Economy Politics With cracks showing in WA economy, Ferguson forms new council to look for fixes
SEATTLE — Warning lights are flashing for Washington’s economy.
Job growth has been slower than expected, and the unemployment rate is above the national average. There are mounting layoffs in the tech sector. And more and more businesses are considering leaving the state. Starbucks’ recent decision to expand in Nashville stung in Seattle.
This all comes after back-to-back legislative sessions that have seen Democrats and Gov. Bob Ferguson resort to tax hikes and spending cuts to fill budget shortfalls. Another gap looms in 2027. Credit ratings agencies recently put the state on notice, citing one-time maneuvers that have been part of the fiscal balancing act in Olympia.
Against this backdrop, Ferguson on Thursday signed an executive order creating a Governor’s Economic Development Council that will advise him and help draft a statewide economic development plan by June next year.
https://washingtonstatestandard.com/2026/06/25/with-cracks-showing-in-wa-economy-ferguson-forms-new-council-to-look-for-fixes/