People are FLEEING Seattle | Mark Harmsworth

Washington Policy On The Go is WPC's bi-weekly (weekly during the legislative session) virtual lunchtime event series featuring center directors and guests to inform you on the latest in Washington State policy research and analysis. This episode features Small Business Director Mark Harmsworth detailing the mass exodus from Seattle and the hurtful policy impacts of minimum wage increases, estate taxes, and more.

00:00 - Introduction
00:51 - Seattle and Washington outmigration
01:36 - PODS data and signs of people leaving
03:26 - Tax impact on outmigration
06:04 - Policy-driven cost increases
08:49 - Cumulative tax effects on affordability
11:21 - 2025 session tax changes overview
14:08 - Housing and document fee taxes
15:24 - Capital gains clawback question
16:57 - What taxes might return next session
19:18 - Potential corporate relocations
21:05 - Minimum wage impact and blog insights
24:25 - Rent control and property owner restrictions
30:17 - Tenant screening restrictions and market risk

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