AGP Executive Report

Millionaires Tax Fight (I-645): Supporters and opponents are mobilizing across Washington as local backers of “No on I-645” warn the repeal of the state’s millionaire’s tax would mean big revenue losses and higher costs for small businesses. Public Safety & Accountability: Newly released texts from Gov. Bob Ferguson’s office raise questions about delays and confusion after the Bite of Seattle mass shooting, including concerns about the mayor’s response. Seattle Jobs & Downtown Economy: A new report says Seattle lost more than 18,000 jobs from 2024 to 2025, with about 13,000 of them downtown, while Bellevue and Tacoma added jobs. Health Care Cuts: More than 11,000 Washington residents are losing Medicaid and food benefits as federal rules take effect, with advocates warning families may ration care. Federal Charges in Eastern Washington: A Richland Department of Energy employee was arrested and charged for allegedly trying to provide material support to the Iran-backed Houthis. Local Community & Culture: La Conner’s Swinomish Library hosted an Orange Shirt Day talk on residential schools, and Thurston County is seeking applications for 2027 lodging tax funding.

Dementia Care in the Community: UW Medicine is rolling out “memory cafés” across Washington—low-key meetups meant to help people with dementia feel safe, connected, and less likely to withdraw. Election Watch (WA-03): A new OPB-commissioned DHM Research poll finds the race for Washington’s 3rd Congressional District essentially tied: Sen. John Braun (R) at 48% vs. Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D) at 47%, with undecided voters still in play. Healthcare Access Under Federal Changes: More than 11,000 Washington residents are set to lose Medicaid and food benefits under federal HR 1, raising pressure on local public health and county services. Local Environment & Waste: Washington’s Food Waste Prevention Week kicks off Sept. 28–Oct. 4 with events statewide aimed at keeping food out of landfills and helping families save money. Housing Tools: Cities are expanding preapproved ADU plan programs to cut permitting delays and costs for homeowners looking to add units. Seattle Utilities Win: Seattle Public Utilities received a national Sustainable Water Utility Management Award for environmental stewardship and equitable service.

Seattle Police Lawsuit: The widow of Andrew Seay, shot and killed outside the SPD Southwest Precinct in March 2025, has filed a $30 million claim against the city, saying officers mishandled a mental health crisis and fired “non-lethal” tools too late. Olympia Politics: A new DHM Research survey finds support for Washington’s millionaires income tax rises when voters see official language saying repeal would cut funding for K-12 education and healthcare, with the measure on the November ballot. Trans Sports Fight: Gov. Bob Ferguson urged voters to reject Initiative 638, arguing it would force invasive sex verification for girls’ K-12 sports. Public Health: San Juan County closed recreational shellfish harvesting after unsafe Paralytic Shellfish Poison levels were detected. Local EMS: Thurston County Medic One is holding in-person town halls and listening sessions to shape its community emergency medical services needs assessment. Health Care Leadership: Washington Permanente Medical Group named Taejoon Ahn as CEO and executive medical director. Housing/Community: West Seattle property manager Dwellings Seattle stopped operating, and former clients say more than $1 million in rent and deposits is unaccounted for.

Seattle Police Accountability: A family filed a $30 million tort claim against the City of Seattle after a fatal Southwest Precinct police shooting, alleging wrongful death, excessive force, and mishandling of a mental health crisis. Transit & Housing: Sound Transit opened the $240 million Pinehurst light rail station in North Seattle, but critics say it’s a costly stop in a low-ridership area while promised mid-rise housing is delayed. Labor & Aviation: Boeing’s largest white-collar union, SPEEA, will vote on a new contract offer that could avert a strike affecting certification work on delayed 737 MAX 10 and 777-9 jets; many members are based in Washington. Childcare Subsidies: Whatcom County’s Kids First childcare subsidy program is rolling out with a digital platform built to handle applications, payments, and fraud detection. Health Costs: Overlake emergency-room physician services will refund more than $400,000 to low-income patients after charity-care billing failures. Local Governance: Lynden School Board approved five top WSSDA legislative priorities, including bilingual education, school building funding, MSOC, special education, and kindergarten transition.

