 Tacoma employers say a new local wage mandate would raise costs, reduce flexibility, and make it harder for businesses, nonprofits, childcare providers, and health care organizations to keep serving the community.
The Tacoma City Council is considering changes to the City’s minimum wage ordinance. The new Tacoma Minimum Wage Community and Stakeholder Engagement Report highlights broad concerns from employers and community organizations responsible for implementing any new requirements. What They Are Saying Business owners currently absorb rising health care costs, insurance premiums, utilities, inflation, taxes, and new state regulations. Many warn another major labor cost could force them to raise prices, reduce hours, delay hiring, cut benefits, eliminate entry-level roles, or close locations. Employers small and large warn a minimum wage increase will not stop with minimum wage workers. Higher entry-level wages create wage compression, raising the cost of experienced employees, supervisors, managers, nonprofits, health care providers, and childcare organizations. Between the Lines The majority of Tacoma workers earn well above the state minimum wage because the labor market requires it. Restaurant owners noted that tipped employees often earn well above minimum wage. Retail, health care, and other employers said they already pay more to recruit and retain workers. Nonprofits warned that higher labor costs could mean fewer community programs, workforce training opportunities, and social services. Childcare providers said tuition would likely rise for working families unless subsidies increase. Health care leaders cautioned the fixed Medicaid reimbursement rates leave little room to absorb higher payroll costs. The Bottom Line Employers are proud to invest in Tacoma but worry decisions are being made without fully accounting for the economic realities they face. Their concern: more empty storefronts, fewer local employers, and lost investment if Tacoma becomes significantly more expensive than nearby communities. As Council discussions begin, policymakers need to hear directly from the businesses, nonprofits, and community organizations who would carry out any new local wage mandate. Members Should:
Tacoma needs policies that support affordability, thriving employers, quality jobs, and sustainable community services. Now is the time to engage. Your experience can help shape the future of Tacoma’s economy. Upcoming City of Tacoma Economic Development Committee:
 Leadership isn't something you're born with. It's developed through experience, reflection, learning, and the willingness to grow. For nearly five decades, the Business Leadership Academy has helped professionals across Tacoma-Pierce County become more confident leaders, stronger collaborators, and more engaged members of our community. If you've been considering applying, here are five reasons this may be the right opportunity for you.
 5. You'll Leave Ready to Make an Impact. The Academy challenges participants to think beyond themselves. Through collaborative projects and reflection, you'll identify how your leadership can positively influence your workplace, your community, and the people around you. The result isn't simply stronger leadership skills—it's a renewed sense of purpose. Is It Time? If you're ready to invest in yourself, broaden your perspective, and join a legacy nearly five decades strong, we encourage you to apply to the 2026 Business Leadership Academy.
Applications are due Friday, August 14, 2026. Your future as a leader starts with one decision. Chamber Policy Alert: Why the Tacoma Rental Housing Regulation Initiative Deserves Careful Review6/23/2026
The Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber is encouraging members to closely examine the city imitative for Tacoma Rental Housing Regulations which is coming to your ballot this fall.
Tacoma residents deserve safe, quality housing and landlords who violate the law should be held accountable. However, the Chamber is concerned this initiative goes well beyond strengthening existing protections and will have unintended consequences for housing affordability, economic growth, and Tacoma's business climate. The proposal would establish new regulatory requirements, licensing fees, expanded enforcement mechanisms, and increased financial penalties for rental housing providers. While authors of this initiative believe these changes will improve accountability, they will increase the cost and complexity of owning, operating, and developing housing in Tacoma. Those additional costs do not exist in isolation. Higher compliance costs increased legal exposure, and greater regulatory uncertainty can influence investment decisions, reduce incentives to build or improve housing, and make it more difficult to address Tacoma's ongoing housing shortage. A healthy housing market depends on tenant protections but also on policies that encourage new housing construction, reinvestment in existing properties, and long-term private investment. The impacts extend beyond property owners. Employers throughout Pierce County rely on an adequate supply of workforce housing to recruit and retain employees. Policies that discourage housing investment or increase operating costs may ultimately affect housing availability, affordability, and the region's overall economic competitiveness. Tacoma can protect tenants while also promoting housing production and economic opportunity. Good public policy should hold bad actors accountable without creating unnecessary barriers for responsible housing providers who are committed to maintaining safe, quality housing. As this initiative gets closer to a public vote in November of 2026, we encourage business leaders, property owners, employers, and residents to review the proposal carefully, ask thoughtful questions, and consider its long-term implications for Tacoma's economy and housing market. The Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber will continue to provide members with objective information, policy analysis, and opportunities to engage as this important issue develops. We're excited to welcome two new Member Consultants to the Chamber team, bringing a wealth of experience in relationship-building, business development, and community engagement to support our members' success.
