# Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson recently went viral for laughing off the exodus of billionaires and business leaders from her city.

*business · news · 2026-05-18 · Fox News*

## Key points

- Starbucks is relocating 2,000 corporate jobs from Seattle to a new headquarters in Nashville.
- Seattle Councilmember Rob Saka, previously supportive, is now publicly warning of a real business exodus.
- Washington's first-ever income tax, a 9.9% 'millionaires tax,' was signed into law on March 30, 2024.
- Seattle's iconic Columbia Tower Club closed last month, citing declining downtown business amid remote work and high vacancies.
- Mayor Katie Wilson publicly dismissed the loss of wealthy residents, sparking criticism from both conservatives and business leaders.

**Companies:** Starbucks
**Countries:** United States

[Read the full story on Fox News](https://www.foxnews.com/politics/dem-welcomed-socialist-mayors-change-sounding-alarm-billionaire-exodus-gravely-concerned)

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