AGP Executive Report

AI & Data Readiness: TDWI Research says the jump from AI pilots to production hinges on a standardized “AI-ready” data foundation—fixing fragmented data, inconsistent governance, weak semantic alignment, and poor access—while supporting multicloud and controlled AI access. Energy & Aviation Decarbonization: A Twelve plant in Moses Lake has started commercial production of sustainable aviation fuel, targeting about 50,000 gallons annually at full run, as SAF remains a tiny share of total jet fuel use. Transportation & Construction: WSDOT’s SR 167 Completion Project Stage 2b open house runs June 15–Aug. 15, outlining 2.6 miles of expressway work, seven bridges, a new Valley Avenue East roundabout interchange, and trail improvements. Local Roads: Franklin County begins chip sealing with loose-gravel and reduced-speed warnings on multiple routes. Tech Policy & Mobility: Tesla’s Cybercab cleared an EPA regulatory step via a Certificate of Conformity, with more state permits still needed before public robotaxi operations. Retail/Business: Starbucks CFO Cathy Smith is shifting principal accounting leadership to Val Bauduin as part of its turnaround push.

West Seattle Link: Sound Transit has issued an RFQPA for heavy civil general contractor/construction manager services for the West Seattle Link light-rail extension. Affordable Housing: The Ballmer Group says it will offer forgivable loans to help build at least 10,000 affordable homes with two or more bedrooms across Washington, aiming at family-sized supply. AI & Permitting: Cities including Honolulu, Los Angeles, Austin and Seattle are using AI to speed up building-plan reviews, cutting residential plan review from months to about a week in Honolulu—raising new questions about accountability when software clears flawed designs. Cannabis Regulation: Washington’s Liquor and Cannabis Board warns that federal rescheduling uncertainty, retail ownership limits, and producer/processor oversupply are pressuring the state’s legal cannabis market. Energy/Tech: Microsoft’s AI is helping BHP extract more copper from low-grade rock, tying Washington-area tech to the materials behind EVs and AI infrastructure. Public Safety: Spokane police, schools and parks are teaming up to warn families about e-ride dangers ahead of summer break, as a new state law clarifies e-bike vs. electric motorcycle rules. Disaster Preparedness: Westport’s tsunami tower project is nearing construction after FEMA BRIC funding and design work, with a target completion by Aug. 31, 2027.

AI Workforce & IP Tensions: A new report highlights how companies are using AI “clones” of departing employees—turning workers’ know-how into reusable corporate assets—raising fresh questions about consent and ownership of a digital legacy. Data Center Backlash: Lawmakers are trying to slow AI data center expansion, but most proposals stall in Congress as tech giants lobby hard and Republicans split on whether federal action is needed. Water, Power, and Siting Pressure: A separate look at the drought-hit footprint of new AI data centers flags mounting strain on electricity and water supplies, with regulators and communities increasingly focused on cooling needs. Elwha Logging Fight: Environmental groups sue to block nearly 400 acres of logging in Washington’s Elwha Watershed, arguing the state failed to properly assess harm to drinking-water sources. Community Development: College Place is still short about $2.53 million toward an $8.6 million Community Opportunity Center that would combine licensed child care with a rural library branch. Food Security Tech: UW researchers are testing a monitored network of “micropantries” to improve how local food donations match nearby hunger needs.

Infant Health Alert: Nara Organics issued a nationwide voluntary recall of its Whole Milk Organic Powdered Infant Formula after FDA/CDC linked it to three infant botulism cases, including one in Washington; all affected babies were hospitalized. Public Safety: Washington State Patrol reported a driver crash into two WSDOT work trucks on SR 16 in Kitsap County, briefly shutting down the eastbound lanes while crews were cleared. Food Security: Walla Walla County saw a drop in Basic Food enrollment, leaving food banks with less product to meet rising demand. Tech & Power Demand: New reporting highlights how data center expansion is triggering local fights over electricity and costs, with Amazon’s proposed Indiana campus including a major payment to offset ratepayer impacts. AI Backlash: Microsoft president Brad Smith responded to students booing AI, arguing the tech sector misjudges adoption speed and underestimates people’s pushback. Washington Tech Talent: Lawmakers honored Microsoft venture capitalist Soma Somasegar in the U.S. House for his role in Windows NT and community work. World Cup in the Northwest: Vancouver hosted its first World Cup spotlight moment after Australia’s 2-0 win over Turkey, with fans already looking ahead to Seattle matches.

