Full Breakdown
Washington Governor Bob Ferguson Launches 26-Member Economic Development Council
6/26/2026, 12:35:51 PM
Council Formation and Economic Context
On June 25, 2026 Governor Bob Ferguson announced a 26-member Economic Development Council to advise on Washington’s growth, competitiveness and regulatory climate. The council will produce recommendations by mid-2027 and guide a statewide plan. Its creation follows concerns that the state’s competitive edge may be eroding, highlighted by Starbucks expanding its corporate office outside Washington and a projected budget shortfall the governor says will be addressed without new taxes, and is the first such council since Gov. Christine Gregoire’s Global Competitiveness Council in 2006.
Council Membership
The panel blends labor, business, academia. Corporate members include Amazon, Microsoft, T-Mobile, Boeing, Alaska Airlines. Labor is voiced by April Sims, president of the Washington State Labor Council. Academic leaders include Washington State University President Betsy Cantwell, University of Washington President Robert Jones, Columbia Basin College President Rebekah Woods. Avista CEO Heather Rosentrater and other regional CEOs also sit on the council.
Economic Scale
Governor’s office data show council members collectively employ over 250,000 workers, represent more than 500,000 union members, educate over 100,000 students, and oversee tens of billions in port shipments. These metrics illustrate the council’s broad economic footprint.
Official Statements
Ferguson stressed the need to stay competitive with other states and pledged a tax-free budget. He called the council “the next step in our efforts to build Washington’s economy” and promised outcomes despite limited time. Cantwell highlighted the council’s timing, noting that research universities can translate innovation into public impact, and said its work will feed into a plan due June.
Criticism and Opposition
Bellevue Chamber President Joe Fain warned that forward-looking indicators—job growth, unemployment, and adjusted gross income—place Washington near the bottom of national rankings. Business leaders also cite tax increases on large employers and high-income earners as deterrents to investment, questioning whether the council can reverse these trends.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources do not disclose the size of the projected budget shortfall, nor detail how council recommendations will be enforced after submission. The timeline for concrete policy changes beyond the June 2027 advisory report remains unspecified.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We cannot take our strength for granted,” — Gov. Bob Ferguson
- “I know there are a lot of folks asking, 'Is it too late?' It's not too late,” — Joe Fain, President & CEO, Bellevue Chamber
- “Washington’s long-term economic strength will depend on the innovations and talent we cultivate today,” — Betsy Cantwell, President, Washington State University
- “I promised everybody here that we’re going to do our level best, because their time is so precious, to make sure we’re getting outcomes as a result of this council,” — Gov. Bob Ferguson
Upcoming Steps
The council will meet quarterly, issue advisory reports, and finalize a economic development and competitiveness plan by June 2027. Lawmakers will address the looming budget shortfall in the upcoming legislative session, while Ferguson maintains his stance against new tax increases.
