up to five years is insufficient for heavily regulated or complex projects such as nuclear and hydrogen energy development. Extending this timeline aligns with Richland’s strategic plan to advance clean energy innovation in the Northwest Advanced Clean Energy Park.

The Tri-Cities Legislative Council strongly supports HB 1210 in amending the Targeted Urban Area (TUA) tax exemption to ensure that complex and highly regulated clean energy projects can access and fully utilize the legislative intent of the original TUA designation.

Priority #3: Tri-Cities Regional Transportation Feasibility Study

The Tri-Cities region has experienced rapid growth, adding 130,000 residents over the past 25 years, and projecting an additional 145,000 residents and 44,000 households by 2040. With 22,000 more vehicles expected on local roadways in the next two decades, the region’s infrastructure is at risk of being overwhelmed, as the average commute times are already increasing. To address this, local governments aim to proactively plan future road and freight infrastructure needs. The Benton-Franklin Council of Governments proposes a study to prioritize large-scale investments to reduce congestion and improve traffic flow. However, transportation funding processes often prioritize immediate crises, necessitating alternative funding to ensure that Tri-Cities remains ahead of rapid growth.

The Tri-Cities Legislative Council strongly supports one-time funding for a feasibility study to identify top priorities for large-scale regional transportation infrastructure investments.

Priority #4: The Mid-Columbia Children’s Museum

The Mid-Columbia Children's Museum (MCCM) is a grassroots initiative to create a children’s museum serving families in Tri-Cities and the surrounding regions of Southeastern Washington and Northeastern Oregon. Its mission is to provide an inclusive, engaging space that promotes STEAM learning, family interaction, and the development of lifelong learners. Since early 2023, the MCCM Founding Task Force has collaborated with the community to plan a museum that reflects local industries and offers hands-on career exploration opportunities. A privately funded feasibility study set for completion in early 2025 will guide decisions on the museum’s size, location, and operational plans. Following this, the project will move into the pre-concept and schematic design phases, which will solidify the vision for the museum and enable a building capital campaign, expediting the timeline to bring this valuable resource to the community.

The Tri-Cities Legislative Council supports $1.3 million for pre-concept and schematic design for the Mid-Columbia Children’s Museum.

Priority #5: Establishing a Tri-Cities Veterans Cemetery

Establishing a veteran cemetery in Tri-Cities is essential to providing a dignified final resting place for 46,000 veterans within a 75-mile radius, as identified by a 2017 feasibility study and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Currently, veterans in Southeastern Washington must choose between private or civilian cemeteries or travel to veteran cemeteries in Medical Lake or Kent. A Tri-Cities veterans cemetery, estimated to support 400 interments annually, would address this gap. Initial state funding would qualify the project for federal VA funding, covering up to 100% of the construction and ongoing operational costs. While the Governor’s proposed 2025-2027 budget includes $500,000 for pre-design work, it omits funding for property procurement, which is critical to moving the project forward. This cemetery honors veterans’ sacrifices and improves their families’ quality of life by addressing a pressing regional and statewide need.

The Tri-Cities Legislative Council strongly supports robust funding – including for pre-design work and property procurement – for the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs and its State Veteran Cemetery Program to continue its pursuit of a future Tri-Cities Veterans Cemetery.

You can view the complete Tri-Cities Legislative Council 2025 Legislative Priorities HERE

The Tri-Cities Legislative Council (TCLC) is a coalition of community organizations from the Tri-Cities. Its primary mission is to advocate for the region's interests at the state and federal levels, fostering collaboration among member organizations to avoid duplication of efforts and maximize impact.

Member Organizations

The TCLC comprises representatives from the following organizations:

• Tri-City Industrial Development Council (TRIDEC)
• Visit Tri-Cities
• Tri-City Regional Chamber of Commerce
• Pasco Chamber of Commerce
• West Richland Chamber of Commerce
• Tri-Cities Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

Mission and Focus

The TCLC works collectively to identify and prioritize legislative issues that affect the Tri-Cities area. Key areas of focus include:

• Infrastructure development
• Economic growth
• Education
• Energy
• Environmental sustainability

By addressing these priorities, the council seeks to promote policies and secure resources that align with the region’s long-term goals.

Core Functions

1. Legislative Advocacy:
The TCLC identifies and champions key legislative priorities that directly impact the Tri-Cities region, such as transportation, education, economic development, energy policy, and water resources.

2. Unified Representation:
Acting as a cohesive voice, the council represents the collective interests of the region, ensuring consistent and effective advocacy on issues that transcend individual cities or counties.

3. Engagement with Lawmakers:
The council facilitates direct communication and meetings between regional leaders and state or federal legislators to discuss pressing needs and propose practical solutions.

4. Community Advocacy:
The TCLC ensures that the diverse interests of businesses, residents, and other stakeholders are included in legislative discussions, fostering inclusive representation.

Impact and Benefits
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The TCLC's unified approach amplifies the region’s influence in securing funding, shaping policy, and driving innovation. By working collaboratively, the council strengthens the Tri-Cities’ position as a thriving and forward-looking community.