Industrial Safety: A driver crashed into two WSDOT attenuator trucks on SR 16 in Kitsap County, briefly shutting the eastbound lanes and prompting a reminder to move over or slow down for road crews. Workplace Tragedy: Investigators continue to sort out what caused a chemical tank implosion at the Nippon Dynawave Packaging pulp and paper mill in Longview, after the disaster killed 11 and injured more. Tech & Energy Infrastructure: Amazon Web Services is proposing a major data center campus in Indiana, with a large payment aimed at offsetting added electricity demand—another sign of how power planning is becoming central to Washington-area tech growth. AI & Labor Narrative: AI leaders are walking back “white-collar wipeout” claims, saying job impacts are more nuanced than early fears suggested. Agriculture Workforce: Washington’s H-2A guest-worker program appears flat after recent policy changes, with growers still saying the process remains expensive. Transportation & Travel: Seattle-Tacoma International Airport opened its expanded Concourse C ahead of World Cup crowds, adding space and new local retail. Policy Watch: New Washington laws took effect Thursday, including a tax tied to health plans on the state exchange to fund abortion services.

World Cup boost with local logistics: Seattle-area hosts are bracing for FIFA crowds with match schedules and an economic-impact reality check, as hotel bookings and flight trends reportedly lag expectations. USMNT opener: The U.S. opened the tournament with a 4-1 win over Paraguay at SoFi Stadium, led by Folarin Balogun’s first-half brace, while Christian Pulisic’s calf tightness triggered a halftime precaution. Local agriculture: Wenatchee Valley cherry growers are staying optimistic despite drought, rising costs, and weather risk, with production projected around 18.4 million boxes. Tech policy pressure: Washington state attorneys general are among those investigating OpenAI, issuing a broad subpoena tied to how the company handles ads, user data, and child use. EV infrastructure fight: A federal transportation bill backed by Rep. Rick Larsen faces Senate criticism over proposed annual EV fees. Public safety & fire season: Pierce County is moving into wildfire preparedness with a burn ban and defensible-space outreach as conditions dry out. Crypto enforcement: Washington’s DFI seeks a $1.5M fine against Bitcoin Depot over alleged overcharging at kiosks in Whatcom County.

Data Centers & Power: Amazon’s AWS is pushing a major data center plan in Indiana, with a reported $7B investment and a $1.25B payment aimed at offsetting local electricity costs—another reminder that power demand is driving siting fights. AI & Jobs Anxiety: A Reuters/Ipsos poll finds about half of Americans fear AI will cost jobs, with concerns rising as layoffs hit firms pursuing AI. Energy Policy: The GOP’s push for subsidized coal and gas plants is colliding with market reality, with new federal coal modernization funding drawing criticism as an uncompetitive subsidy. Washington Housing: Homestead Community Land Trust marked completion of “Nest” in Seattle’s Phinney Ridge, adding 30 homes (19 affordable) using public land and investment. Local Tech/Business: Product Air Heating, Cooling & Electric in Marysville earned Mitsubishi’s Elite Diamond contractor status—rare in Washington. Agriculture & Invasives: Kennewick’s Columbia Park dog park closes June 15 for Japanese beetle spray. Sports Biz: Seattle Seahawks unveiled Super Bowl LX championship rings crafted in Los Angeles, including a secret button feature.

Data Centers & Water Use: Amazon says its data centers used 2.5 billion gallons of water in 2025, renewing scrutiny as Seattle and other cities weigh moratoriums and transparency rules. Local Governance: Seattle’s Seahawks unveiled their Super Bowl LX championship rings, a reminder of how major events drive local business and branding. Energy & Industry: Moses Lake opened the first U.S. commercial sustainable aviation fuel plant making jet fuel from captured CO2, with Alaska Airlines slated to use the fuel. EV Infrastructure: Washington awarded Commerce grants for new EV chargers, including fast-charging at a Mason County site and tribal and housing projects. Cybersecurity: An Everett-based Fluke Corp. faces a class action alleging it failed to prevent a 2025 data breach and delayed notice. Public Safety: City drought messaging in Auburn highlights firework restrictions as dry conditions raise wildfire risk.

