Governor Ferguson launches Economic Development Council represented by leaders of major companies
The 26-member group includes leaders from business, labor, Tribes and universities and will meet quarterly to submit recommendations.
- On Thursday, June 25, 2026, Washington Governor Bob Ferguson launched the 26-member Economic Development Council at the Seattle Convention Center Summit Building to guide the state's economic strategy.
- Facing criticism from business leaders over tax burdens and regulatory climate, Ferguson created the panel to address concerns that Washington's economic strength cannot be taken for granted.
- The council includes 26 leaders such as Microsoft's Brad Smith and Boeing Commercial Airplanes' Stephanie Pope, tasked with identifying practical actions to strengthen Washington's economy.
- An Association of Washington Business survey this spring found nearly three in four businesses cite tax burdens as a top challenge, up 18% since winter 2025, while only 7% rate the economy as strong.
- The council will meet quarterly to draft a statewide economic development plan by June next year, while Ferguson aims to avoid tax hikes in his 2027 budget proposal.
11 Articles
11 Articles
With cracks showing in Washington 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…
With cracks showing in WA economy, Ferguson forms new council to look for fixes
Warning lights are flashing for Washington’s economy. Against this backdrop, Gov. Bob 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.
Governor Ferguson launches Economic Development Council represented by leaders of major companies
SEATTLE, Wash. - Washington Governor Bob Ferguson announced on Thursday the creation of the Governor's Economic Development Council, bringing together leaders in higher education and presidents of major companies like Microsoft, Alaska Airlines and Boeing Commercial Airplanes to advise on…
Gov. creates state economic council
Gov. Bob Ferguson announced Thursday he'd signed an executive order to establish a new Governor's Economic Development Council composed of large employers in tech and aerospace, small businesses, labor, tribes and educators tasked with guiding Washington's economic strategy.
With cracks showing in Washington economy, Ferguson forms new council to look for fixes - The Daily Chronicle
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 reso…
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