Making predictions for the yr to return is a fraught endeavor. After they come from the editorial board of the 129-year-old Seattle Instances, the state’s largest and most historied newspaper, individuals simply would possibly maintain us accountable for pictures that clang off the rim. (Extra about that later.)
However there are a couple of certainties right here, much-anticipated occasions that may impression our area and nation. These are issues the board will probably be watching, and we encourage readers to do the identical.
One native journalist referred to as Seattle’s internet hosting of six FIFA World Cup matches “the most important occasion in state historical past.”
That could be a stretch, however right here’s hoping that the extravaganza from June 15 to July 6 — which boosters contend quantities to the town internet hosting six Tremendous Bowls in lower than a month — finally ends up higher than the 2023 MLB All Star recreation at T-Cellular Park, when native companies complained that once-promised guests by no means confirmed up.
The World Journey & Tourism Council famous in Might that the U.S. was on monitor to lose a staggering $12.5 billion in worldwide customer spending final yr.
President Donald Trump and his tariffs, hostility towards immigrants and willingness to explode longstanding alliances are seen as main culprits.
Maybe international guests’ issues will probably be put to relaxation after FIFA awarded Trump a peace prize “on behalf of all football-loving individuals from all world wide.”
Visit Seattle initiatives about $929 million will probably be generated for King County. This consists of greater than $100 million in direct state and native tax income and anticipates 20,762 full-time and part-time jobs will probably be supported.
All instructed, the Legislature permitted about $45 million for prices associated to the World Cup. Final yr, Seattle introduced almost $1.3 million in investments to “activate public areas, have fun native tradition, and convey individuals collectively throughout the town” throughout the play.
Will the match find yourself being a large monthlong headache for residents? Will crowd and spending estimates meet expectations? Will there be ample safety measures and enforcement of human trafficking and different ills?
Maybe a profitable final result will lastly assuage our personal doubts that Seattle is lastly — lastly! — a world-class metropolis.
Of better regional significance, Sound Transit is ready to debut light rail throughout Lake Washington, linking Seattle and its northern neighbors with the Eastside. This will probably be a recreation changer, with attainable 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 corporations 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 yr, significantly targeted on the imposition of an revenue tax.
Among the many key factors: Are residents all for better tax equity, or extra revenues to develop the scope of presidency providers? That important query should inform the controversy 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 occasion 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 approach? Reminiscences of the violence round Jan. 6 will certainly hang-out county auditors and election officers bracing for the worst.
One closing chance — we gained’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 growth plans could be made someday in 2026.
“We’re taking a look at Seattle,” Silver stated throughout a information convention. “Clearly, we had a workforce 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.
