Seattle's progressive Mayor Katie Wilson has conceded that her earlier calls for a boycott of Starbucks were misguided, as the coffee giant considers expanding its operations outside the city. Wilson, 43, took office in January with a confrontational stance toward the company, urging consumers to abandon the brand despite its status as one of Seattle's most profitable employers.
Mayor's Change of Heart
Shortly after her election, Wilson attended a union rally for Starbucks baristas, declaring, 'I am not buying Starbucks, and you should not either.' However, in a recent interview with the New York Times, she acknowledged the negative impact of her anti-business rhetoric. 'Those comments were not productive in the sense that they caused more harm than good,' Wilson said.
Her reversal comes as Starbucks announces plans to establish a new business hub in Nashville, Tennessee, a state with no income tax. This move has sparked concerns that the Seattle-based company could relocate thousands of jobs away from the Pacific Northwest.
Relationship with Starbucks
Despite her earlier criticisms, Wilson maintains that she has a constructive relationship with Starbucks and was not surprised by its expansion plans. She noted that Starbucks intends to keep its headquarters in Seattle and continues to support local philanthropic efforts, including sponsoring a new homeless shelter. 'I want them here,' Wilson stated. 'And I believe they want to be here.'
However, critics point out that Wilson has remained silent on her previous calls to boycott REI, another major Seattle-based retailer, as its union moves forward with contract negotiations.
Backlash Over Economic Policies
Wilson's far-left economic agenda, including high taxes and wealth redistribution, has fueled fears that she may drive businesses out of Seattle. Last month, she sparked controversy by dismissing concerns that millionaires might flee the city, saying, 'And to the ones that leave? Like, bye,' with a dismissive wave.
Starbucks founder Howard Schultz responded with a scathing op-ed in the Wall Street Journal, accusing Wilson of 'fracturing' the city's business culture. He argued that her hostility toward corporations undermines the entrepreneurial spirit that gave rise to companies like Starbucks, Amazon, and Microsoft. 'Wilson has chosen to cast business as a foil rather than a partner,' Schultz wrote.
Tax Policy Concerns
Washington state recently enacted a millionaire's tax of 9.9 percent on earnings over $1 million, set to take effect in 2028. Wilson strongly supported this measure, despite warnings that it could accelerate the exodus of wealthy individuals and businesses. Schultz criticized the emphasis on taxation over reform, stating, 'The theory appears to be that prosperity can be mandated through redistribution rather than generated through growth.'
Several major companies have already reduced their presence in Washington. Amazon founder Jeff Bezos relocated his fortune to Florida, and Fisher Investments moved its headquarters out of the state in 2024 following the introduction of a capital gains tax.
Future of Seattle's Economy
Schultz expressed sadness over Seattle's declining status as a hub for innovation, noting that companies have historically imported global talent and anchored a network of suppliers and startups. 'As those businesses reduce their local role, Seattle has no clear answer to the question of what will provide the next set of jobs and revenue growth,' he wrote.
Wilson has faced scrutiny for her personal finances, admitting that she relies on checks from her parents to cover expenses despite advocating for higher taxes on the wealthy. Her recent comments come at a critical juncture for Seattle's economic future, with many residents fearing that her policies could lead to further business departures.
