Microsoft president's vision for Pacific Northwest: 'Tomorrowland' everywhere

Core Perspective - Microsoft, under the leadership of Brad Smith, aims to transform the Cascadia region through initiatives like the Cascadia Innovation Corridor, focusing on economic growth and connectivity between cities such as Vancouver, Seattle, and Portland [3][4][8]. Group 1: Leadership and Vision - Brad Smith, as Microsoft's president and vice chair, has shifted the company's focus from competition to collaboration, seeking to improve relationships with competitors and regulatory bodies [2][24]. - Smith's vision for Microsoft includes a commitment to community engagement and economic development in the Pacific Northwest, which he refers to as "Tomorrowland" [3][27]. Group 2: Cascadia Innovation Corridor - The Cascadia Innovation Corridor is an initiative aimed at enhancing economic collaboration across the region, co-chaired by notable figures including former Washington Governor Christine Gregoire [4]. - The initiative envisions a future with affordable housing, collaborative scientific research, and high-speed rail connectivity by 2035 [8][9]. Group 3: Infrastructure and Funding - The federal government has provided funding for the planning of high-speed rail in Washington, with a $49.7 million grant awarded to advance the Cascadia High-Speed Rail program [10]. - Microsoft has invested over$750 million into an affordable housing fund to create or preserve more than 9,200 housing units in the Puget Sound region, addressing housing issues exacerbated by tech job growth [11]. Group 4: Economic Impact of Tech Industry - The tech sector in Washington accounts for 9.4% of the workforce and contributes over 22% to the state's economic output, highlighting its significance to the local economy [13][14]. - The rapid growth of tech jobs in the Vancouver area has outpaced other large North American cities since 2017, with Microsoft playing a crucial role in developing local talent [16]. Group 5: Taxation and Business Environment - Smith opposes new tax proposals targeting tech companies, arguing that they could undermine the state's economic foundation and discourage business growth [17][18]. - Washington's tax structure is considered regressive, with a reliance on flat taxes that do not differentiate between various types of businesses and individuals [19]. Group 6: Community Engagement and Education - Microsoft has established public-private partnerships and philanthropic initiatives to support education and fill the tech worker pipeline, expanding its focus from basic digital literacy to artificial intelligence training [21]. - Smith emphasizes the importance of balancing economic interests with community responsibilities, advocating for a collaborative approach between businesses and local governments [22].