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OneEastside Economic Outlook Summit 2026

Highlights from the 2026 OneEastside Economic Outlook Summit on January 21

Wednesday, January 21, 2026
8:00 AM - 10:30 AM (PST)

Event Details

The 2026 OneEastside Economic Outlook Summit brought together business, civic, nonprofit, and community leaders from across East King County for a timely look at the economic forces shaping the year ahead.

The morning opened with a 2026 economic forecast from economist Matthew Gardner, who explored inflation trends, interest rates, housing and commercial real estate conditions, workforce realignments, and key signals influencing regional decision-making. His insights set the stage for a broader conversation about how national and global dynamics are playing out locally.

The forecast was followed by a moderated regional outlook discussion, featuring leaders from healthcare, retail, financial services, and the nonprofit sector. Panelists shared on-the-ground perspectives on operating in a shifting economy, responding to workforce changes, and navigating uncertainty while continuing to serve the region’s communities.

Thank you to our speakers, partners, sponsors, and attendees for contributing to a thoughtful and engaging conversation. We look forward to continuing these discussions at future OneEastside events.

Event Resources:
▶️ Matthew Gardner’s presentation video
▶️ Forecast slides
▶️ Event photo album
▶️ Summit recap article