The Roundtable works to effect positive change on public policy issues that are most important to supporting state economic vitality and fostering opportunity for all Washingtonians. That work includes sharing news and analyzing policy developments affecting our state.

Latest News

New Report: Rising Business Costs Driving Up Prices for Washington Families

September 1st, 2026

From groceries and childcare to restaurants and home repairs, Washington families are feeling the effects of rising costs across the state. A new report from the Washington Roundtable and Kinetic West examines a key reason: seven converging cost pressures are squeezing Washington’s businesses, forcing difficult tradeoffs and contributing to higher prices for the goods and services people rely on every day. Prices We… Read more

Watch: All the Things that Are True – State Budget

July 22nd, 2026

This week a very important new state committee — the Joint Legislative-Executive Committee on Budget Transparency and Fiscal Sustainability — had its first meeting. Our president, Rachel Smith, is honored to be serving on the committee alongside legislators, state agency staff, and labor representatives. If we’re serious about changing the budget trajectory and building something sustainable, we have to acknowledge both external pressures… Read more

Around the Table: News from Amazon, Boeing, Expedia, JPMC, Starbucks, T-Mobile

July 17th, 2026

Roundtable members are making significant investments in Washington communities — from affordable housing and workforce education to aerospace manufacturing and outdoor recreation. Here’s just a sampling of recent news from around our table: Amazon’s Housing Equity Fund committed $6.7 million in low-cost capital toward The Pointe at Thomas, a new affordable housing development on Seattle’s Capitol Hill. Amazon’s housing fund is a $3.6 billion commitment… Read more

Our Take: Governor Ferguson’s New Economic Development Council

June 26th, 2026

Governor Bob Ferguson announced a new Economic Development Council and our president, Rachel Smith, is honored to be part of it – serving on the council and as its chair. When it comes to our economy, the reasons to double down on our assets, seize opportunities, wrestle down challenges, and make a plan are obvious. This is not going to be just another… Read more