AGP Executive Report

Energy & Rates: Puget Sound Energy proposed a three-year plan that would raise electricity rates about 15% and natural gas about 14% in 2027, with typical bills climbing roughly $28 next year, as customers packed a WUTC hearing to protest. Public Safety & Accountability: A Seattle family filed a $30 million tort claim against the city after a 2025 police shooting outside the Southwest Precinct during a mental health crisis, alleging negligence and failure to de-escalate. Tax Policy: A new Washington survey finds support for the millionaires income tax repeal rises sharply when voters see official language saying repeal would cut K-12 education and healthcare, with the measure headed to the November ballot. Local Real Estate & Consumer Risk: West Seattle Blog reports a property management firm, Dwellings Seattle, stopped managing properties and left more than $1 million in rent and deposits unaccounted for after its broker left and its license was canceled. Workforce & Health Care: Washington Permanente Medical Group named Taejoon Ahn as CEO and executive medical director, leading a physician-owned group serving 550,000 Kaiser members in the state. Transportation & Retail: Seattle proposed paid on-street parking and curb/loading changes for West Seattle Junction, aiming to reduce congestion and improve safety starting in 2027.

Insurance & Consumer Protection: Washington Insurance Commissioner Patty Kuderer fined USAA and Allstate a combined $230,000 for auto-claim handling and transparency violations, with updated minimum claim-handling rules taking effect Oct. 18. Business Software & M&A: Seattle-based Fraxion expanded beyond procure-to-pay by acquiring Norfolk’s Yellow Dog Software, adding inventory management for hospitality, sports, food and beverage, and retail. Local Media & Jobs: Lotus Seattle reshuffled KNWN and KVI programming, naming Jeff Pohjola Director of News & Programming and adding Bloomberg and Ramsey shows to weekday lineups starting Oct. 5. Tech & Operations: Slalom launched Agentic Managed Services, pitching AI agents under human oversight to deliver outcomes and lower managed-services costs. Real Estate & Housing Finance: Gracorp broke ground in Burnaby, B.C., on a 480-unit rental tower and community hub backed by a $90M BC Builds grant. Earthquake Watch: A 4.2 quake hit near the Olympic Peninsula’s Wauna area; no damage or injuries reported, though Sound Transit paused one train as a precaution. Sports Business: Seattle’s Mariners ownership faced fresh scrutiny after another disappointing season, while Kraken forward Matty Beniers leaned into an expanded leadership role after last season’s fight.

NBA Expansion Watch: The league is nearing a decision on the Las Vegas franchise, with bids reportedly topping $12–$13 billion and a new arena in the mix; finalists include Nancy Walton Laurie/Bill Laurie, Steve Apostolopoulos/Marc Lasry, and Bill Foley/Jerry Colangelo, with a formal approval process expected by year-end and a 2028–29 target. Seattle Housing & Public Oversight: Seattle’s CCTV expansion review could slip after a timeline mix-up over an independent audit of police surveillance cameras, while the city also faces broader scrutiny of surveillance tools. State Policy & Energy: Washington’s EV push is running into practical hurdles—like a charging station left inoperable due to missing cellular coverage—highlighting how implementation details can derail big infrastructure plans. Courts & Energy Choice: A Washington Supreme Court ruling striking down a natural gas initiative raises questions about how future ballot measures and even the income tax law could be challenged under the state’s single-subject rules. Local Business & Crime: Pierce County investigators say a stolen excavator was spotted and traced through Facebook Marketplace, leading to an arrest. Economy & Markets: US home price growth ticked up in July, but real values still lag inflation, with Seattle among the weaker regions.

Aviation & Tourism: Alaska Airlines says it’s raising its Seattle long-haul target to 15 international routes by 2030, signaling more premium travel growth out of Sea-Tac. Transit & Infrastructure: Amtrak’s new Airo trainsets begin rolling on Amtrak Cascades Sept. 30, a major upgrade for Pacific Northwest riders. Housing & Markets: Home-price growth is cooling as fall approaches, with Redfin reporting slower month-to-month gains and a stronger buyer’s market. Wildfire Recovery: Gov. Bob Ferguson asks the Trump administration for tens of millions in federal aid after summer wildfires caused at least $188M in damage, mostly in Spokane County. Business & Jobs: Seattle startup Meadow AI raises $7M to scale its “digital secret shopper” software for retailers and restaurants. Real Estate Industry: Larson Skinner adds veteran real estate counsel Andrew Mathews, expanding MLS and brokerage legal support. Energy & Climate Policy: USDA orders the National Dairy Board to stop ESG-related funding and focus on dairy promotion. Public Safety & Labor: Washington caregiver awards highlight the growing need for reliable home-care workers across the state.

