The Seattle City Council Select Committee on Federal Administration & Policy Change convened on June 20, 2025, to address pressing issues affecting local businesses, particularly in light of recent tariffs and ongoing challenges related to homelessness in the International District.

The meeting began with a business owner expressing concerns about declining sales, attributing the downturn to homelessness directly outside their establishment. They emphasized the need for local and federal government support to improve the situation, stating, "without you guys' help, there's nothing that we can do to get our customers to come back." The sentiment echoed throughout the discussion, highlighting a perceived gap in governmental action that is crucial for revitalizing local commerce.

Council members engaged with the business owner, acknowledging the broader implications of the current economic climate. One member noted the importance of understanding the challenges faced by small businesses, particularly how rising costs due to tariffs are ultimately passed on to consumers. The owner reiterated that these costs are not merely a burden on businesses but a tax on the public, affecting everyone.

The conversation transitioned to Lacey Tran, president of Fiat Bloss Group, who joined the meeting online. Tran detailed the difficulties her grocery business faces due to fluctuating tariffs on imported goods. She explained that the uncertainty surrounding these rates complicates inventory planning and pricing strategies, leading to reduced sales as customers become more price-sensitive. Tran also shared the impact of recent inflation, stating that customers are purchasing less due to rising costs.

Tran further illustrated the challenges by recounting a recent experience with a new meat cutting machine that incurred unexpected tariffs upon delivery, which strained their budget. She noted that the combination of tariffs and a recent fire at her store has forced her to reconsider future investments and expansions, stating, "we need to scale back... improvements for our store or expansions or increasing our inventory."

The meeting concluded with council members expressing gratitude for the insights shared by the business representatives. They acknowledged the need for immediate action to support local businesses and discussed potential next steps to address the issues raised. The overarching theme of the meeting underscored the critical role of government intervention in fostering a supportive environment for small businesses amidst challenging economic conditions.