From Seattletimes · · 1m
Seattle's Progressives Need Business Success
Seattle's progressive values require businesses to thrive for economic growth.
In brief
Seattle's progressive values require businesses to thrive for economic growth. Seattle's progressive policies and economic growth can coexist by ensuring businesses contribute to city taxes and public services. Originally reported by Seattletimes.
Seattle's progressive values need businesses to succeed
Seattle can support affordable housing, strong public services, and a safety net while still achieving economic growth.
Businesses pay two-thirds of city taxes
A 2023 ECONorthwest analysis estimated businesses paid roughly two-thirds of Seattle’s city taxes.
Business tax participation dropped
City forecasters projected the number of businesses paying business-and-occupation tax would fall from more than 22,000 to about 5,400.
Few companies pay payroll tax
Just 10 companies paid nearly three-quarters of Seattle’s payroll expense tax in 2025.
Public safety and affordability matter
Workers need safety walking to buses, shop owners need security, and families need affordable housing near work.
Seattle budget must reflect common sense
The city budget should protect public safety, build housing, ease business openings, and demand results from existing funds.
The essence
Seattle's progressive policies and economic growth can coexist by ensuring businesses contribute to city taxes and public services.