Carbon Markets & Energy Policy: Washington moved closer to linking its cap-and-trade carbon market with California and Quebec, a step Gov. Bob Ferguson says could cut emissions and lower clean-tech costs. AI & Media Rights: Condé Nast, Hearst, USA Today and Seattle Times execs are pushing Congress on a “bad bots” bill aimed at stopping stealth AI scraping. Maritime Risk: Washington urged Canada not to fast-track a West Coast oil pipeline, warning shared waters are too valuable and spill response capacity isn’t sized for bigger tankers. Public Safety & Crime: King County prosecutors renewed calls for tougher state rules after copper wire thefts hit businesses and transit, driving major repair bills. Courts & Mental Health: A Seattle judge ordered a mental evaluation for a woman accused of biting a stranger’s forehead. State Labor: Washington’s largest state worker union ratified a two-year contract with no pay raises, protecting health-care contributions. Tech & Research: Seattle-based AWS is partnering with CSL to use cloud and AI across drug discovery and clinical development. Local Business & Community: Toys R Us is set to return to Washington malls in October, while Walla Walla’s Downtown Foundation is hiring a new executive director.

Retail & Automation: 365 Retail Markets and Evergreen Refreshments opened a checkout-free “Just Walk Out” store at Lake Washington Institute of Technology, letting students and staff enter with a card or app, grab items, and leave as payment is charged automatically. Curb & Mobility Tech: Passport says it helped host cities—including Seattle—keep parking and curb operations running during FIFA World Cup 2026, citing match-day activity shifts across multiple markets. Cybersecurity: A federal warning prompted Kiteworks to trigger a precautionary global shutdown for systems handling controlled government, defense, and healthcare documents, with no patch yet. Energy & Environment: Washington Ecology granted Convergent Water Technologies’ FocalPoint modular biofiltration system a General Use Level Designation for basic treatment, approving a specific hydraulic loading rate. Business Policy: Washington’s Department of Health updated adult vaccine recommendations for the 2026-27 respiratory season, including a revised COVID-19 standing order. Corporate Restructuring: Starbucks announced 250 store closures across North America, with multiple Washington locations on the list, drawing fresh labor and community pushback. Sports Business: The Giants traded for Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy, while Starbucks and other major headlines continue to ripple through local economies.

Mariners Leadership Shakeup: Seattle fired manager Dan Wilson after a 76-86 season, with the club saying it “failed to meet our own expectations” and will take a “new direction” for 2027. Mariners Farewell Tour: J.P. Crawford was pulled for a likely final ovation in Seattle as the team closed out the year. Seahawks Setback: Washington snapped Seattle’s 12-game win streak with a 33-31 home opener win, turning turnovers and a rookie fumble by Jadarian Price into touchdowns. Workers’ Comp Costs: Washington L&I proposed a 4.9% workers’ comp rate increase for 2027, with hearings set for late October and rates effective Jan. 1, 2027. Local Jobs & Pay Pressure: Pacific County’s unemployment rate rose above 6% in August, while early-2026 wage growth lagged inflation in the county. Starbucks Restructuring: Starbucks said it will close 250 stores in North America, part of a broader push to cut underperformers—raising questions for Washington-area workers and customers. Tri-Cities Business Honors: The Hispanic Chamber of Commerce named 2026 gala award finalists across education, business, nonprofits, and community leadership.

Nuclear Fuel Race: The U.S. Department of Energy is pushing Centrus Energy, General Matter, and Orano to speed up uranium enrichment buildouts, warning that expiring waivers starting in 2028 could tighten supply for the “nuclear renaissance.” Retail & Jobs: Starbucks says it will close 250 stores across North America, raising alarms for workers facing unclear timelines and short notice. Education Records Fight: Longview School District is in court to block Cowlitz County from releasing emails tied to a Mark Morris High School sexual assault case, arguing for tighter handling of student privacy and attorney-client privilege. Local Governance & Safety: Seattle’s pushback on policing and budget priorities continues as residents weigh in on a police chief search and city leaders face pressure over gun-violence plan rollout. Energy & Policy: Washington’s carbon market alignment with California-Quebec moves forward, while state courts weigh in on initiatives affecting natural gas and broader regulatory direction.

