Opinion: Governor’s new economic council snubs startups, forgets AI
Washington's governor just built an economic council. It has zero AI leaders.
Why it matters
A regional policymaker's blind spot on AI representation signals how far behind government still lags in understanding the technology reshaping local economies. This matters for founders seeking policy alignment and investors betting on AI hubs.
The key facts
9 to knowGovernor Bob Ferguson's Economic Development Council criticized for lacking startup/VC representation
Council described as 'backward-looking' by Seattle angel investor Charles Fitzgerald
AI identified as 'single biggest force shaping Washington's economy' but absent from council
Published July 2026 — signals ongoing AI governance gaps at regional policy level
Gov. Bob Ferguson's new Economic Development Council lacks startup and VC representation
Council described as 'backward-looking' with no AI focus
Critique from Charles Fitzgerald, Seattle-based angel investor
Commentary frames AI as 'single biggest force shaping Washington's economy'
Published July 2026 in GeekWire
Go to the source
GeekWiregeekwire.com
Publisher excerpt: Seattle angel investor Charles Fitzgerald argues that Gov. Bob Ferguson's new Economic Development Council is backward-looking, lacks startup and VC representation, and ignores AI — the single biggest force shaping Washington's economy.