Skagit County business advocacy is an important part of the Burlington Chamber of Commerce’s work to support a strong local business environment. Our Government Affairs Committee monitors key legislation, policy initiatives, and local issues that may impact our business community.
Here, you’ll find updates on important bills, local government meetings, support letters, calls to action, and other advocacy efforts. Together, we’re helping make sure the voice of business is heard at every level of government.
Skagit County Business Advocacy in Action
Through Advocacy in Action, the Chamber keeps members informed about the legislative and regulatory issues that matter most to local businesses. We track key bills, policy initiatives, city and county meetings, and community developments while sharing timely updates and opportunities to get involved.
By staying informed, members help strengthen Skagit County business advocacy and support a business friendly environment across our region.
Use the sections below to explore local meeting information, current Washington bill updates, and support letters connected to the Chamber’s advocacy work.
Burlington City Council Meetings
When: 7:00 PM on the second and fourth Thursday of the month.
Where: City Council Chambers, 833 S. Spruce St, Burlington, WA 98233 or Via Zoom
View past and upcoming Burlington City Council meeting information through the Agenda Center
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Skagit County Board of Commissioners Meetings
When: 9:30 AM or later each Monday and Tuesday for regularly scheduled agenda items. The rest of the week is generally reserved for committee assignments and constituent appointments.
Where: 1800 Continental Place, Mount Vernon, WA 98273, remotely, by dialing 1-253-215-8782
Meeting ID: 871 8000 1980
Passcode: 143573
You may also attend via Zoom.Â
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Other Skagit County Boards and Committees
Looking for a specific Skagit County department meeting? Use the Search by Department tool to find the information you need.
Washington Bill Watchlist for Skagit County Businesses
The Washington Bill Watchlist helps local businesses stay informed about proposed legislation that may affect operations, taxes, tourism, workforce needs, and local revenue options.
The 2026 Washington State legislative session is a short session scheduled to begin on January 12, 2026. Bills introduced in the 2025 session may be reconsidered in 2026 and could have a direct impact on Skagit County businesses.
Below are several statewide bills and measures being monitored as part of the Chamber’s Skagit County business advocacy efforts.
Statewide legislation
Bills introduced in the 2025 session could be reconsidered in 2026 and have a direct impact on businesses.
- B&O tax changes (HB 2081): Effective January 1, 2026, businesses with more than $250 million in Washington taxable income will face a new 0.5% surcharge.
- Effect on businesses: Large businesses with significant revenue will see increased tax burdens.
- Authorizing counties to impose a B&O tax (HB2097): The proposal would let county legislatures impose a local business and occupation (B&O) tax of up to 0.002 without voter approval, effective January 1, 2027, with a credit for any city B&O taxes already paid.
- Expansion of retail sales tax (ESSB 5814): Beginning October 1, 2025, the state's retail sales tax expanded to cover various services, including IT services, custom software, advertising, temporary staffing, and security services. A legal challenge to the advertising tax has been filed, and the Association of Washington Business (AWB) anticipates potential amendments during the 2026 session.
- Effect on businesses: Businesses that provide or use these services in Skagit County will be subject to a new sales tax. Changes in the 2026 session could alter this tax liability.
- Agritourism (SB 5055): This bill, which aims to ease regulations on agricultural buildings for agritourism, passed the Senate in 2025 but stalled in the House. It was returned to the Senate Rules Committee for potential reconsideration in the 2026 session.
- Effect on businesses: A revived bill could simplify rules for farms that want to hold events like weddings and tastings, expanding their potential business models.
- Tourism funding (SB 5492): Governor Ferguson signed a bill establishing an advisory group (TSSAAG) to recommend an industry-funded model for statewide tourism promotion. The TSSAAG is set to submit its recommendations in November 2025, setting the stage for potential new legislation in 2026.
- Effect on businesses: A new funding mechanism could affect the tourism marketing landscape and might involve new self-assessments for businesses in the tourism sector, such as lodging, attractions, and tour operators.
- Affordable housing tax (SB 5576): This bill allows local governments to impose an optional sales tax on short-term rentals to fund affordable housing initiatives. The tax could be implemented starting April 1, 2026.
- Effect on businesses: Skagit County businesses and short-term rental platforms could be impacted if the county chooses to adopt this new tax.
- Well Washington Fund Account (HB2100): Enacting an excise tax on large operating companies on the amount of payroll expenses above the minimum wage threshold of the additional medicare tax to fund services to benefit Washingtonians, and establishing the Well Washington fund account.
- Millionaires Tax (SB 6346): A proposed 9.9% tax on income exceeding $1 million for the wealthiest households. At the federal level, similar proposals in recent years have been called the "Ultra-Millionaire Tax Act".Â
- Modernize law enforcement leadership (SB5974): Modernizing and strengthening laws concerning sheriffs, police chiefs, town marshals, law enforcement agency volunteers, youth cadets, specially commissioned officers, and police matrons.
World Cup 2026 Impacts & Related Measures
- Temporary lodging tax (HB1882): This bill, if enacted, would impose a temporary 2% lodging tax on short-term stays between April and September 2026 to fund state tourism programs and human trafficking assistance initiatives, with the revenue allocated to counties and tourism programs.
- Effect on businesses: Skagit County businesses could generate modest revenue for local programs, but may also raise visitor costs and add administrative challenges for lodging businesses.
Washington State Initiatives
- Initiative 2081 (passed in 2024 as a "Parents' Bill of Rights") established 15 rights regarding school transparency, including inspecting records and curriculum, and opting out of sex education. Following a 2025 legislative rewrite (HB 1296) that reduced some of these rights, a new 2026 initiative, IL26-001, seeks to restore and strengthen these provisions
You can get more information about bills, meetings and sessions at: Washington State Legislature
Support Letters and Coalition Advocacy
U.S. Chamber Coalition Letter
The Burlington Chamber of Commerce partners with organizations like the U.S. Chamber of Commerce to help amplify the voice of our local business community. By signing on to coalition letters and supporting broader advocacy efforts, we help ensure Burlington businesses are represented on key issues at the state and federal levels.
These coalition efforts are part of our Skagit County business advocacy work and allow us to support policies that impact economic growth, infrastructure, workforce needs, permitting, and the overall business environment.
Recent coalition letters include:
Protecting Our Courts from Foreign Manipulation Act of 2025
Comprehensive Permitting Reform
U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA)
Permitting Reform Coalition Letter
Burlington Chamber Letters of Support on Behalf of Members
The Chamber is committed to advocating for our members and their business interests. Upon request, we may prepare and submit letters of support for projects, grants, initiatives, or community efforts that align with the Chamber’s mission and benefit the local business community.
This service helps amplify member voices, demonstrate community support, and strengthen efforts that contribute to Burlington and Skagit County’s economic vitality.
Recent Chamber letters of support include:
Interested in being more involved?
Help shape the policies that impact local businesses by joining the Chamber’s Government Affairs Committee. Your voice helps strengthen Skagit County business advocacy and supports a healthier business environment for our region.
Together, we can stay informed, speak up, and advocate for policies that protect local interests and support meaningful change.
The Burlington Chamber of Commerce has been instrumental in helping Avenue Catering Enterprises grow and connect with the right clients. The networking opportunities and supportive business community have directly translated into new partnerships and increased visibility throughout Western Washington. For any business owner looking to grow their presence and build lasting relationships, I wholeheartedly recommend The Burlington Chamber.Â
Lisa Case, President & Co-Owner of Avenue Catering Enterprises