Image: Jennifer Buchanan / The Seattle Times
Seattle Kraken President and CEO Tod Leiweke expressed concerns about Washington’s fiscal direction during the Economic Future Solutions Summit hosted by the Association of Washington Business Institute and the Washington Roundtable.
Speaking on a panel with business leaders Denise Moriguchi of Uwajimaya and Kerri Schroeder of JPMorgan Chase, Leiweke said he believes many business leaders are increasingly concerned about the state’s financial management and long-term economic outlook.
Leiweke emphasized that his concerns are not centered on the state’s new tax on high-income earners, noting that he expects to pay the tax himself. Instead, he said he is worried about state spending, recent budget decisions, and what he described as growing uncertainty within the business community.
He pointed to recent reports from credit rating agencies that indicated Washington’s financial outlook has weakened. Leiweke also questioned lawmakers’ decision to use funding from an overfunded pension plan to help balance other areas of the state budget.
According to Leiweke, some business leaders are evaluating whether to expand or remain in Washington. He cited Starbucks’ decision to expand operations in Nashville as one example of companies investing outside the state and suggested other businesses are having similar discussions.
Leiweke called on state leaders to adopt a long-term fiscal strategy that supports economic stability while maintaining Washington’s values. His remarks contributed to a broader discussion at the summit about the state’s competitiveness, fiscal outlook, and the factors influencing business investment decisions.
