Seattle mayor shrugs off millionaire-tax concerns as 44% of business leaders consider leaving

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Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson dismissed concerns about wealthy residents and businesses leaving Washington due to rising taxes during an interview on Wednesday.

“So today, do you still feel the narrative of the rich leaving is still overblown?” FOX 13 Seattle co-anchor Hana Kim asked Wilson.

“So, I still think that claims of a large exodus of rich people due to our statewide millionaire tax that the legislature passed this year are overblown,” Wilson responded with a chuckle. “I do believe that.”

In March, Washington state Democrats passed the millionaire’s tax, a 9.9% income tax for households that make over $1 million a year, which Democratic Gov. Bob Ferguson signed on March 30. It’s the state’s first-ever income tax, pushed by progressives and opposed by conservatives.

Wilson emphasized that she is focusing on building positive 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.”

Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson says fears of rich residents fleeing Washington over new taxes are “overblown.” Facebook / Your City

Wilson mentioned that companies like Starbucks, T-Mobile, and Microsoft are contributing funds towards a 90-unit tiny house village in South Park Cloverleaf set to open “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 questioned.

Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson says fears of rich residents fleeing Washington over new taxes are “overblown. — A survey found 44% of Washington business leaders are considering moving their personal residence out of state. Tommy – stock.adobe.com

“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 by The Center Square revealed that 44% of business leaders are contemplating moving their personal residence out of state, with businesses also expressing a greater likelihood to expand outside of Washington than within it.

Fox News Digital reached out to Wilson for comment but did not immediately receive a response.