Education & Workforce: Yakima Valley College is inviting students to join its MESA program for STEM success, offering academic support and transfer help for students aiming at bachelor’s degrees in fields like engineering, math, and IT. Local Politics: Washington Rep. Skyler Rude (District 16) will resign effective Oct. 31 to become legislative director for the Secretary of State, even as he remains on the November ballot. State Budget & Services: Thurston County approved a plan to absorb most of a 2027 budget cut without cutting community services, using other funding sources and rainy-day stabilization. Civil Rights & Workplace: A 9th Circuit ruling says a Seattle human services worker can take a hostile work environment claim to a jury, after finding enough alleged racial incidents. Public Safety: A 4.2 earthquake hit Kitsap County; officials reported no immediate damage or injuries. Seattle Surveillance Oversight: Seattle’s CCTV audit may be delayed after a timeline mix-up, with some cameras still dark. Health & Early Learning: Gov. Ferguson and DCYF added 2,400 ECEAP preschool slots statewide through a Ballmer Group partnership. Olympics & Community Buzz: The 2028 Olympic torch relay will begin in Atlanta and travel through all 50 states, with the flame lit in Olympia, Greece.

Wildfire Recovery: Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson asked President Trump for a major disaster declaration for eastern Washington wildfires, seeking FEMA individual help for residents in Spokane, Benton, Stevens and Okanogan counties (plus the Spokane Tribe) and more than $117M for debris removal and emergency response across 11 counties, after damage topped $188M. Aviation & Courts: The Ninth Circuit ruled the Clean Air Act blocks most state-law claims tied to aircraft emissions from Sea-Tac, a decision that could shape future pollution lawsuits against airlines and the Port of Seattle. Local Economy & Housing: Redfin reports home-price growth is slowing into fall, with August prices up 0.25% month-over-month and a “strongest buyer’s market on record” signal as listings rise. Business & Community: Seattle Space Week drew hundreds to Federal Way to highlight Washington’s space industry momentum and what it will take to keep growing. Public Safety & Health: A caregiver in Lynnwood was named 2026 Caregiver of the Year by the Home Care Association of America, spotlighting the growing need for reliable home care.

Pipeline Fight: Washington State is urging Canada not to fast-track a new West Coast oil pipeline, warning shared waters in the Salish Sea are “too valuable” and that spill response capacity isn’t sized for bigger tankers. Climate Policy: Washington moved closer to linking its cap-and-trade carbon market with California and Quebec, setting up a larger regional system that could start operating next year. Disaster Recovery: Gov. Bob Ferguson backs a sales and use tax rebate for families rebuilding after the Spokane Complex fires and wants energy-code flexibility for repairs. Public Safety & Courts: A UW stabbing suspect, Christopher Leahy, was found incompetent again and ordered for another round of mental health evaluations. Violent Attack Case: Seattle courts ordered a mental evaluation after a woman accused of biting off a stranger’s forehead in downtown Seattle. Local Economy: King County prosecutors are pushing for tougher rules after copper wire thefts hit businesses and transit, driving major repair costs. Health & Schools: The U.S. Education Department rescinded Biden-era Title IX rules, restoring Trump’s 2020 framework. State Workers: Washington’s state employee union ratified a two-year contract with no pay raises.

Labor & Economy: Washington’s largest state worker union, the Washington Federation of State Employees, ratified a new two-year contract with no pay raises, while preserving health care and other benefits and setting talks on a possible second-year raise. Public Health: Washington State updated adult vaccine recommendations for the 2026-27 respiratory season, including a revised COVID-19 standing order for ages 6 months and up and guidance for flu and RSV. Education & Workforce: Grays Harbor College in Raymond won approval for a new Nursing Assistant Certified skills practice lab, expanding local training for nursing assistants. Tech & Business: Amazon’s Just Walk Out tech is coming to Lake Washington Institute of Technology via a new checkout-free store partnership with 365 Retail Markets and Evergreen Refreshments. Local Governance & Community: Seattle University School of Law promoted leaders at its Center for Civil Rights and Critical Justice, expanding its civil rights training push. Cybersecurity: Kiteworks says federal intelligence warned of an imminent threat, prompting a precautionary global shutdown for some customers. Sports: The Seattle Mariners fired manager Dan Wilson after a disappointing 2026 season.

