The Seattle City Council Select Committee on Federal Administration & Policy Change convened on June 20, 2025, to discuss pressing issues affecting local businesses, particularly in the hospitality sector. A significant focus of the meeting was the impact of federal tariffs and rising operational costs on hotels in the region.

During the session, a representative from the hotel industry highlighted that while the effects of new tariffs, particularly on products sourced from China, have not yet fully materialized, there is a growing concern among hoteliers. Many are currently relying on existing inventory but anticipate increased costs as they reorder supplies affected by these tariffs. This uncertainty has led some hotels to pause renovations and upgrades, as the anticipated expenses could exceed initial budgets.

The discussion also touched on broader economic challenges, with council members noting that the trend of costs outpacing revenues is not isolated to the hospitality sector but is evident across various local government agencies, including transportation and wastewater systems. The representative emphasized that while tariffs may eventually be lifted with a change in administration, other cost pressures—such as minimum wage increases and rising insurance costs—are likely to persist.

In response to these challenges, the representative suggested that hotels must adapt to the new economic reality by implementing cost-saving measures, such as reducing staff and utilizing technology for customer service. The council members acknowledged the importance of local government support, particularly through grants for marketing initiatives that could help attract more business to the area.

The meeting concluded with a call for collaboration between local government and business sectors to address these ongoing challenges and explore potential solutions. The next steps include further discussions on how local policies can support businesses facing these economic pressures.