Thecentersquare iconThecentersquareAug 31, 2026 ~1 min source read

Op-Ed: Differences between Seattle and Bellevue illustrate why local taxes matter

For example, in 2021, the Washington legislature imposed a statewide capital gains income tax, and in 2026 it passed a 9.9% "millionaires" income tax (currently subject to constitutional legal challenge). This has led to concern about wealth flight as individuals and businesses look to leave the state.

Op-Ed: Differences between Seattle and Bellevue illustrate why local taxes matter
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For example, in 2021, the Washington legislature imposed a statewide capital gains income tax, and in 2026 it passed a 9.9% "millionaires" income tax (currently subject to constitutional legal challenge).

Based on the data, Seattle is an example of making the wrong tax choices and driving businesses and residents out the door.

This has led to concern about wealth flight as individuals and businesses look to leave the state.

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The useful part

For example, in 2021, the Washington legislature imposed a statewide capital gains income tax, and in 2026 it passed a 9.9% "millionaires" income tax (currently subject to constitutional legal challenge). This has led to concern about wealth flight as individuals and businesses look to leave the state. What happens when two neighboring cities, both facing the same statewide tax climate, embark on radically different tax schemes?

How it works

  • Based on the data, Seattle is an example of making the wrong tax choices and driving businesses and residents out the door.
  • Even when individuals and businesses face burdensome state taxes, they still have the option to reduce their local tax burden.
  • Businesses are moving just next door to Bellevue to escape bad Seattle policy.
  • There are stark policy differences between neighboring Bellevue and Seattle in numerous areas, but it's especially clear concerning taxes.

Details worth keeping

It is well established that taxes impact behavior. This is true at both the state and local level. Bellevue and Seattle provide the perfect case study to consider.

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