2026 Legislative Priorities

Economic Development & Business Climate

Oppose new or expanded business taxes; apply a Do No Harm approach to economic policy.
Support balanced wage policies, primarily tip credit considerations for hospitality to avoid increased service charges to consumers.
Partner with the City to pursue grants and implement a coordinated economic development strategy.
Explore Tax Increment Financing (TIF) as a tool to support economic growth.
Advance business recruitment efforts to fill vacant commercial space and expand employment.

Secure regional funding for SR‑900, SR‑18, and Issaquah‑Hobart Road improvements.
Support multimodal investments including I‑90 improvements, Eastside BRT, and light‑rail commitments.
Promote energy and utility investments that support business growth and grid reliability. Focus on the Grand Ridge Substation implementation.
Advocate for predictable, timely permitting and flexible land‑use regulations.

Expand career-connected learning through partnerships with employers, colleges, and K–12 systems.
Increase funding for job training, CTE, and paid internship programs.
Reduce barriers to childcare access to strengthen workforce participation.

Support workforce housing near job centers through mixed-use and mid‑market development incentives.
Reduce barriers to multi‑family housing aligned with community input and planning studies.

Support expanded police staffing, downtown and trail safety, and crime prevention tools.
Maintain focus on organized retail crime, community court, and jail capacity.
Strengthen business continuity and disaster preparedness, particularly in the Issaquah Alps region.