Aerospace & MRO Dealmaking: XLCS Partners advised Aero Controls on its acquisition by Air Transport Components, expanding a Seattle-area FAA/EASA repair-and-parts footprint. Airport Planning: Federal Way residents get a chance to weigh in on SEA Airport’s SEPA draft environmental impact statement for near-term master plan projects, including air quality, noise, and water impacts. Clean Energy Investment: Seattle startup Endurance Energy raised $54M to scale undersea geothermal power from deep-sea volcano heat, with a first Washington/Oregon deployment planned. Sustainable Aviation Fuel: Moses Lake’s Twelve opened AirPlant One, the first U.S. commercial E-Jet fuel plant using CO2 and renewable electricity, with Alaska Airlines lined up for fuel purchases. Local Housing Push: The Ballmer Group committed funding for 10,000 affordable rental homes in Washington using forgivable loans tied to long-term affordability. Tech & Data Centers: Seattle’s AI-data-center moratorium and related state law changes keep pressure on how the region manages power and water demand. Workforce & Safety: WSDOT will use a mobile speed camera in a Spokane construction zone to enforce work-zone speeds while crews are present. Industrial Tragedy Update: Longview paper mill spill deaths were attributed to alkaline chemical burns, as investigators continue safety review. Energy Policy Fight: The Trump administration announced $850M for coal plant modernization and new builds, drawing renewed debate over grid reliability versus subsidies.

Clean Energy Court Fight: Washington’s Supreme Court will hear arguments Thursday on whether regulators improperly approved the Horse Heaven wind project, a case that could reshape how the state permits major clean power builds. Aviation Decarbonization: Washington opened AirPlant One in Moses Lake, the first U.S. commercial plant making jet fuel from captured CO2 and renewable electricity, with Alaska Airlines set to fly the fuel. Grid Planning: The state is hiring a contractor to study how Washington could replace electricity from four lower Snake River dams while keeping the grid reliable. Data Centers & Power: Seattle’s pushback on new data centers continues as the city weighs moratorium impacts on natural resources and energy demand. Tech & Privacy: South Korea fined Seattle-based Coupang a record $409M over a breach affecting 33M+ customers, citing delayed detection and weak safeguards. Logistics Innovation: Alaska Air Cargo and Phox Health launched same-day, temperature-controlled prescription deliveries across central and eastern Washington. World Cup Local Impact: Seattle is preparing for FIFA crowds with transit and airport upgrades, while host-city businesses gear up for visitor demand.

Rent Relief Debate: Washington’s 2025 rent increase cap (7% plus inflation, or 10% whichever is lower) is helping some renters, but critics warn it could squeeze small landlords and slow affordable construction. World Cup Economics in B.C.: British Columbia is defending its host-city spending and projected visitor boost, while critics question the assumptions and demand more transparency on security costs. EV School Bus Push: Eastern Washington districts are adding electric school buses, but rural charging and upfront costs keep diesel in the mix for years. Seattle Tech & IP Fight: Seattle’s MiiR sues Tesla over alleged copying of a tumbler lid design and branding layout. Data Center Backlash: Seattle’s one-year moratorium on new AI data centers is moving forward as residents and officials push back on power, water, and community impacts. Construction Safety: Clark County and partners are urging drivers to treat summer work zones as deadly, citing high fatal-crash risk during the season. Workers’ Comp Scam Warning: WA AG warns Spanish-speakers about fake government messages demanding payment for workers’ comp help. Hydropower Modernization: Tetra Tech was selected to lead design work for spillway upgrades at Rock Island and Rocky Reach dams on the Columbia River. College Sports Pay Bill: Sen. Maria Cantwell and Sen. Ted Cruz promote a bipartisan college athlete compensation framework, arguing it’s the best path forward amid opposition.

Energy & Power: The Trump administration announced $850 million for coal plant modernization and new coal units, using Defense Production Act authorities, a move that renews the debate over subsidies versus grid reliability. Refrigerants Compliance: A new EPA leak-repair rule drops the HFC threshold to 15 pounds, expanding federal oversight for many commercial refrigeration systems and forcing faster leak repair timelines. Tech & Data Centers: Seattle passed a one-year moratorium on large data centers, while Amazon signed a multi-billion Corning optical-fiber deal to expand U.S. fiber production for AI infrastructure. Healthcare Policy: A federal judge rejected a challenge to Washington’s hospital drug-pricing law tied to the 340B program, and a separate case targets a hospital’s COVID vaccine mandate over alleged religious and medical discrimination. Washington Infrastructure: Tetra Tech was selected as lead design engineer for Chelan County PUD dam spillway upgrades on the Columbia River. Ag Exports: The Washington Blueberry Commission held trade seminars in Thailand and Indonesia to deepen Southeast Asia demand. Local Economy & Hospitality: Seattle’s “Soccer House” watch parties at Pacific Place are gearing up for World Cup crowds.

