Seattle is attacking the people who keep it alive.
Seattle is punishing the exact people it needs to survive — housing providers, small business owners, builders, and workers — and this week we follow the money to show exactly how. We break down the JumpStart payroll tax from the inside: what it promised back in 2020, what it actually raised, and the uncomfortable fact that roughly 70% of its revenue now comes from just ten companies — companies that can quietly relocate jobs across the lake to Bellevue without ever holding a press conference. The numbers: downtown office vacancy at 35.6%, a net loss of 13,000 jobs last year, assessed office values down 48% while Bellevue's rose 7%, and a $488 million budget hole over the next three years. New Mayor Katie Wilson — one of the architects of JumpStart — says "nothing is off the table" on raising it further. We also cover Seattle's new rental junk fee ban and what it actually does (and doesn't do), the Police Chief Barnes resignation, the recall filing against Wilson, and the property tax chain that connects an empty office tower directly to your monthly rent. This isn't a takedown — we steelman the other side and lay out concrete fixes before the next tax hike lands. If you rent, own, or operate in Seattle, this is the episode to hear. Subscribe for weekly breakdowns of Washington housing policy and local governance. About the Show Welcome to the Anton Stetner Podcast, where we break down real estate, economics, investing, housing policy, and the trends shaping the future of the Pacific Northwest and beyond. Whether you're a homebuyer, investor, business owner, or simply trying to make sense of today's economy, you'll find practical insights, market analysis, and conversations with industry experts designed to help you make smarter financial decisions. 🏡 Looking to buy, sell, or invest in Washington State real estate? Visit: RESG.com 📩 Subscribe to our newsletter for market updates, housing trends, and investment opportunities.





