Washington in Focus

Latest Episodes:

Former Democratic Governors Warn Washington Has a Spending Problem + Did the World Cup Help Seattle? Jul 17, 2026

Show notes

Two former Democratic governors are raising serious concerns about Washington state spending, while business leaders, correctional officers and Seattle hotel operators report new challenges involving the state’s economy, public safety and World Cup results. Former Washington Gov. Gary Locke criticized Olympia’s budget process during the Association of Washington Business Economic Future Solutions Summit. Locke warned against using one-time revenue to fund permanent government programs and said voters could lose trust when money approved for one purpose is later redirected elsewhere. Locke described that practice as a potential “bait and switch” and questioned why Washington continues to face projected budget deficits despite record revenue and recently approved taxes. Former Gov. Christine Gregoire has issued a similar warning. Gregoire noted that Washington’s operating budget has grown from approximately $33 billion when she left office to roughly $80 billion today. She argued that the state does not have an income problem but a spending problem and warned that repeatedly adding taxes, regulations and new costs creates uncertainty for Washington businesses. Kelly Chambers, a former Washington state representative who now serves as a regional administrator for the U.S. Small Business Administration, also discussed the contrast between the business climates in Washington and Idaho. Chambers said companies are leaving Washington, Seattle office vacancies remain high and declining commercial property values can shift more of the tax burden onto residents. She said many businesses want to remain in Washington but need an economic environment that allows them to expand, hire workers and become the next major homegrown employer. The episode also examines major safety concerns inside King County correctional facilities. King County Correctional Officers Guild President Dennis Folk says inmates have been breaking electronic tablets and using glass and metal components to make homemade weapons. Folk described an incident in which an inmate allegedly attempted to stab officers with a weapon made from tablet materials. He also questioned why inmates who intentionally destroy the devices can reportedly receive replacement tablets. King County officials say the tablet program provides access to legal resources, education and family communication, but acknowledged that devices can be misused. Questions remain about disciplinary consequences, replacement policies and whether inmates face charges for damaging county property or possessing weapons. Finally, new hotel data show Seattle sold fewer rooms during the World Cup than during the same period last year. Occupancy reportedly declined approximately 7% in June and 5.7% in July, although hotels raised room rates around match days to offset some of the decline. Some operators had reserved rooms based on expectations of strong FIFA demand and turned away conventions or conferences that normally visit Seattle during the summer. When the anticipated bookings failed to fully materialize, it was too late to recover some of that business. Despite the hotel results, more than 3 million people reportedly visited downtown Seattle across six World Cup match days. Downtown Seattle Association President and CEO John Scholes said investments in the waterfront, transit, walkability and a stadium near the urban core created a strong experience for visitors and residents. Watch Washington In Focus Daily for the latest reporting on Washington taxes, state government spending, the regional business climate, King County jail safety, Seattle tourism and the economic impact of the World Cup.

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Business Leaders SEND WARNING Over Washington Economy & Income Tax Repeal MAKES The November Ballot Jul 16, 2026

Show notes

Washington politics continues to heat up as the race for Congressional District 4 turns into a dispute over President Donald Trump's endorsement, with Republican candidates Amanda McKinney and Jerrod Sessler offering competing claims while Democrat John Zeller argues the Republican division could reshape the race ahead of Washington's August primary. This episode also covers the Association of Washington Business (AWB) and Washington Roundtable Economic Future Solutions Summit, where former Gov. Gary Locke and Bellevue Chamber CEO Joe Fain raised concerns about Washington's fiscal future, the state's new income tax, long-term budget sustainability, government spending, business investment, and the risks of relying on a narrow tax base. Finally, Spokane Valley taxpayers are questioning a nearly $185,000 marketing campaign promoting the city's Auto Row, raising broader questions about economic development, taxpayer-funded marketing, government priorities, and whether public dollars should be used to support private industry. Featured topics include: Washington income tax Initiative 645 Gary Locke Joe Fain AWB Washington Roundtable Washington economy Business climate Government spending Budget discipline Spokane Valley Auto Row Taxpayer spending Congressional District 4 Amanda McKinney Jerrod Sessler John Zeller Trump endorsement Washington primary election Government accountability Subscribe for daily reporting from The Center Square covering Washington politics, taxes, business, elections, public policy, and government accountability.

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New Poll Shows Washington Voters Reject Income Tax + Businesses Face Potential Utility Rate Hikes Jul 15, 2026

Show notes

A new statewide poll suggests Washington voters remain strongly opposed to the state's new income tax, while also expressing concerns about the direction of the state and Gov. Bob Ferguson's job performance. In this episode, we break down the latest polling showing opposition to the income tax, examine the messaging from both supporters and opponents ahead of the expected Initiative 645 ballot fight, and look at what the results could mean for Washington taxpayers. The program also examines Gov. Ferguson's proposal to require high school seniors to complete the FAFSA as a graduation requirement, including questions about student privacy, college readiness, and financial aid access. Finally, Spokane officials debate a proposal that could significantly increase commercial sewer rates for some businesses beginning in 2027, raising concerns about the impact on employers and the local economy. Featured Stories Washington income tax Initiative 645 Bob Ferguson Washington poll Washington taxpayers Washington economy FAFSA Education policy Student privacy Washington schools Spokane utility rates Spokane businesses Commercial sewer rates Government accountability Washington politics Subscribe for daily reporting on Washington's economy, taxes, elections, education, public policy, and government accountability from The Center Square. #WashingtonPolitics #IncomeTax #WashingtonEconomy #BobFerguson #Initiative645 #Taxpayers #FAFSA #WashingtonNews #TheCenterSquare #WashingtonInFocus

