Rob Saka Says Gravely Concerned As Mayor Of Seattle Dismisses Exodus
Seattle Democratic Councilmember Rob Saka said he is gravely concerned about a business exodus after the mayor of seattle, Katie Wilson, dismissed warnings that millionaires would leave Washington. Less than five months into Wilson’s term, Saka told, “I am gravely concerned,” and added, “This is real.”
Wilson, who describes herself as a socialist, said, “I think the claims that millionaires are going to leave our state are super overblown,” and added, “the ones that leave? Like, bye.” Her comments came after Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson signed a millionaire tax on March 30, imposing a 9.9% income tax on households earning more than $1 million each year.
Rob Saka And Katie Wilson
Saka had previously welcomed Wilson after she defeated incumbent Bruce Harrell. In a statement, he said, “The voters have spoken, calling for change and a renewed focus on affordability, community, and fighting back against a resurgent Trump agenda.” He also said he was “look[ing] forward to partnering with her to build a thriving, inclusive Seattle that uplifts working families, expands universal preschool for all, ends food deserts, and creates safer, more connected neighborhoods across our city.”
That earlier support now sits alongside his warning about business flight. The city’s tax debate is playing out while companies make staffing and location changes that put pressure on Seattle’s corporate base.
Starbucks Jobs In Nashville
Starbucks announced it will shift 2,000 corporate jobs to a new regional headquarters in Nashville, with the work centered in IT and supply chain management. The company also laid off an additional 61 employees as part of a reorganization of its technology department at its corporate headquarters.
The staffing changes give the exodus debate a concrete form. For Seattle workers tied to corporate offices, the immediate question is whether more employers follow the same path or absorb the new tax without changing headcount. Wilson’s earlier message to Starbucks was blunt: “I am not buying Starbucks, and you should not either.’”