Seattle Public Safety: Seattle residents are being invited to weigh in on the search for the next Seattle Police chief, with about 24 qualified applicants so far and the first listening session held at Van Asselt Community Center. Retail & Jobs: Starbucks plans to close about 250 underperforming stores, and Washington locations listed for closure include Redmond, multiple Seattle sites, Spokane and Vancouver. Courts & Regulation: A Washington appellate court commissioner ruled the Pollution Control Hearings Board can’t keep pursuing fines against the King Ranch family without pausing for a jury-trial question. Energy & Trade: An Iranian national was sentenced in Seattle to 18 months for a sanctions-busting scheme involving U.S. military sonar parts routed through China. Local Economy & Growth: Hey Bagel is expanding with a new West Seattle shop opening next May. Business/Tech & Policy: Seattle City Council voted to restrict “surveillance pricing” in grocery stores, aiming to stop AI-based personal data from driving prices.

Seattle Business & Growth: Hey Bagel, an award-winning Seattle bagel shop, is set to open a new West Seattle location next May, expanding beyond its University Village spot. Healthcare Finance & Fraud: A former Wenatchee health care executive, Patrick Alan Bucknum, was sentenced to four years in federal prison after embezzling about $30 million from a Pacific Northwest clinic payment contractor. Energy & Policy: The Washington Supreme Court upheld Initiative 2066, striking down limits tied to natural gas restrictions—an outcome that homebuilders and hospitality groups had challenged. Local Governance & Capital Markets: Kittitas Valley Healthcare’s board was caught off guard when a master plan update turned into a vote to move forward with a construction manager for major facility work. Tech & AI Platform Rules: GeekWire reports Amazon is blocking Meta’s new Muse AI shopping assistant, a sign of a bigger fight over whether AI agents can use websites and apps on users’ behalf. Global Trade & Security: An Iranian national was sentenced in Seattle to 18 months for a scheme to obtain sensitive U.S. technology and route it to Iran via China. Regional Economy: Visit Seattle says the World Cup generated $889 million for Seattle and King County, including $109 million in state and local tax revenue supporting about 20,000 jobs.

Public Safety: Washington and other states are seeing a nationwide “federal agent” gold scam, with police saying about $6.5 million has been stolen after victims were told to withdraw money and hand over gold to couriers. Health Care & Finance: A Pacific Northwest clinic-contract executive, Patrick Alan Bucknum, was sentenced to 4 years in federal prison for embezzling about $30 million over six years. Local Government: Seattle’s police budget fight is heating up as Mayor Katie Wilson’s $9.1B plan faces pushback over staffing and safety-tech cuts. City Budget Watch: Lynnwood will hold a public hearing on a projected $21.4M General Fund deficit and consider a freeze on 2027 utility rate hikes. Business & Tech: Databricks acquired spreadsheet startup Row Zero to bring spreadsheet governance into its platform, while Google Photos launched an AI “virtual closet” feature. Consumer Safety: Amazon-recalled recliner battery packs and power banks are linked to overheating and fire risks. Seattle Economy: Hey Bagel is set to open a West Seattle location, expanding from its University Village shop. Travel & Aviation: Alaska Airlines is boosting its Seattle-area network, including more capacity at Paine Field.

Public Finance & Courts: A Spokane federal judge sentenced former Community Clinic Network CEO Patrick Bucknum to four years in prison and ordered $24 million in restitution for a $30 million embezzlement scheme tied to health care payment contracts. State Government & Environment: Washington’s public lands commissioner Dave Upthegrove scaled back an order protecting older forests, citing financial strain and limits on what his office can do. Retail & Consumer Economy: Starbucks will close 250 underperforming North American stores, a second straight year of shrinkage that signals its turnaround still has work to finish. Broadband Buildout: Washington’s Broadband Office signed seven BEAD subgrantee contracts totaling about $165.1 million to connect roughly 28,452 locations, with environmental reviews now underway. Local Business & Jobs: PCC Community Markets is set to open its 17th store in Seattle’s Madison Valley on Oct. 14, adding about 75 jobs and new deli and bulk offerings. Tech & AI (Seattle): Microsoft is merging consumer and workplace Copilot into a single enterprise-focused product, aiming to reduce the “model race” burden for business users. Sports Business Watch: Tyson Foods’ Wallula Gap beef plant sale talks remain opaque, but the region’s cattle industry is watching closely for what happens next.

