City-run grocery stores in New York? Seattle Councilmember not looking to legislate anything after Broadway Whole Foods shutdown

The closure of the Broadway Whole Foods has sparked concerns over food access in Seattle, as noted by District 3 representative Joy Hollingsworth. She stated that losing such a grocery store is a significant loss for the community, which relies on these establishments. Hollingsworth is actively engaging with city departments and King County to address these challenges and explore solutions. As grocery delivery services expand, traditional grocery stores struggle with performance, impacting their viability. In New York City, mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani advocates for cutting subsidies to large grocery chains to fund city-run stores that would operate at wholesale prices.

This proposal contrasts with Seattle’s current exemption of grocery chains from the city’s payroll tax on large employers. The grocery landscape in Seattle is further complicated by ongoing redevelopment projects that threaten existing stores. Hollingsworth’s focus on food security underscores the importance of grocery access for urban residents.