The Center Square is a project of the 501(c)(3) Franklin News Foundation. We engage readers with essential news, data and analysis – delivered with velocity, frequency and consistency.
The Center Square
DoorDash: Seattle gig worker law costs local businesses $40M
DoorDash has released new data estimating that Seattle’s App-Based Worker Minimum Payment Ordinance is causing city businesses to lose out on $40 million.
Washington worst state in the nation for starting a business: analysis
Washington's ranking as the worst state for business startups is attributed to factors like steep licensing fees and burdensome regulations.
Nearly 96% of bills passed in 2024 received some level of bipartisan support
Explore how Washington state lawmakers are breaking through political gridlock with bipartisan collaboration on key issues.
Federal Way homeless hotel remains vacant after millions invested
King County's vacant former Red Lion Hotel in Federal Way could be costing taxpayers millions, despite efforts to combat homelessness.
Dissolving library districts bill passes Washington Legislature
New legislation in Washington State raises signature requirement to dissolve public libraries, giving more voters a say in the process.
Port of Seattle to spend $5M on sound insulation in communities near airport
Port of Seattle Commission approves $6.5 million for soundproofing in airport communities, focusing on noise reduction repair and replacement.
Washington revenue forecasts yet to feel the effect of Jeff Bezos move
Earlier this month Jeff Bezos announced plans to move from Washington to Florida, but the seismic shift of potential tax dollars lost from his paying of the state's capital gains tax has yet to be felt.
Benton County judge censured, agrees to total sobriety after DUIs
The WA Supreme Court has censured and suspended a Benton County District Court judge without pay for 30 days after he was arrested on a DUI charge early this year.
Washington State Needs More Parking Spaces for Truckers
The Washington Trucking Associations and its national counterpart, the American Trucking Associations, are urging Gov. Jay Inslee to tap into federal funding to address the state’s lack of big rig parking.
WSDOT official: New projects funded ‘in lieu’ of infrastructure maintenance
The Washington State Department of Transportation officials say they need $1.1 billion more annually to fully fund maintenance and preservation demand on the existing infrastructure.
However, WSDOT Deputy Director Amy Scarton says that it isn’t the lack of money, but how the state agency is directed by the Legislature to spend it.