Stay informed and engaged with the Chamber’s advocacy efforts. Our Government Affairs Committee actively monitors key legislation, policy initiatives, and local issues that impact our business community. Here, you’ll find updates on important bills, calls to action, and highlights of the Chamber’s ongoing work to promote a strong and vibrant business environment. Together, we’re making sure the voice of business is heard at every level of government.
Advocacy in Action: Tracking Key Issues, Bills, and Initiatives
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, and community developments while providing timely updates and calls to action. By staying engaged and informed, our members play a vital role in shaping a business-friendly environment and strengthening our collective voice in government.
2026 Legislative Bills: Effects on Skagit County Businesses
The 2026 Washington State legislative session, a "short session" scheduled to begin on January 12, 2026, will address issues that could significantly affect Skagit County businesses, including tax changes, agritourism regulations, and local revenue options.
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.
- 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.
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.
You can get more information about bills, meetings and sessions at: Washington State Legislature
U.S. Chamber Coalition Letter
We proudly partner with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce to amplify the voice of our local business community. By signing on to coalition letters and supporting national advocacy efforts, we ensure that Burlington businesses are represented on key issues at the state and federal levels. Below are some of the most recent letters we have signed on in support.
Comprehensive Permitting Reform
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 will prepare and submit support letters on behalf of members for projects, grants, or initiatives that align with the Chamber’s mission and benefit the local business community. This service helps amplify your voice and demonstrate broad community backing for efforts that strengthen our region’s economic vitality.
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
Skagit County Board of Commissioners Meetings
When: 9:30 AM or later each Monday and Tuesday for regularly scheduled agenda items. The remainder of the week is spent with individual 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) or Via Zoom.
Other Skagit County Boards and Committees
Are you looking to attend a specific Skagit County Department Meeting? You can find the information here: Search by Department
Interested in being more involved?
Help influence the policies that impact your business — join the Government Affairs Committee. Be a part of the conversation that drives positive change and strengthens our local business community. Together, we can advocate for the policies that protect our interests and drive 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.
Lisa Case, President & Co-Owner of Avenue Catering Enterprises