Today’s roundup: a data analysis counters big business complaints about the “high earners” tax, as Seattle’s economy grows; Salesforce/Tableau renews its Fremont lease, signaling long-term plans; an attempted baby kidnapping at Pike Place Market did not result in serious charges.
Seattle’s “high earners” tax is working despite big business complaints: a data analysis debunks the myths
Recently, complaints have grown louder in Seattle’s business circles that the city’s taxes on high incomes are allegedly harming the local economy. Downtown Seattle Association (DSA) has been especially vocal, publishing a report claiming that taxes on high-paid workers force companies to leave the city. But a careful analysis of the data shows the reality is completely different. The author of a piece at The Urbanist breaks down DSA’s arguments and concludes that the taxes are working—while all the noise is simply an attempt by corporate lobbyists to push their anti-tax agenda.
DSA’s key argument is that about 30,000 jobs disappeared in downtown Seattle since 2020. Critics, however, point out correctly that the vast majority of those losses are in retail, food service, and hospitality—sectors that, in general, do not pay the high-income taxes. JumpStart, the payroll tax on large employers introduced in 2020, kicks in at wages of about $194,000 per year and applies only to firms with total payroll above $9 million. A second tax, approved by voters in February 2025 to fund social housing, is charged at 5 cents for each dollar above $1 million in a worker’s annual income. And the first million isn’t taxed. It’s hard to imagine a waiter or a shop employee earning those kinds of sums.
To understand the real impact, it helps to compare trends in high-paying jobs in Seattle and nearby Bellevue—the city that opponents of the tax say jobs were supposed to migrate to. Data from the Puget Sound Regional Council shows that from 2019 to 2024, high-paying positions in Seattle’s information, professional, and scientific/technical services increased by 20% (from 114,157 to 137,235), while in Bellevue they fell by 0.6% (from 44,937 to 44,671). Even factoring in corporate headquarters, including Amazon, which had announced before the taxes were introduced that it would relocate some staff to Bellevue, Seattle still created new high-paying jobs 2.7 times faster than its rival.
DSA’s attempt to blame taxes for the high vacancy rate of office space downtown Seattle (32% versus 24% in Bellevue) deserves special attention. But even before the pandemic and the taxes, in 2019, vacancy in Seattle was 6.7%—almost 2.7 times higher than in Bellevue (2.5%). The main reason for today’s gap isn’t taxes, but a nationwide shift toward newer, more modern buildings—something that Bellevue is particularly rich in.
The author emphasizes that corporate lobbyists skillfully use any negative trend—whether it’s a downturn in retail, problems hiring for the police, or talent flight—to pin the blame on progressive local policies. Recent layoffs in the tech sector affecting Seattle as well as Austin and San Francisco are part of a nationwide process, not the result of local taxes. The irony is that in the latest period—after the social housing tax—layoffs in Bellevue were happening even more actively than in Seattle.
So instead of relying on distorted data and emotional slogans, the conclusion is straightforward: high-income taxes in Seattle haven’t scared off big business. They have also brought the city substantial revenue that can be directed toward building affordable housing, education, and other public goods. Against the backdrop of Washington having remained without an income tax for many years and only recently adopting a “millionaires tax” (to take effect in 2029), Seattle’s experience shows a realistic way to reduce inequality without harming the economy. No matter how hard corporations try to promote the myth that such taxes are harmful, the data speaks for itself.
Salesforce’s Tableau renews Fremont office lease, signaling long-term Seattle commitment
Salesforce, through its data visualization subsidiary Tableau, has reaffirmed its presence in Seattle by renewing a lease for approximately 114,000 square feet at the Data 1 building in the city’s Fremont neighborhood. This move, which will take effect after the current agreement expires in 2029, represents the largest office lease renewal in Seattle this year. The decision comes as many tech companies reassess their real estate needs amid hybrid work and remote collaboration trends. For Tableau, which was acquired by Salesforce for $15.7 billion in 2019, this renewal signals a long-term commitment to the Seattle region, despite earlier uncertainty about the company’s footprint there. The Data 1 building, originally opened by Tableau in 2018, has been a key hub for the company’s employees and customers. Salesforce had previously considered subleasing the space, but reversed course in 2023 and instead put its nearby Fremont headquarters up for sublease. This lease renewal provides stability for both the building and the Fremont neighborhood, which has recently seen Google leave its campus—freeing up a significant amount of office space along the Lake Washington Ship Canal.
