Seattle Council Member Expresses Concern Over Local Business Departures

A Seattle Democratic council member who previously welcomed the mayor's focus on affordability and community issues now says he is "gravely concerned" about businesses leaving the city. The council member made the remarks to the New York Times less than five months after the mayor took office. He described the departures as "real," according to the interview.

Starbucks announced it will move 2,000 corporate jobs, mainly in IT and supply chain roles, to a new regional headquarters in Nashville. The company also cut 61 additional technology positions at its Seattle headquarters last week. Washington state enacted a 9.9 percent income tax on households earning more than $1 million annually. Democratic Gov. Bob Ferguson signed the measure on March 30.

The Columbia Tower Club, a long-standing business club in Seattle's tallest building, closed last month after more than 40 years. The club cited declining office traffic and high vacancy rates linked to remote work. The Washington State Republican Party posted criticism of city leadership on social media, linking the departures to local policies and events.

Fox News Digital reached out to the council member and the mayor for additional comment.