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State Supreme Court overturns Initiative 2066
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Extreme environmentalists on the State Building Code Council (SBCC) appointed by former Democrat Governor Inslee have been trying to ban natural gas in new residential and commercial construction for several years. These extreme environmentalists do not care about the massive added upfront costs to residential and commercial developers when forcing electric heat pumps over natural gas. These massive added upfront costs could delay or completely halt some residential and commercial construction projects. AGC’s representative on the SBCC opposed the natural gas ban at every opportunity and instead promoted choice in energy sources. In response to these extreme proposals, AGC joined a large coalition that promoted energy choice in new construction.
Click here to read more.
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Prevailing wage rate corrections
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From the Department of Labor and Industries:
The Prevailing Wage Program has made corrections to several prevailing wage rates throughout Washington state. The corrections, published today September 9th, will take effect in 30 days on October 9th.
These corrections impact the following trades in several Washington counties.
- Power Equipment Operators in Pacific, Pierce, Lewis, and Thurston counties.
- Roofers in Clark and Skamania counties.
- Truck Drivers in several counties.
- Dredge Workers in several counties.
You may look up or print prevailing wage rates for journey level or apprentice workers by visiting the web page below. To view the corrected rates, please enter 10/9/2026 for the effective date.
https://lni.wa.gov/licensing-permits/public-works-projects/prevailing-wage-rates/
If you have question about the prevailing wage rate corrections, please contact Ray Finn at Raymond.Finn@lni.wa.gov, or 360-902-5338.
Comments or questions about Prevailing Wage? Call 360-902-5335 or email PW1@lni.wa.gov.
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Showcase Your Best Project — Nominations Open for AGC/WSDOT Partnership for Excellence in Contract Administration Awards
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Did your project team go above and beyond to overcome challenges and successfully deliver a WSDOT project? It’s time to get recognized!
Nominations are now open for the 2026 Partnership for Excellence in Contract Administration Awards, a joint AGC/WSDOT program celebrating outstanding contractor-WSDOT partnerships and the project teams behind them.
Click here to read more.
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Income Tax Repeal Initiative Takes Center Stage in October Debate
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Washington voters will have an opportunity to hear both sides of Initiative 645, the ballot measure that would repeal Washington’s newly enacted income tax, during a televised debate on Thursday, October 8 at 8 p.m.
The debate, hosted by KING 5 and The Seattle Times, will feature former Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler, representing supporters of I-645, and April Sims, president of the Washington State Labor Council, representing opponents. It will air live on KONG-TV and stream digitally through KING 5 and The Seattle Times.
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Meet Sean O’Donnell — AGC’s BUILD PAC Endorsed Candidate for State Supreme Court
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With five of Washington’s nine Supreme Court seats on the ballot this year, the 2026 election could significantly shape the future of the state’s highest court. These races are especially important to AGC members as the court may consider major legal and economic issues in the coming years, including challenges involving Washington’s new income tax.
For Supreme Court Position 4, AGC’s BUILD PAC has endorsed Judge Sean O’Donnell.
O’Donnell brings more than 25 years of public service, including 13 years as a King County Superior Court judge and 12 years as a King County prosecutor. During his time on the bench, he has served as Chief Criminal Judge and Chief Family Court Judge and was elected president of the Washington State Superior Court Judges’ Association. His work also extends beyond the courtroom. O’Donnell has been involved in statewide efforts to modernize Washington’s court system and serves on task forces examining the use of artificial intelligence in the legal system.
For contractors and employers, who serves on the Supreme Court matters. The court’s decisions can shape Washington law and the business environment for years to come.
O’Donnell’s campaign emphasizes judicial experience, impartiality and the rule of law.
Click here to learn more about Sean O’Donnell or contribute to his campaign.
Click here for AGC’s BUILD PAC complete endorsement list. This list will be updated as additional indorsements are made.
Contact AGC’s Michele Willms if you have any questions.
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Washington Income Tax Revenue Estimate Rises
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The Washington Department of Revenue has increased its estimate of how much the state’s new 9.9% income tax could generate.
The agency now projects the tax will raise approximately $3.1 billion in its first fiscal year and $8.3 billion during the 2029–31 biennium, up from earlier estimates of $2.7 billion and $6.9 billion.
The tax takes effect Jan. 1, 2028, and applies to households with annual adjusted gross income exceeding $1 million. The first returns will be due in April 2029.
DOR now estimates approximately 25,000 taxpayers could be subject to the tax, compared with about 21,000 estimated when the legislation passed. The increase is largely attributed to stronger projections for dividends, stock income, personal income and wages.
The higher revenue estimates have not yet been incorporated into the state’s official revenue forecast.
Meanwhile, Initiative 645 will appear on the Nov. 3 general election ballot. The initiative would repeal the new income tax. The tax is also the subject of a constitutional legal challenge filed earlier this year.
As a reminder: A YES vote on I-645 is a vote to repeal the new income tax; a NO vote is a vote to retain it.
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AGO shares guidance on I-9 audits; webinar Sept. 23
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Ahead of the state Immigrant Worker Protection Act taking full effect on Oct. 1, the Attorney General’s Office (AGO) is providing guidance and materials to help employers meet obligations under the law. In addition, the AGO is providing a webinar for AGC members on the new law on Sept. 23. Registration and more info on the webinar available here.
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You’ve Built Something Worth Recognizing
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Your company’s accomplishments deserve to be celebrated. The 2027 Build Washington Awards provide an opportunity to showcase your people, projects and achievements—and put your success in front of the industry.
Award recipients receive meaningful exposure and recognition, including:
- Recognition in the Build Washington Awards program
- Projects and comapny published on the AGC of Washington website.
- Dedicated social media posts
- A prominet feature in the Daily Journal of Commerce
- Award announcement in a BWA dedicated newsletter that goes out to our members.
- Annual award ceremony with presentation
of all winners.
The Build Washington Application portal is now open!
Click here to apply
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AGC Federal 3-Year Outlook
Thursday, October 15, 8:00 am – 12:00 pm, followed by Smith Currie Oles Contractor Networking Lunch
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The agenda is now live for the Federal 3-Year Outlook!
Attend to hear the annual procurement outlooks from Army Corps of Engineers, Naval Facilities Command and Coast Guard, a not to miss opportunity to plan your upcoming bid opportunities. You’ll also receive these valuable presentations to help plan and execute your federal portfolio: AGC of America’s Federal Legislative Update & PLA Spotlight, SBA Reclassification of Federal Small Business Size Standards, CMMC/CUI Preparedness, OTA and Progressive Design Build, Claims & REA’s. The agenda concludes with this years Federal Project Highlight, USACE ARS-WSU Plant Bioscience Research Building. Stay after the meeting for the Smith Currie Oles Contractor Networking Lunch from 12:00 pm – 1:30 pm. Register today…
Thank you to our Sponsors! Lunch Sponsor: Smith Currie Oles, Break Sponsor: Hilti, Supporting Sponsors: Hensel Phelps and Lockton
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is a publication of the
Associated General Contractors of Washington
Questions? Comments?
Please email Amira Beidas, marketing director.
1200 Westlake Avenue N., Suite 301, Seattle Washington 98109
Copyright 2025, AGC of Washington. All rights reserved.
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AGC's Construction
Leadership Council
develops the next generation of
construction leaders.
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