Mariners Shake-Up: Seattle fired manager Dan Wilson after a 76-86 season, ending a run that included an AL West title and a 2025 ALCS trip. NFL in the Pacific Northwest: The Seahawks’ streak snapped in a 33-31 loss to the Commanders, with turnovers playing a huge role, including a rookie fumble from Jadarian Price. State Politics: Prime-time debates are set for Washington’s income tax repeal fight (Initiative 645) and a high-stakes U.S. House race, with candidates facing off on TV and streaming. Local Economy Watch: Pacific County’s unemployment rate jumped above 6% in August, while Washington’s statewide rate edged up to 4.7%. Community & Health: The Lucy Strong Foundation’s Sparkle & Shine Gala returns Nov. 7 to support pediatric cancer research. Olympia Area: A proposed Ilwaco–Seaview pedestrian trail is moving into planning after county sign-offs.

Seahawks’ Defensive Surge: Seattle rolls into Landover for Sunday’s matchup with the 0-2 Commanders, powered by a defense that has allowed just 17 points through two games and kept Arizona to 95 passing yards. Local Courts & Schools: Longview School District is fighting Cowlitz County over release of school board member emails, with claims tied to alleged student sexual assault and other sensitive investigations. Nuclear Fuel Push: The U.S. Department of Energy is pressing uranium enrichment firms to speed up buildouts as waivers expire in 2028, with Washington funding the gap. Workplace Fallout: Starbucks plans to close 250 stores across North America, raising concerns for staff about short-notice layoffs. Olympia Politics: Voters will decide this fall whether transgender athletes can compete in K-12 girls sports under a ballot initiative requiring proof of “biological sex.” Public Safety: A Spokane mother faces charges after an 8-year-old with serious medical needs was found dead in an overflowing bathtub, allegedly left home alone. Business & Agriculture: Gebbers Farms’ bankruptcy plan moves forward toward corporate ownership, a major shift for Washington’s apple and cherry industry.

Seattle Police Chief Search: Seattle is holding community listening sessions as it looks for Shon Barnes’ replacement, with about 24 qualified applicants so far and residents invited to weigh in on what the next chief should prioritize. Public Safety & Courts: A Washington teen wrestler’s case over a delayed reporting of an alleged assault is headed to the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, spotlighting state rules around participation and reporting. Toxicology Backlog: Washington toxicology labs say DUI test evidence backlogs are easing but still threaten long delays, even as staffing and new outsourcing options are being used to catch up. Local Government: San Juan County Council approved items including a lease for school bus parking and advanced planning work, with a critical areas ordinance update moving through set public meetings. Business & Community Impact: Starbucks plans to close 250 underperforming stores, including several in Washington, while Seattle Center is moving ahead with a major modernization of its historic Monorail station. Sports & Culture: The Sounders beat Minnesota 3-1; Yakima’s Sunfair Parade kicks off the Central Washington State Fair; and the WNBA’s 30th season has been dominated by off-court debates as playoffs begin.

State Supreme Court: Washington’s Supreme Court struck down Initiative 2066, a ballot measure that would have limited natural gas use—dealing a blow to homebuilders and restaurateurs who backed the effort. Local Health & Accountability: A former Wenatchee health care executive was sentenced to four years in federal prison after embezzling about $24 million from a Pacific Northwest clinic network. Local Government Watch: Kittitas Valley Healthcare’s board was caught off guard when a master plan update turned into a construction-manager vote. Seattle Economy: Visit Seattle says the 2026 World Cup generated $889 million for Seattle and King County, including $109 million in state and local tax revenue and support for 20,000 jobs. Public Safety: Seattle residents are being warned after a photo circulated showing how improper battery disposal can spark dangerous fires. Business & Tech: GeekWire’s podcast highlights an Amazon vs. Meta AI shopping-agent standoff, a sign of bigger fights over whether AI can use apps on people’s behalf. Community & Culture: Hey Bagel is set to open a new West Seattle shop next May.

