Former Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz slams Seattle's 'hostile' business climate

May 13, 2026 - 02:24

Former Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz took direct aim at Seattle and Washington state leaders in a recent opinion piece, accusing them of creating a "hostile" environment for businesses. Schultz, who built the coffee giant into a global brand from its Seattle roots, argued that local and state policies are driving companies and jobs away.

In the op-ed, Schultz did not hold back his criticism. He pointed to what he sees as a pattern of overregulation, high taxes, and a general lack of support for the private sector. He claimed that the city's leadership has become more focused on ideological battles than on fostering economic growth. According to Schultz, this shift is pushing entrepreneurs and established firms to consider relocating to more business-friendly states.

The former CEO also touched on public safety and homelessness, arguing that the city's failure to address these issues effectively makes it harder for businesses to operate. He suggested that the current approach in Seattle is not just unfriendly to corporations but also harmful to the working-class residents who rely on those jobs.

Schultz's comments come as Seattle continues to grapple with a reputation for being tough on business, a label that has been reinforced by recent tax policies and labor laws. While some local leaders have defended these measures as necessary for social equity, Schultz made it clear he believes the pendulum has swung too far. He urged a return to pragmatic governance that balances social responsibility with economic vitality.