Seattle Public Safety: Seattle firefighters warn proposed 2027–28 budget cuts could reduce overtime and force rotating closures, after a North Seattle house fire injured eight firefighters and highlighted how staffing strains can hit response times. Local Governance: The Seattle City Council Budget Committee is reviewing the mayor’s $9.1 billion plan, with particular concern over cuts to the fire department, 911 operations, and the CARE crisis response team. Consumer & Antitrust: Washington AG Nick Brown is urging consumers and businesses to check eligibility in a generic-drug antitrust settlement, with about $96.5 million available for people and companies overcharged between 2009 and 2019. Climate & Markets: Washington says it has reached agreement with California to move forward linking the state carbon market with California and Quebec, aiming to complete the linkage next year. Retail & Jobs: Costco’s earnings were mixed after hours, but the company also plans a limited-time return of a twisted churro to Washington food courts. Aviation & Trade: American Airlines and STARLUX are expanding a codeshare starting Sept. 30, adding American flight codes on STARLUX routes from Taipei to Los Angeles, San Francisco, Ontario and Seattle. Aerospace Manufacturing: Biman Bangladesh Airlines ordered 11 Boeing aircraft, including five 787-10 Dreamliners assembled at Boeing’s North Charleston site. Business Legal: A proposed class action in Washington targets Grammarly over “last chance” discount emails that allegedly extend deals or offer similar terms.

Seattle Grocery Pricing Crackdown: Seattle lawmakers voted to prohibit grocery stores from setting prices based on personal data and algorithmic analysis, a move Mayor Katie Wilson is still reviewing that targets “surveillance pricing” while allowing delivery-location charges and certain group discounts. Local Business Relief: After planned power outages hit Seattle’s Chinatown-International District, City Light says CID businesses can file claims for losses, injuries, or property damage, while the neighborhood groups plan a debrief on notice and coordination. Retail Expansion: PCC Community Markets is finally set to open its long-delayed 17th Seattle store in Madison Valley on Oct. 14, adding about 75 jobs and in-house sushi plus a refreshed pizza program. Tech & Growth: Databricks is acquiring Seattle spreadsheet startup Row Zero to embed its enterprise grid tech into Databricks and Genie AI. Broadband Upgrade: Lightcurve is using Harmonic’s cOS platform to deliver multi-gig speeds over existing coax in Washington MDUs. Workforce Pressure: Seattle school bus drivers at Zūm Services are nearing a strike as bargaining disputes continue, with hundreds of drivers involved. Energy & Compliance: Snohomish County businesses are preparing for Washington’s upcoming 2026 electrical code changes as Melby Electric helps locals understand what new permitting and installations will require.

Seattle Budget & Business Climate: Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson unveiled a first budget proposal with no new taxes, aiming to close a $175M deficit by cutting 128 city positions (most already vacant) while boosting Seattle Police funding to hire 66 new officers, drawing praise and scrutiny from the business community. Tech & Jobs: Microsoft investors filed a derivative lawsuit in Washington state over a 2024 Inflection AI licensing deal tied to Bill Gates and Reid Hoffman, while separate reporting says Microsoft layoffs hit hundreds in Washington again, including Xbox roles. Local Governance & Consumer Tech: Seattle City Council voted 7-2 to restrict “surveillance pricing” in grocery stores, banning retailers from using personal data or AI to set prices. Aviation & Trade: Boeing’s hopes for a bigger China order after the Trump-Xi summit are fading, with talks reportedly shifting toward a smaller 200-plane deal. Health Care Costs & Lawsuit: A King County family sued Salem Health, alleging staff told them to drive their deceased infant back to Seattle themselves after the hospital said it was “too expensive” to arrange transport. Caregiving Industry: Adult family home providers in Lynnwood pressed lawmakers on Medicaid reimbursement, caregiver pay, licensing fees, and supply costs, arguing the model is underfunded. Food Safety: Walmart shoppers were warned after a nationwide recall of frozen lemon Alfredo fettuccine over possible listeria contamination. Energy & Sustainability: Hang Lung says its Mainland China portfolio is now 100% powered by renewable electricity across 11 properties, targeting major emissions cuts.

Seattle Grocery Policy: Seattle became the first U.S. city to ban “surveillance pricing,” stopping grocery stores from using customer data and AI to set different prices for the same items. Corporate Restructuring: Maple Leaf Foods will consolidate U.S. plant protein production into one facility, winding down operations in Seattle and shifting output to Indianapolis, with the transition expected to finish in Q4 2027. Tech & Jobs: CBRE says AI is unlikely to erase most U.S. office jobs; only a small slice is highly vulnerable, while most roles are “exposed to change” rather than replacement. Local Economy & Housing: A new housing affordability report finds most Washington households can’t afford the state’s median-priced home, with Eastern Washington still more attainable than the west but squeezed by costs and rates. Workforce & Enforcement: Marysville shut down 21 massage parlors tied to an international trafficking ring, using a mix of criminal cases, inspections, and license actions. Business Tech: Seattle-based Hubble Network raised $200M to reach a $1.6B valuation, expanding satellite Bluetooth connectivity. Elections & Labor: Washington’s Labor Council launched “Labor Neighbor” to mobilize union members ahead of ballot fights on major initiatives.