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Seattle approves new city budget that plugs shortfalls with surplus revenue from business tax

GeekWire

Now the city is using the surplus to help close major gaps in its budget. The JumpStart funds aren’t earmarked for particular programs but the General Fund pays for a variety of city services. . On top of that, the city released estimates in November that predict a net decreases of $64 million in the Real Estate Excise Tax, $9.4

Budget 84
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‘Baby bond’ legislation aims to address wealth gaps in Washington state

GeekWire

The program would allocate $4,000 into an investment pool for every child whose birth is funded by Apple Health, the state’s program for Medicaid recipients. In addition, 70% of African American babies and 79% of Hispanic, Native American and Hawaiian/Pacific Islander babies were born under the program.

.Net 98
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Gates Foundation gives millions to help persuade ultra-wealthy donors to give more of their billions

GeekWire

In October 2020, The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation gave $5 million to the TED Foundation’s Audacious Project to “research and overcome barriers to large scale giving by ultra-high net worth donors.”. A lot of ultra-high net worth people are still in the act of running their businesses,” says Cecilia Conrad, CEO of Lever for Change.

.Net 140
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Washington raises $300M in its first auction for carbon pollution permits – here’s what it means

GeekWire

Moving Washington’s transportation system to non-polluting sources is a key focus for the proceeds from the state’s cap-and-invest program. The cap-and-invest program brought in $300 million from many of state’s biggest emitters, including fossil fuel refineries and energy utilities. How does cap and invest work?

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Airbnb valued at $100 billion following blockbuster IPO — equivalent of more than five Expedias

GeekWire

. “Many of our current and potential competitors enjoy substantial competitive advantages over us, such as greater name and brand recognition, longer operating histories, larger marketing budgets, and loyalty programs, as well as substantially greater financial, technical, and other resources,” the company wrote.

Travel 105
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How climate concerns and incentives are driving solar installations on Washington roofs

GeekWire

We’re in a transitional time,” said Eliza Ives, renewable energy program manager with Seattle City Light. The Grow Community on Bainbridge Island has solar power for many of its 119 homes and is a net zero neighborhood, meaning it doesn’t contribute carbon emissions. ” The incentives. Future of solar in Washington.

Energy 134
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Seattle evaluating its own capital gains tax following new state law

GeekWire

” Mosqueda, also the city council’s budget chair, said she is not considering pursuing a capital gains tax ordinance independently. “If you are looking for a local jurisdiction that does not impose a net income tax, but does tax capital gains, I don’t have an example.”