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Gov. Ferguson Launches Campaign To Defend Washington Income Tax + Income Tax Repeal Gains Momentum Jul 14, 2026

Show notes

Washington's battle over the state's new income tax officially entered a new phase as Gov. Bob Ferguson launched the campaign urging voters to reject Initiative 645, the measure that would repeal the recently enacted tax on high-income earners.

In this episode, Ferguson outlines why supporters believe the tax is needed to fund education, child care, and public services, while opponents—including Let's Go Washington, entrepreneur Brian Heywood, and tech founder Jesse Powell—argue the tax is unconstitutional and could eventually expand beyond millionaires.

The program also examines Washington's upcoming August 4 primary election, featuring an interview with Erika Craig, the Republican candidate running for the open Senate seat in the 42nd Legislative District. Craig discusses small business, education, and why she believes Olympia's policies are making it harder for employers to stay and grow in Washington.

Featured Stories

Bob Ferguson
Washington income tax
Initiative 645
Income tax repeal
Let's Go Washington
Brian Heywood
Jesse Powell
Washington politics
42nd Legislative District
Erika Craig
Washington Senate race
August primary
Small businesses
Whatcom County
Government accountability

Subscribe for daily reporting on Washington politics, taxes, elections, public policy, and government accountability from The Center Square.

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Katie Wilson's Free School Lunch Proposal Faces Pushback + Mandatory AC For Rental Units? Jul 13, 2026

Show notes

Seattle's plan to provide free school lunches to every public school student is facing new political opposition as City Council President Joy Hollingsworth proposes redirecting some of the funding toward food security programs serving Black children. This episode also examines Spokane's proposal to require landlords to provide air conditioning in rental units, a mandate critics warn could cost property owners hundreds of millions of dollars and increase housing costs. Finally, Federal Way is launching a major crackdown on illicit massage parlors tied to alleged human trafficking, with new ordinances aimed at reducing crime, protecting victims, and increasing business oversight. Featured Stories Seattle free school lunch proposal Katie Wilson Joy Hollingsworth Seattle City Council Spokane air conditioning proposal Spokane landlords Rental housing Human trafficking Federal Way Illicit massage parlors Public safety Washington politics Washington housing The Center Square Subscribe for daily coverage of Washington politics, public policy, housing, public safety, and government accountability from The Center Square. #WashingtonPolitics #Seattle #SchoolLunch #Spokane #Housing #HumanTrafficking #PublicSafety #WashingtonNews #TheCenterSquare #WashingtonInFocus

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Income Tax Emails Continue To Fuel Washington Debate + Court Rule Could Cost Counties Millions Jul 10, 2026

Show notes

Washington's Supreme Court race continues to spotlight major questions about judicial decision-making, public defender caseload standards, county budgets, and the separation between interpreting the law and making public policy. The show also examines newly released records surrounding Washington's income tax legislation after the Attorney General's Office dismissed previous reporting as "no story." Investigative reporter TJ Martinell explains why the documents continue to draw statewide attention. Finally, we highlight the remarkable success of Jenny Burton's Out Impact Coalition. Former inmate Tone Williams shares how the program helped transform his life after serving 13 years in prison, while retired Seattle Police Deputy Chief Eric Barden explains why rehabilitation can improve public safety while reducing taxpayer costs. Featured in this episode: Washington Supreme Court race David Stevens interview Public defender caseloads Washington Attorney General Income tax records Senate Bill 6346 TJ Martinell Washington politics Prison reform Jenny Burton Out Impact Coalition Tone Williams Eric Barden Criminal justice reform Washington news Subscribe for daily reporting on Washington politics, taxes, public safety, criminal justice, courts, and government accountability from The Center Square. #WashingtonPolitics #WashingtonSupremeCourt #IncomeTax #PrisonReform #PublicSafety #GovernmentAccountability #WashingtonNews #TheCenterSquare #WashingtonInFocus #CriminalJustice

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Seattle Housing Plan Collapses As Development Fears Grow + Democrats Defend Controversial Platform Jul 09, 2026