The article notes that after the Tableau acquisition, Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff once referred to the Seattle region as the company’s “HQ2.” However, since then, Salesforce has carried out multiple rounds of layoffs that affected Tableau employees and reduced its Seattle office footprint, partly due to the shift to hybrid work. Former Tableau CEO Mark Nelson also left in 2024 after leading the business for two years. Despite those changes, the lease renewal indicates that Salesforce still sees long-term value in the Seattle location. The renewal was announced by Salesforce and reported by the Puget Sound Business Journal, with GeekWire picking up the story. In a statement, Rob McCorkindale, Vice President of Global Real Estate Portfolio & Transactions at Salesforce, said, “Data 1 has been a critical hub for our local employees and customers, and we are thrilled to continue our presence in Fremont. This renewal underscores our continued investment in the Seattle region and our focus on creating spaces that inspire our people to do their best work.” Mark Grey, a partner at Hess Callahan Grey Group, added that “Salesforce has been an exceptional tenant and a valued presence in the Fremont community since Data 1 was completed. Their decision to extend their commitment to the building speaks to the enduring appeal of Fremont and the importance of creating great environments for leading employers.”
This lease renewal is notable because it comes during a period of contraction in the commercial real estate market, especially in tech hubs. Many companies are downsizing or adopting flexible work policies, making large lease commitments less common. The fact that Salesforce chose to renew a significant space suggests that despite earlier reductions, the company still finds value in maintaining a physical presence in Seattle. It also means that Tableau employees who have been working remotely or elsewhere will have a stable base for collaboration and innovation.
The article also provides context on Fremont’s shifting landscape. Google’s departure from the area last year left a large amount of prime office space available, which could affect local real estate dynamics. However, Salesforce’s renewal helps buffer the impact by keeping the Data 1 building occupied. For those unfamiliar, “Data 1” is the name of the office building at 744 N. 34th St., a property that Tableau developed before the acquisition. The concept of “HQ2” refers to a secondary headquarters that a company operates with significant strategic importance—similar to Amazon’s HQ2 in Arlington, Virginia. The lease renewal also implies that Salesforce and Tableau are prioritizing the Seattle region as a center for data analytics and technology talent. That aligns with Tableau’s history as a fast-growing Seattle-based company that once employed around 4,200 people globally, with roughly half based in the Seattle area. While the article does not specify the exact current headcount in Seattle, keeping 114,000 square feet suggests a substantial workforce.
The implications for the local economy are positive: the renewal supports jobs, helps maintain property value, and signals confidence in the neighborhood. It also shows that even in a hybrid work era, well-located offices with good amenities can retain tenants. In his interview to GeekWire, Salesforce’s real estate executive emphasized the company’s commitment to creating inspiring spaces. Overall, this development is a bright spot for Seattle’s commercial real estate market and a reaffirmation of Tableau’s integration into Salesforce’s broader strategy.
Attempted baby kidnapping at Pike Place Market: charges weren’t as serious as feared
An incident that shocked visitors to Seattle’s famous Pike Place Market has taken an unexpected legal turn. A man arrested on suspicion of attempting to kidnap a baby directly from a stroller will not face charges for a felony. The King County Prosecutor’s Office explained that after a thorough investigation, the Seattle Police Department concluded that the evidence gathered did not meet the standard required to bring a felony charge—a serious crime in the United States punishable by more than a year in prison. Instead, the case has been sent to the Seattle City Attorney’s Office to consider whether the man can be charged at the misdemeanor level—a less serious offense.
The incident occurred on July 9 at around noon near Victor Steinbrueck Park, not far from the market. According to court documents, the man approached a crying baby in a stroller and tried to pull the stroller away from the mother. The woman immediately called her husband, who was nearby, and the two then took cover with the child inside the nearest store. When the husband arrived, he blocked the suspect’s path and prevented him from entering. Police records note that the would-be kidnapper apparently noticed that the baby was beautiful and, based on the account, deliberately chose that family. Despite clear signs of an attempted kidnapping, prosecutors determined there wasn’t enough evidence for a felony and limited the matter to a misdemeanor.
For Russian readers, it’s important to understand the difference between these legal categories. In U.S. law, a felony is a serious crime (such as murder, robbery, or kidnapping), punishable by more than a year in prison. A misdemeanor is a less serious violation (such as petty theft or disorderly conduct), often punishable by a fine or short-term jail time. The decision not to file felony charges raised questions among the public—especially since the case involved a child. As the King County Prosecutor’s Office explained, the police themselves did not believe the evidence met the felony standard under state law. As a result, the case was sent to the city prosecutor, where they may consider pursuing charges under a more lenient statute.
This case raises an important question about the balance between public safety and the strictness of legal standards. On the one hand, an attempt to take someone else’s baby sparks intense outrage and fear among parents. On the other, courts require undeniable proof of intent and a real threat—especially for such serious charges. It’s possible investigators concluded that the man’s actions hadn’t progressed to the point where kidnapping became inevitable, or they weren’t able to confirm his intentions convincingly. Either way, the incident at Pike Place Market serves as a reminder that even in clearly alarming situations, the legal system relies on formal criteria—not emotions.
In its decision, the prosecutor’s office also cited that it was the police who recommended recategorizing the case, as reported by KOMO News. It remains to be seen what charge the city prosecutor ultimately files—and whether it will have real consequences for the suspect.