Work Zone Safety: Spokane-area crews will be the first in Eastern Washington to use WSDOT/Washington State Patrol speed cameras on I-90 work zones, with enforcement starting in June and fines kicking in July 1 ($125 for first-time, $248 for repeat). Energy Policy: The Trump administration announced $850M for coal plant modernization and two new plants, using Defense Production Act authorities—drawing criticism from renewable advocates. Housing & Services: Seattle’s homelessness and drug policies are blamed for a “culture of death and disorder,” as multiple recent deaths in encampments highlight ongoing public health and safety gaps. Agriculture & Environment: Washington’s annual invasive pest survey is underway, with extra focus on spongy (gypsy) moths after interceptions near ports. Wine Industry: A West Coast Smoke Exposure Task Force summit discussed wildfire smoke protection for winegrapes, including spray barriers and timing research. Retail Fuel Demand: Costco’s Issaquah-area club says gas sales hit record levels as members chase lower prices amid Strait of Hormuz-related fuel pressure. Business Expansion: Bellevue-based Interactive Gates & Security expanded its HOA and commercial gate division across King, Pierce and Snohomish counties, adding 24/7 dispatch support.

AI in the Workplace: A new report says companies are pouring money into AI tools while skimping on training—93% of budgets go to the tech, not the people who have to use it. Logistics & Jobs: Seattle-area logistics giant Expeditors ended its long-standing no-layoff stance for tech roles, cutting about 230 workers across the region. Construction Safety: Washington DOT and State Patrol expanded work-zone speed cameras; enforcement on I-90 begins as first-time violations move from warnings to $125 fines. State Budget Pressure: Washington agencies were told to prepare for major 2027–29 shortfalls, pausing new expansions and focusing on core services. Food & Agriculture Exports: The Washington Blueberry Commission ran trade seminars in Thailand and Indonesia to boost Southeast Asia demand. World Cup Turf & Security: FIFA is relying on Michigan State turf research for consistent stadium grass, while Seattle ramps up safety planning for the tournament. Telecom Reliability: CenturyLink faced scrutiny after a copper-theft outage delayed reporting.

Manufacturing Expansion: Janicki Industries, a Washington-based engineering and manufacturing firm, picked Great Falls, Montana for an $800M facility, targeting 1,000 jobs in five years and 2,000-plus after buildout. Local Infrastructure: Seattle Public Utilities says Fauntleroy Creek culvert work will enter “early work” late June, with major 45th Ave SW impacts starting in early 2027 through 2028 to improve fish passage and reduce failure risk. Bridge Repairs: WSDOT begins prep for US 12/SR 124 interchange bridge repairs near Burbank, shifting eastbound US 12 to a temporary crossover June 15 and aiming to finish by late August. Energy & Industry Policy: A federal judge in Massachusetts struck down a Trump plan for a $100,000 H-1B visa fee for highly skilled workers as an unlawful tax, a move with major implications for Washington’s tech and engineering hiring. Consumer & Food: Costco asked a court to dismiss a lawsuit over its $5 rotisserie chicken, arguing the challenged additives aren’t “preservatives” under FDA rules. Water & Fisheries: Cle Elum Lake’s new “helix” fish passage system is helping sockeye bypass a century-old dam as Yakima basin partners push broader water and salmon recovery. Film/Production: HBO’s “The Last of Us” Season 3 isn’t canceled; Vancouver filming is on a planned June 1–28 hiatus tied to World Cup logistics.

Data Centers & Power Demand: AWS is planning a major data center campus in Wheatfield, Indiana, with an estimated $7B investment and a $1.25B payment aimed at offsetting added electricity costs—another sign utilities and regulators are bracing for the next wave of load growth. Seafood Supply Chain: Captain D’s is switching several signature battered fish items to Alaskan pollock via partners Trident Seafoods and Channel Fish Processing, citing customer demand for U.S.-sourced, wild-caught seafood. World Cup Waterfront & Local Industry: Seattle’s Sounders and Reign are hosting matches and fan events from a pierside barge with a mini pitch—built through the RAVE Foundation to expand youth soccer access across Washington. Budget Pressure in Olympia: The Office of Financial Management warns agencies to expect significant 2027-29 operating and transportation shortfalls, urging a break from “business as usual.” Environmental Risk Watch: Federal records point to leaking, highly corrosive chemicals at a second Washington pulp mill (Cosmo Specialty Fibers) near Aberdeen, raising concerns after the Longview disaster. Food Assistance: Washington’s SUN Bucks summer program will deliver $120 per eligible child to up to 577,000 kids statewide.