Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson has dismissed concerns that affluent residents and businesses are fleeing Washington due to increasing taxes, describing such fears as exaggerated during a recent interview.
In a conversation with FOX 13 Seattle co-anchor Hana Kim, Wilson was asked whether she still believes the notion of the wealthy departing the state is overstated. “Yes, I do,” Wilson replied with a lighthearted laugh, affirming her stance that the idea of a mass exodus prompted by the state’s new millionaire tax is indeed overblown.
Earlier this year, Washington state Democrats successfully passed a progressive new measure—a 9.9% income tax targeting households earning over $1 million annually. This legislation, signed into law by Democratic Governor Bob Ferguson on March 30, marks the state’s first-ever income tax. The tax has been a point of contention, championed by progressives and criticized by conservatives.
Wilson, however, remains confident in her administration’s approach, arguing that efforts to foster positive relationships with the business community are bearing fruit. “Reflecting on the past five months, the initiatives I’ve pursued to strengthen ties with the business community have painted a picture that starkly contrasts with the exaggerated narrative of discontent,” she stated.
Wilson pushed back, saying that she is building good relationships within the business community.
“When I think about the last five months and the things that I and my administration have done to build bridges with the business community, the narrative that was spun around those things is very, very out of step with the reality.”
Wilson said companies like Starbucks, T-Mobile and Microsoft are donating funds toward a 90-unit tiny house village in South Park Cloverleaf to be opened “later this summer.”
“And so these are all like — so this narrative that it’s like Seattle socialist mayor versus Starbucks, like well, then why are they donating a million dollars to our shelter site?” Wilson asked.
“So, you know, the attitude that I have tried to come in with into office toward the business community is, ‘Look, we’re not going to agree on everything,’ right,” she said.
A recent survey by the Association of Washington Business reported on by The Center Square found that 44% of business leaders said they are considering moving their personal residence out of state, with businesses also saying they are now more than twice as likely to expand outside of Washington than within it.
Fox News Digital reached out to Wilson for comment but did not immediately receive a response.