Seattle Public Safety & Budget: Seattle police and city leaders are clashing over Mayor Katie Wilson’s proposed budget, with critics warning staffing gaps and cuts to safety tech as SPD’s $557M plan leans heavily on personnel. Downtown Hate Crime: A 36-year-old woman was left with permanent injuries after a bias-motivated Downtown Seattle attack that included a bite to her forehead; police say the suspect was identified and the case heads to prosecutors. Fire Investigation: Authorities arrested a fifth suspect tied to the Chelan Hills fire, alleging Roman candles sparked a blaze during a burn ban; investigators say 100+ structures were destroyed. Local Government Finance: Lynnwood’s City Council will hold a public hearing on a projected $21.4M budget hole and consider freezing 2027 utility rate increases. Health & Research: UW researchers helped identify how the FMN1 gene preserves inner-ear structure, offering new clues for congenital hearing loss. Business & Tech: Databricks acquired Row Zero to bring spreadsheet governance into its platform, aiming to rein in spreadsheet sprawl. Sports (Seattle): Mariners closer Andrés Muñoz was placed on the injured list, ending his season.

Local Economy & Jobs: A Seattle-area nonprofit model is being spotlighted as a potential fix for the U.S. shipbuilding labor crisis by pairing people experiencing homelessness with long-term work pathways. Food & Small Business: Hey Bagel is set to open a second location in West Seattle in May 2027, filling a long-standing bagel gap in the neighborhood. Public Lands & Forestry: Washington’s public lands commissioner Dave Upthegrove says the current conservation/forest management model is “broken,” cutting protected older-forest acres from 77,000 to 55,000 and laying out a new conservation-easement plan. Health: A Salmonella outbreak tied to broccoli sprouts has grown, with federal data showing more people sickened. Transportation: WSDOT delayed reopening SR 9 after bridge repairs due to rain, with crews still needing paving before full reopening. Community & Education: Port Angeles School Board approved a new teachers contract and amended paraeducator deal, including pay increases and added leave protections. Tech & Business: Microsoft is merging its consumer and workplace Copilot into one product aimed at corporate customers.

Local Public Safety & Accountability: Wenatchee Police say three officers are under separate internal reviews, including one placed on administrative leave after alleged criminal conduct and another review tied to a death investigation and policy violations. Elections & Voting Access: Point Roberts voters saw a spike in ballots rejected for lateness after USPS changes, with most rejected ballots in the precinct arriving too late. Health Care & Kids: Washington is set to lose a quarter of its long-term psychiatric beds for children as Pearl Youth Residence in Tacoma closes in November, raising concerns about waitlists and emergency-room boarding. State Policy & Taxes: WA Department of Revenue warned proposed income tax provisions could trigger enforcement headaches and legal fights, as a lawsuit challenges the plan. Community & Business: PCC Community Markets is finally opening its long-delayed Seattle Madison Valley store Oct. 14, promising about 75 jobs and new in-house food offerings. Seattle Neighborhood Watch: City Light says CID businesses can file claims after planned power outages disrupted the Chinatown-International District, citing a software glitch that left gaps in notifications. Education: Proposed changes to WA graduation requirements would strengthen math and CTE, and districts face ongoing staffing strain amid budget pressure.

Seattle Budget & Public Safety: Mayor Katie Wilson’s first budget proposal is drawing attention for adding police funding while cutting city jobs, and business groups say the “no new taxes” message matters as employers watch Seattle’s direction. City Hall Transparency: Seattle officials are still facing backlash after police say the mayor’s office delayed public safety updates following the July Bite of Seattle mass shooting. Grocery Pricing Rules: Seattle moved to ban “surveillance pricing,” limiting how grocery retailers can use personal data to set prices, with residents and businesses split on what it will mean for costs. Education Policy: Washington’s Board of Education is proposing updated graduation requirements for students entering high school in 2028, including more math focus and expanded career/CTE options. Childcare Expansion: The state is adding about 2,400 free preschool slots for low-income families through ECEAP. Health & Courts: A King County family sued Salem Health, alleging staff sent them home with their deceased infant’s body after the child died in an Oregon ER. Community & Parks: Seattle Parks is asking residents for input on new exercise equipment at Hing Hay Park in the Chinatown-International District.