 The Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber's Happy Hour Business Expo returned on June 18, bringing together the South Sound business community for an evening of high-energy networking, discovery, and celebration at Foss Waterway Seaport. Set against the beautiful waterfront backdrop, attendees explored booths from local businesses and organizations, sampled food and beverages, and connected with fellow professionals from across the region. From new introductions to long-standing business relationships, the event showcased the power of community and connection. One of this year's highlights was the Interactive Inlet, a hands-on experience featuring local businesses that added a new level of energy and engagement to the expo. Guests enjoyed professional headshots, massages, creative activities, tooth gems, and tiny tattoos, making the Interactive Inlet an unforgettable exploration of the South Sounds creative economy. The Happy Hour Business Expo continues to be a favorite Chamber tradition because it creates opportunities for businesses to connect in a fun and meaningful way. We can't wait to see you next year! Thank You to Our Sponsors & Vendors The Happy Hour Business Expo would not have been possible without the incredible support of our sponsors, vendors, and community partners. Thank you for helping create an evening filled with meaningful connections, local business discovery, and memorable experiences. Event Sponsors
The Galley Vendors
The Interactive Inlet Vendors
Exhibiting Vendors
The Chamber and Spaceworks teams have grown and evolved over the last several months, and we’re excited to celebrate these incredible team members!
 Welcome to the members who joined our business community in May 2026:
South Sound businesses and civic and community leaders used the WA2WA 2026 Congressional Fly-In to discuss infrastructure, trade, healthcare, energy, and economic competitiveness with federal officials.  One Region, One Voice
For more than 40 years, the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber has brought South Sound leaders to Washington, D.C. to advocate for the region. WA2WA 2026 showed it still matters: a unified message carries weight. Over 50 regional leaders spent three days meeting with members of Congress, federal policymakers, and industry experts during a period of narrow political margins, trade debates, funding pressure, and legislative gridlock. Even in a tough federal environment, Washington State’s congressional delegation remains one of the most effective in the country, advancing bipartisan priorities that directly affect the South Sound. Federal leaders described a narrow-margin Congress, difficult funding environment and ongoing uncertainty around trade, tariffs, and federal investment. Despite the gridlock, Washington’s delegation was consistently described as highly effective at advancing bipartisan priorities especially transportation, infrastructure, defense, energy, and maritime issues. Key Issues That Surfaced
The Opportunity The 2026 FIFA World Cup is expected to bring major visibility and economic activity to Washington state, with Seattle hosting six matches and fan activities reaching communities across the region. The Challenge Business leaders said permitting remains one of the biggest barriers to growth. Multi-jurisdictional processes, unclear timelines and regulatory complexity are slowing investment. The South Sound needs to become “the place for business” not only through promotion, but through faster permitting, stronger regional collaboration, and a more competitive business climate. What's Next WA2WA attendees identified several priorities for follow-up:
The bottom line: WA2WA 2026 reinforced that the South Sound has major assets: port areas, defense, healthcare, manufacturing, Tribal partnerships, education, and global trade connections. The next step is turning a unified regional voice into collaborative action. |
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