# Seattle's Progressives Need Business Success

> Seattle's progressive values require businesses to thrive for economic growth.
- Title: Seattle's Progressives Need Business Success · Seattletimes
- Summary: Seattle's progressive values require businesses to thrive for economic growth. Seattle's progressive policies and economic growth can coexist by ensuring…
- Keywords: seattle, progressive values, businesses, economic growth, city taxes, public services, affordable housing, mayor katie wilson, seattle metro chamber of commerce, joe nguyen, news, local
- Source: Seattletimes — https://seattletimes.com/opinion/seattles-progressive-values-need-businesses-to-succeed
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: seattle, progressive values, businesses, economic growth, city taxes, public services, affordable housing, mayor katie wilson, seattle metro chamber of commerce, joe nguyen, news, local
## 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.
## Key takeaway

Seattle's progressive policies and economic growth can coexist by ensuring businesses contribute to city taxes and public services.