Overview
- Video from an April 14 Seattle University event shows Mayor Katie Wilson waving and saying “the ones that leave, like, bye,” which drew fresh criticism from tech investors and conservative commentators this week.
- Wilson said she backs progressive taxation and welcomed Washington’s new 9.9% levy on annual taxable income above $1 million, while her office studies city-level options.
- Starbucks announced a $100 million expansion that will add 2,000 jobs in Nashville, and local reporting says Seattle and King County could forgo up to $750 million in future tax revenue if growth shifts away.
- Recent reports cite economic strain in downtown Seattle, including office vacancy near 25% last year and significant job losses, alongside surveys showing more business leaders weighing moves out of state.
- Coverage split widened as right-leaning outlets blasted the mayor’s tone, GeekWire highlighted pushback from investors along with dissenting tech voices, and business owners filed a lawsuit challenging the new tax.