Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson Softens Stance on Starbucks as 64% Say City Fails Business
Updated
Updated · KING5.com · May 13
Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson Softens Stance on Starbucks as 64% Say City Fails Business
1 articles · Updated · KING5.com · May 13
Katie Wilson said Starbucks and other large employers should keep succeeding in Seattle, striking a notably more conciliatory tone after criticism of her past anti-corporate remarks.
A new Seattle Metropolitan Chamber poll helps explain the shift: 64% of voters said the city is not doing enough to support a strong business climate, and 73% said large businesses are essential.
The survey also found rising unease over Seattle’s cost of doing business and fears companies could expand elsewhere, while the city’s quality-of-life rating fell to 4.54 from 4.81.
Howard Schultz had accused Wilson in a Wall Street Journal opinion piece of treating business as a foil rather than a partner, citing her boycott call against Starbucks and dismissive comments about wealthy residents leaving.
Joe Nguyen, the chamber’s CEO, said voters still hold progressive values but increasingly want measurable results, even as about 80% said they are proud to be Seattleites.
Can Seattle's mayor mend ties with big business before more jobs flee the city?
As businesses choose low-tax cities, can Seattle’s economic model survive the corporate exodus?