On December 3, 2024, the U.S. The District Court for the Eastern District of Texas issued a nationwide preliminary injunction that halted enforcement of the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA). This act, which was passed in 2021, mandates that certain U.S. companies disclose their beneficial owners to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN). The primary goal of CTA is to prevent financial crimes, such as money laundering and tax evasion, by increasing transparency in corporate ownership.

The court found the CTA "likely unconstitutional," citing concerns about federal overreach into areas traditionally governed by state law, particularly those related to corporate formation and governance. As a result, the injunction suspends the CTA's reporting requirements across the nation, effectively postponing the January 1, 2025, deadline for companies to provide beneficial ownership information.

This ruling aligns with a similar decision made by a federal court in Alabama earlier this year. The U.S. The Department of Justice has chosen not to comment on Texas’s ruling, and the case is expected to advance through higher courts, potentially reaching the Supreme Court.

Impact on Businesses

This situation creates uncertainty for businesses preparing to comply with the CTA's reporting requirements. While the injunction is in place, companies are not required to submit beneficial ownership information to the FinCEN. However, businesses should remain informed about potential appeals and future legal actions, as the legal environment related to CTA may continue to evolve.

What the Corporate Transparency Act Requires

The Corporate Transparency Act requires certain U.S. companies to report beneficial ownership information to FinCEN. Beneficial owners are individuals who own or control at least 25% of the company, or exercise significant control over it. The information that must be reported includes the following.
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• Full legal name
• Date of birth
• Current residential or business address
• A unique identifying number from an acceptable identification document (such as a passport or driver's license)
The purpose of these requirements is to create a centralized database that law enforcement and regulatory agencies can use to detect and prevent illegal activities facilitated by anonymous corporate structures.

The recent court ruling on the Corporate Transparency Act has significant implications for business. While the injunction provides temporary relief from CTA's reporting requirements, it also introduces uncertainty. Businesses should remain vigilant and remain updated on any legal developments related to CTA to ensure compliance with future regulations. Understanding CTA and its potential impact is crucial for businesses to effectively navigate an evolving regulatory landscape.

Transportation Benefit Districts (TBDs) are an important mechanism for local governments in Washington State to fund and maintain transportation-related projects. These districts provide cities and counties with a way to address infrastructure needs without relying solely on state and federal funding.

A Transportation Benefit District (TBD) is a quasi-municipal corporation authorized by Washington State law, specifically under RCW 36.73. Local governments can establish TBDs to generate revenue dedicated to funding transportation improvements. These improvements include a wide range of projects aimed at maintaining and enhancing local transportation infrastructure.

A TBD can encompass a whole city, a portion of a city, or even multiple jurisdictions if neighboring municipalities choose to collaborate. This flexibility allows local governments to create a funding mechanism tailored to their specific needs and challenges, from urban centers to rural areas.

Once a TBD is established, the local government can use several tools to generate revenue specifically for transportation projects. Common revenue-generating mechanisms include:

• Vehicle Licensing Fees: A TBD can impose an annual fee on vehicle registrations within the district.
• Sales and Use Taxes: TBDs can levy an additional sales tax of up to 0.2% for transportation purposes, but this requires voter approval.
• Property Taxes: TBDs can propose property tax levies, usually in the form of special property tax assessments, but this also requires voter approval.
• Other local Funding Mechanisms: In addition to the above, TBDs can issue bonds, apply for grants, or even create tolls in specific circumstances.

Funds collected through TBDs are restricted to transportation-related projects. These projects can vary widely but must fall within the scope of transportation improvements as defined by Washington State law. Some common uses of TBD funds include:

• Road and Street Maintenance: Local governments can use TBD funds to maintain and repair existing roads, including filling potholes, repaving streets, and improving road safety.
• Public Transit Support: TBD revenue can go towards improving public transportation, including funding for buses, park-and-ride facilities, and transit stops.
• Sidewalks and Pedestrian Safety: TBDs can fund projects that enhance walkability, such as building sidewalks, installing pedestrian crossings, and ensuring ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliance.
• Traffic Flow Improvements: TBDs can be used to manage congestion by funding projects that improve traffic flow, such as the addition of turn lanes, traffic signal optimization, and the creation of roundabouts.
• Bicycle Infrastructure: Funds can support the development of bike lanes, trails, and other bike-friendly infrastructure.

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Transportation Benefit Districts are critical to local governments in Washington State for several reasons. They allow cities and counties greater autonomy in identifying transportation needs. They also create a dedicated and flexible funding stream for funding transportation improvements, helping to bridge the gap between other sources of funding. Well-maintained transportation infrastructure is essential for economic development and because TBD funds are restricted to transportation projects, they increase accountability in local government spending.

Transportation Benefit Districts are a vital funding mechanism for Washington's cities and counties, providing them with the flexibility and resources to address diverse transportation challenges. With dedicated funds for transportation projects, TBDs ensure that local governments can keep roads, bridges, and transit systems safe, efficient, and up to date.

In a state where population growth and economic development are putting pressure on infrastructure, TBDs are an essential part of the solution. They empower communities to plan and fund transportation improvements that directly impact residents' daily lives, making TBDs a cornerstone of local government finance and planning in Washington State.

Currently the City of Richland has a Transportation Benefit District. The City of Kennewick just approved one. The City of Pasco is considering one to help tackle it's protentional budget shortfall. West Richland does not currently have a TBD.