2026 ACG SEA I Seattle’s Next Chapter: A Post-Election Reality Check with Joe Nguyen

The votes have been cast. Now what?

Washington’s election will leave business leaders with plenty to digest. Questions around taxes, affordability, regulation, investment, and competitiveness won’t disappear on Election Day. For Seattle’s business community, the more important question may be what happens next.

At a moment when it’s easy to focus on the challenges, Joe Nguyen brings a different perspective, a prominent voice, and a case for optimism about Seattle’s next chapter. What strengths continue to set our region apart? Where are we at risk of losing ground? And what can business leaders do to help shape what comes next?

Joe became President and CEO of the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce in January 2026. The Chamber represents about 2,500 companies and 750,000 workers. Previously, he served as Director of the Washington State Department of Commerce, represented Seattle’s 34th Legislative District in the State Senate, and held roles at Microsoft and Expedia. His career spanning business, technology, and government gives him a distinctive perspective on how public policy translates into private-sector decisions.

Over lunch, Morgan Dipo of Wells Fargo will sit down with Joe for a candid post-election reality check on Seattle’s business climate. They’ll discuss what the election means for Washington’s competitive position, the issues weighing on business owners and investors, and the opportunities that can get lost amid the uncertainty.

Join the ACG Seattle community on Wednesday, November 18 for a timely conversation about what’s changed, what hasn’t, and why there is still good reason to bet on Seattle. Networking lunch begins at 11:30 a.m. and the conversation begins at 12:00 p.m. and concludes at 1:00 p.m.