Part 3/10:
Drawing a provocative parallel, Spadey compares Seattle’s trajectory to that of Detroit, specifically the city’s decline following its economic heyday in the mid-20th century. In the 1970s and '80s, Detroit boasted a thriving economy, driven by automotive giants Ford and GM, and supported by a diverse middle class and beautiful waterfronts. Yet, automation started to erode manufacturing jobs, leading to economic downturn and urban decay.
Today, Seattle faces a similar crisis, but with AI taking the place of industrial automation. The pressure is mounting on local governments to compensate for declining revenue streams resulting from job losses—ranging from sales to property taxes—necessitating increased taxes and levies that further burden businesses and residents alike.