Leaders from the South Sound Chambers of Commerce Legislative Coalition (SSCCLC) convened Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2024 at Dave & Buster’s in Auburn for its annual Legislative Breakfast, discussing pressing issues affecting businesses and communities across South King and North Pierce counties.
Hosted by the SSCCLC, the annual breakfast event marked the start of the legislative advocacy season, emphasizing collaboration on challenges such as workforce development, affordable housing, public safety, and transportation.
The SSCCLC unites chambers from South King County and North and East Pierce County to advocate for legislation and policies that strengthen the regional business community. Representing over 3,262 businesses, 185,977 workers, and $100 billion in revenue, the coalition focuses on economic vitality, job creation, and competitiveness. Its priorities include transportation infrastructure, education and workforce development, attainable housing, and health services, ensuring a thriving environment for key industries like manufacturing, retail, and warehousing.
“This group represents the backbone of our economy – small businesses that keep our region thriving,” said Terry Davis, Vice President of the coalition and a representative of Comcast. “We’re here to ensure South Sound voices are unified as we head into a challenging legislative session.”
Speakers
Speakers at the breakfast included:
- Terry Davis, VP of the SSCCLC, who kicked the event off
- John White, who gave a WSDOT Transportation Project Update
- Carolyn Logue, SSCCLC Lobbyist, who emceed the panel discussion
- Samantha Le, CEO of the Seattle Southside Chamber
- Zenovia Harris, CEO of the Kent Chamber
- Diane Dobson, CEO of the Renton Chamber
- Kacia Bray, CEO of the Auburn Chamber
- Amy Dreyer, Director of Islanders Ferry Action
- Sam Pace, Seattle/King County Realtors
Workforce Development
The breakfast featured chamber executives highlighting regional priorities, including Samantha Le, CEO of the Seattle Southside Chamber, who stressed the importance of education and workforce development.
“Our region’s workforce is the backbone of our economy,” Le said. “We need to bridge the gap between education and employment to prepare individuals for high-demand, high-wage careers.”
Housing Affordability
Housing affordability also took center stage, with Kacie Bray of the Auburn Area Chamber highlighting the urgent need for reform.
“Washington needs over a million new homes in the next 20 years, nearly half of which must be affordable to low-income households,” Bray said, noting the barriers developers face in building affordable housing.
Bray also mentioned the coalition’s stand on rent control, which elicited applause from the audience.
“Despite overwhelming research that has been established, rent control is a bad idea over time,” she said. “Over time, rent control drives mom-and-pop landlords out of the market, thereby reducing the number of rental units below what otherwise would have been available. Also, rent control discourages private investments in new apartments and other rental properties that would help with the housing supply shortage that is driving up rents. The foreseeable but unintended impacts of rent control are especially burdensome to the most economically disadvantaged renters.”
Public Safety
Public safety emerged as another critical issue, with Diane Dobson of the Renton Chamber calling for increased funding for law enforcement, mental health services, and retail crime prevention.
“Public safety is foundational—not just for our businesses, but for our entire community,” Dobson said.
Transportation
Transportation challenges were addressed by Amy Dreyer, Director of Islanders Ferry Action and Vashon Island Chamber member, who called for investments in Washington State Ferries and passenger-only services to enhance connectivity across the Puget Sound region.
“Moving people is moving commerce and ideas,” Dreyer said. “Our marine highways are vital to the South Sound’s economy.”
Small Businesses
The coalition also underscored the need to support small businesses, which make up the majority of the region’s economy. Zenovia Harris of the Kent Chamber emphasized the importance of reducing regulatory burdens and expanding workforce development initiatives.
“We must create sustainable solutions for businesses to thrive while ensuring economic equity for workers,” Harris said. “Collaboration between chambers, policymakers, and the business community is key.”
The event wrapped up with a call to action for attendees to engage with their local chambers, advocate for legislative priorities, and support the coalition’s efforts in Olympia.
Video
Below are highlights of the event as filmed/edited by Scott Schaefer:
