Seattle Councilmember Rob Saka 'gravely concerned' about city's business climate

SEATTLE — Seattle City Councilmember Rob Saka says he is “gravely concerned” about the future of Seattle’s business climate, warning that city leaders must avoid “villainizing” employers as national scrutiny intensifies over the city’s economy and public image.

In a wide-ranging interview Thursday, Saka addressed criticism sparked by recent comments from elected leaders about the business community, concerns over job losses, and whether Seattle risks driving employers elsewhere amid ongoing debates about taxes, affordability, and public safety.

“I’m gravely concerned when we lose jobs,” Saka said. “I’m gravely concerned when we don’t have enough employers paying living wage jobs, and to the extent that the city of Seattle government plays a role in it, we do not, the sole role, but we do play a role.”

His comments come after recent national coverage examining Seattle’s economic challenges, including commentary from former Howard Schultz and stories in publications including The Washington Post, The New York Times and Wall Street Journal. That was prompted after a viral moment of Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson at a recent Seattle University event, seemingly waving goodbye to high earners.

Saka said city leaders should not dismiss concerns from the business community.

“I’m unapologetic in my support for both jobs and workers,” he said. “I think Seattle is at its best when we do the hard work of listening to a variety of perspectives, variety of viewpoints, and bringing people together and incorporating that feedback into our policy decisions.”

The councilmember also praised Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson for what he described as showing “contrition” after recent controversy surrounding comments directed at business leaders.

“We all make mistakes,” Saka said. “What I’m committed to doing and I think every person, especially public servants and elected officials learn from your mistakes, be better, try not to replicate them.”

This image shows Seattle Councilmember Rob Saka on May 21, 2026. (KOMO)

When asked directly whether he believed recent rhetoric toward business had become counterproductive, Saka did not mince words.

“I think it’s incredibly counterproductive when we seek to trivialize or villainize the perspective of anyone, whether we agree or disagree,” he said. “We can disagree on the substance, we can disagree on the merits, but that’s the most counterproductive thing to a well-functioning local government.”

Saka, whose district includes Starbucks’ headquarters in SoDo, said he plans to meet with company leadership in the coming days and intends to deliver a clear message.

“Seattle is open for business,” he said. “We appreciate you, just like we appreciate all of our governing partners, all of our businesses of all sizes, and we’re here to work with you to get stuff done.”

The comments come as Seattle continues grappling with slow downtown office recovery, vacant storefronts and broader economic uncertainty lingering after the pandemic.

Saka argued that rebuilding business confidence requires both messaging and visible city action.

“The number one thing we can do to support our business community is create a safe place for their workers, customers, suppliers, partners to gather to work to thrive,” he said.

He pointed to Thursday’s council action advancing long-term plans for a major renovation of Seattle Center as one example of reinvesting in civic infrastructure and public spaces.

“We need to establish a clear and firm timeline and be clear about our intent to voters to renovate the Seattle Center once and for all, restore it to its original vibrancy,” Saka said.

But Saka also acknowledged the balancing act facing city leaders as Seattle voters increasingly prioritize affordability and homelessness concerns.

“I think voters care increasingly about affordability and making more meaningful, visible progress on addressing our homelessness crisis,” he said. “That said, I don’t believe voters have deprioritized public safety and community safety.”

The conversation could become more complicated later this year as Seattle faces ongoing budget challenges and discussions about additional progressive taxes.

Saka said he supports progressive revenue “without apology,” but expressed concern about expanding Seattle’s existing payroll expense tax, commonly known as the JumpStart tax.

“I would be very hesitant to further expand the JumpStart tax,” he said, calling it “a highly volatile tax.”

He warned city leaders must remain mindful that businesses have options outside Seattle.

“Everyone here has a choice,” Saka said. “Residents choose to live in Seattle or not. Businesses choose to do business in Seattle, or they can pick up their crayons and go across Lake Washington. We don’t want that.”