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Seattle's housing crisis takes another turn after a proposal to temporarily reduce mandatory housing affordability (MHA) fees for developers appears to collapse, raising concerns that thousands of planned housing units could be delayed or canceled. Meanwhile, Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson is advancing a proposal to ban so-called "junk fees" in rental agreements, drawing praise from tenant advocates while landlords question how the new rules would affect rental housing. The show also features an exclusive interview with Washington Democratic Party Chair Shasti Conrad, who responds to criticism over the state party's newly adopted platform, including provisions related to reparations and Israel. Washington GOP Chairman Jim Walsh also weighs in with a sharp response. In today's episode: Seattle housing affordability MHA fee proposal Seattle development Housing construction slowdown Katie Wilson rental fee proposal Seattle landlords Washington Democratic Party platform Reparations debate Israel policy controversy Jim Walsh reaction Washington politics Seattle housing crisis Subscribe for daily reporting on Washington politics, housing, taxes, business, public policy and government accountability from The Center Square. #SeattleHousing #Seattle #HousingCrisis #KatieWilson #WashingtonPolitics #WashingtonDemocrats #JimWalsh #Reparations #SeattleNews #TheCenterSquare

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Washington Businesses Sound Alarm Over Taxes + Income Tax Pushback Grows As Cities Take Action Jul 08, 2026

Show notes

Washington businesses are raising new concerns about the state's economic direction as rising taxes, labor costs, and regulations continue to impact employers.

A new National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) report finds Washington small business owners are significantly less optimistic than the national average, citing labor costs, taxes, and government regulations as major obstacles to hiring and expansion.

The episode also examines the Pasco City Council's effort to formally oppose state and local income taxes while Washington's income tax repeal initiative moves through the signature verification process.

Finally, a new WalletHub study ranks the best and worst cities for renters across America, with several Washington cities performing poorly because of affordability and quality-of-life factors.

In today's report:

NFIB Washington Small Business Survey
Washington business climate
Rising labor costs
Washington income tax
Pasco City Council resolution
Income tax repeal initiative
Washington affordability
WalletHub rental rankings
Seattle renters
Spokane, Tacoma and Vancouver housing

Subscribe for daily reporting on Washington politics, taxes, business, affordability, elections, and government accountability from The Center Square.

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500,000 Signatures Turned In To Repeal WA Income Tax + GOP Target Key Washington Congressional Seat Jul 07, 2026

Show notes

Washington's income tax repeal campaign has reached a major milestone after Let's Go Washington delivered more than 500,000 petition signatures to the Secretary of State in an effort to place the new income tax before voters this November. The Center Square was on scene in Tumwater as supporters gathered to celebrate the signature submission. While state officials will spend the next several weeks validating signatures, organizers say they are confident they have collected well above the number required for ballot qualification. The episode also examines the growing political battle surrounding Washington's new income tax as Republican leaders continue criticizing the measure and congressional candidates prepare for one of the state's most competitive elections. Pressure is mounting on Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez as Republicans seek to make the income tax a central issue in Southwest Washington's 3rd Congressional District race. Finally, The Center Square profiles Ginny Burton, a former drug addict and convicted felon who has built one of Washington's most successful prison reentry programs. Her nonprofit, Out Impact, reports that 54 of its first 55 graduates have successfully remained out of prison, potentially saving taxpayers millions in incarceration costs. Burton is now preparing to walk more than 300 miles across Washington to raise awareness and funding for the program. In today's episode: • Income tax repeal signature update • Let's Go Washington petition drive • Secretary of State certification timeline • Marie Gluesenkamp Perez congressional race • John Braun discusses the income tax • Ginny Burton's prison reentry program • Reducing recidivism in Washington • Taxpayer savings through rehabilitation Subscribe for daily reporting on Washington politics, elections, taxpayer issues, government accountability, public policy, and investigative journalism from The Center Square.

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Seattle’s Multi-Million Dollar World Cup Makeover Draws Concern + Police Investigate Senate Campaign Jul 06, 2026

Show notes

Seattle welcomed the U.S. Men's National Team back to Lumen Field as fans from across the country and around the world gathered for a FIFA World Cup Round of 16 match against Belgium. Visitors praised Seattle's waterfront, walkable downtown, public transit, restaurants, and overall fan experience, with many calling it one of the best host cities of the tournament. The Center Square also spent the day speaking with local residents, business owners, soccer fans, and visitors about Seattle's ongoing transformation during the World Cup. While many praised the city's appearance and atmosphere, others questioned whether recent cleanup efforts will continue after the international spotlight fades. Also in today's episode, The Center Square publishes the results of a months-long investigation into Washington state's taxpayer-funded daycare subsidy program. Reporters visited dozens of licensed daycare locations after reviewing public payment records and examining concerns surrounding oversight, accountability, and verification of taxpayer-funded child care payments. The investigation includes responses from state agencies and elected officials while raising additional questions about government oversight. Finally, new developments have emerged in the Washington State Senate race involving Sen. Nikki Torres. Newly released police documents indicate investigators are examining allegations involving campaign-related activity connected to an ongoing stalking investigation. The case continues to develop ahead of Washington's August primary election. In today's episode: • Team USA returns to Seattle for the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 • Fans rank Seattle among the tournament's best host cities • The Center Square releases a major daycare investigation • New developments in the Nikki Torres investigation • Washington politics and government accountability updates Subscribe for daily coverage of Washington politics, taxpayer issues, investigative reporting, transportation, public policy, and government accountability from The Center Square.

#Seattle #WorldCup #USMNT #SeattleNews #WashingtonPolitics #GovernmentAccountability #InvestigativeJournalism #WashingtonState #TheCenterSquare #WashingtonInFocus

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