The future of misdemeanor prosecutions in Washington state
(The Center Square) – In recent years, there has been a push among some advocates and policymakers to handle certain types of offenses different in favor of diversion and “restorative” justice that differs from the current system.
BIAW urges WA State Building Code Council to take swift action on I-2066 compliance
(The Center Square) – With just over two weeks until Initiative 2066 takes effect in Washington state, the Building Industry Association of Washington is urging the Washington State Building Code Council to take immediate action to bring
Proposed Seattle capital gains tax fails to make it out of committee
(The Center Square) – A proposed local capital gains tax in Seattle failed to pass out of the Select Budget Committee. The tax would have imposed a local 2% capital gains excise tax applicable to non-retirement financial
Spokane mayor wants to repeal tax sunset after asking voters to trust her own
(The Center Square) – Despite recently proposing her own, Mayor Lisa Brown is asking the Spokane City Council to claw back a sunset clause on former Mayor Nadine Woodward’s temporary tax increase. Brown issued her 2025-2026 budget
Seattle City Council approves expanded use of payroll tax to boost general fund
(The Center Square) – The Seattle City Council has approved the continuing use of its payroll tax toward its general fund despite opposition from residents and local organizations. The approved legislation was originally proposed by Seattle Mayor
Public Lands Commissioner-elect Upthegrove rejects radical environmentalist label
(The Center Square) – Washington Lands Commissioner-elect Dave Upthegrove is laying out his vision for the office, which will balance forest management with an environmental agenda. “The point in the process I’m at right now is finding
Spokanites ask city to keep nonprofit on budget crunch chopping block
(The Center Square) – Dozens of Spokanites gathered at Monday’s city council meeting, pleading with their elected officials to continue funding a police nonprofit that has been in operation for over 30 years. Spokane Community Oriented Policing
WSU's $5 million contract with IT company may have violated state law
(The Center Square) – Washington State University earlier this year signed a $5 million contract with Carahsoft, an IT contractor which is currently under investigation by the FBI for price fixing and overbilling government contracts, according to