Making predictions for the 12 months to return is a fraught endeavor. After they come from the editorial board of the 129-year-old Seattle Occasions, the state’s largest and most historied newspaper, folks simply would possibly maintain us accountable for pictures that clang off the rim. (Extra about that later.)
However there are a number of certainties right here, much-anticipated occasions that may influence our area and nation. These are issues the board will likely be watching, and we encourage readers to do the identical.
One native journalist known as Seattle’s internet hosting of six FIFA World Cup matches “the most important occasion in state historical past.”
Which may be a stretch, however right here’s hoping that the extravaganza from June 15 to July 6 — which boosters contend quantities to town internet hosting six Tremendous Bowls in lower than a month — finally ends up higher than the 2023 MLB All Star sport at T-Cellular Park, when native companies complained that once-promised guests by no means confirmed up.
The World Journey & Tourism Council famous in Could that the U.S. was on observe to lose a staggering $12.5 billion in worldwide customer spending final 12 months.
President Donald Trump and his tariffs, hostility towards immigrants and willingness to explode longstanding alliances are seen as major culprits.
Maybe overseas guests’ considerations will likely be put to relaxation after FIFA awarded Trump a peace prize “on behalf of all football-loving folks from all all over the world.”
Visit Seattle tasks about $929 million will likely be generated for King County. This contains greater than $100 million in direct state and native tax income and anticipates 20,762 full-time and part-time jobs will likely be supported.
All instructed, the Legislature accepted about $45 million for prices associated to the World Cup. Final 12 months, Seattle introduced almost $1.3 million in investments to “activate public areas, have fun native tradition, and convey folks collectively throughout town” through the play.
Will the event find yourself being a large monthlong headache for residents? Will crowd and spending estimates meet expectations? Will there be sufficient safety measures and enforcement of human trafficking and different ills?
Maybe a profitable end result will lastly assuage our personal doubts that Seattle is lastly — lastly! — a world-class metropolis.
Of higher regional significance, Sound Transit is ready to debut light rail throughout Lake Washington, linking Seattle and its northern neighbors with the Eastside. This will likely be a sport changer, with doable unintended penalties.
Seattle and Bellevue are locked in a battle to draw and retain companies. If the tax local weather in Seattle turns into too painful, search for extra high-tech and different firms to decamp to the Eastside, all of the whereas telling workers that they’re now at liberty to commute by gentle rail.
Statewide, anticipate extra intense conversations about taxation this 12 months, notably centered on the imposition of an earnings tax.
Among the many key factors: Are residents fascinated about higher tax equity, or extra revenues to increase the scope of presidency providers? That important query should inform the talk to return.
In November, the nation heads to the poll to vote on members of Congress. Republicans maintain a skinny majority within the U.S. Home of Representatives. That might change with key Democratic victories.
Trump rallied his social gathering to remake congressional maps throughout the nation to create extra conservative-leaning Home seats. Does interference from the White Home cease there, or will the administration resurrect empty allegations of voter fraud to muddy the waters if issues don’t go its method? Reminiscences of the violence round Jan. 6 will certainly hang-out county auditors and election officers bracing for the worst.
One last chance — we received’t name it a prediction, however an knowledgeable hope.
We’re speaking Sonics, child.
In December, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver stated a call on whether or not to proceed with home enlargement plans can be made someday in 2026.
“We’re Seattle,” Silver stated throughout a information convention. “Clearly, we had a staff in Seattle that had nice success.”
Clearly.
So right here’s to an eventful 2026. Keep knowledgeable. Keep engaged. Keep hopeful. And keep in contact — letters to the editor all the time welcome.
