Democratic city council members who once celebrated Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson’s “change” are now expressing “serious concerns” about the ongoing departure of businesses from major U.S. cities.
This shift comes as states like Washington and New York see companies migrating to more business-friendly red states. Recently, Starbucks, a significant player in Seattle’s economy, announced plans to expand in Nashville while also laying off employees at its Seattle headquarters. This situation has raised alarms regarding Seattle’s overall business climate and economic viability.
Mayor Wilson, who identifies as a socialist, has made headlines by downplaying the departure of billionaires and business figures from the city, claiming, “I think the claims that billionaires are leaving the state are greatly exaggerated,” followed by, “Who’s leaving? Goodbye.”
Just under five months into her tenure, Democratic Rep. Rob Saka admitted his concerns, telling a media outlet, “I’m very concerned. This is real.”
Saka had previously praised Wilson for winning against incumbent Bruce Harrell, urging voters to “refocus on change, affordability, communities and fighting back against President Trump’s renewed agenda.” He lauded the “energy she brings to leadership” and expressed eagerness to collaborate in building a prosperous Seattle that supports working families and enhances community services.
Starbucks is relocating 2,000 corporate positions, mainly from IT and supply chain, to its new regional office in Nashville. Additionally, as reported last week, the company has laid off 61 staff members as part of a reorganization of its technology division.
State leaders in Washington have also faced criticism after passing a “millionaire tax,” which Democratic Governor Bob Ferguson signed into law on March 30. This legislation, the first income tax in the state’s history, imposes a 9.9% tax on households earning over $1 million and is particularly championed by progressives while facing opposition from conservatives.
Starbucks isn’t alone in feeling the impact of state policy. The Columbia Tower Club, a prominent business hub in Seattle, closed its doors last month after operating for over 40 years. It attributed its closure to dwindling office traffic and lower downtown business activity linked to remote work and rising vacancy rates. Critics interpreted this closure as a signal of declining confidence in Seattle’s business landscape.
On Monday, Washington state Republicans took aim at both Wilson and the City Council, tweeting that “Marxist @SeattleMayorKatieWilson is more worried about a toilet ribbon-cutting photo op than the massive capital flight in downtown Seattle.” This comment referred to Wilson’s recent event promoting new public restrooms downtown, which critics found insensitive given the economic concerns.
Wilson’s flippant “Goodbye” remark elicited laughter, but it also ignited backlash from conservatives online who criticized her economic approach.
“Seattle’s socialist mayor responds to the drain of wealth from our state by saying ‘goodbye’…and laughs. We are doomed,” tweeted Brandi Kruse.
The Washington State Republican Party condemned her comments, asserting that Wilson is unfit for her role and lacks both integrity and gratitude, suggesting she might consider leaving Seattle instead.
No comments have been received from Saka or Wilson regarding these developments.
