Nicole Ballinger from Seattle’s Office of Sustainability and Environment (OSE) came to discuss Seattle’s proposed “Building Emissions Performance Standards” legislation.
Here are a few resources and highlights from the presentation:
- Seattle’s Building Emissions and Performance Standards Policy proposes emission reductions from nonresidential and multifamily buildings larger than 20,000 square feet beginning in 2027, with a multi-step system that will phase in smaller buildings through 2050
- While many restaurants are not 20,000 sq ft, restaurants may be in buildings affected by this proposed legislation
- Exemptions are given to commercial kitchens through 2035 which is intended to give both restaurants, manufacturers and the government time to improve infrastructure and kitchen technology needed to make this transition
- Your SRA Government Affairs Team has been in communication with OSE about the importance of not adding additional stressors to restaurants in this time of recovery.
- Coal and wood burning are currently exempt in the draft legislation
- Learn more about Building Performance Standards and the policy timeline here.
We also had an engaging and informative presentation from Amy Lillard of Washington Filmworks detailing the history of Seattle as a filming location and a B&O tax program to support the growing film industry here in Washington state.
Here are a few resources and highlights from the presentation:
- The fund for Washington Filmworks’ Production Incentive Program was increased from $3.5M to $15M a year, so they are seeking new organizations to support this work.
- It allows any business to donate their B&O tax revenue, up to $1 million annually, to this program in lieu of paying those taxes to the state while receiving a dollar-for-dollar tax credit from the Department or Revenue.
- You can find out more about this opportunity here.
Many thanks to Santa Fe Mexican Grill for hosting the Seattle Restaurant Alliance February meeting.
Next SRA Meeting:
The next meeting will be at 10 a.m. on March 1 at Tutta Bella Pizzeria in Columbia City, 4918 Rainier Ave S, Seattle, WA 98118.