Seattle officials worry that implementing a local capital gains tax would coax wealthy residents to change their home addresses. Seattle City Councilmember Cathy Moore is proposing a local 2% capital gains excise tax that would be applicable to non-retirement financial gains over $250,

The new proposal comes as the City of Seattle is hashing out its 2025-2026 budget, with Mayor Bruce Harrell calling for $8.3 billion in spending. That includes a $270 million hole in the city’s general fund, which helps pay for public safety, administration, education and human services, arts and culture, and other programs.