Why Businesses Are Packing Up and Leaving Washington State

For over fifty years, Delta Camshaft kept its operations running smoothly in Washington. But now, after decades of service, the company’s future is moving elsewhere. The main reasons? Rising costs, constant crime struggles, and a shifting political scene that’s making business tougher. The owner, Jon Bodwell, says he’s even spent nights inside the factory just to keep an eye on things. Costs are climbing fast—way faster than most people realize. Insurance premiums jumped nearly 20% in a single year. Meanwhile, power bills nearly doubled in just a month. Small businesses like this one feel the squeeze when expenses grow overnight. Taxes and fees keep adding up, too. For a company working on tight margins, these increases aren’t just annoying; they’re unsustainable.Crime adds another layer of frustration. Graffiti and vandalism force owners to spend time and money on repairs. Police reports take longer to file than arrests happen, leaving criminals with more freedom to cause trouble. Bodwell points out that laws seem to favor those breaking the rules over the people trying to run honest businesses. That imbalance makes it hard to feel safe, let alone plan for the future. Data backs up the concerns. A 2024 FBI report ranked Seattle as the fourth most crime-heavy city among major U. S. metros. A recent survey found nearly half of Washington’s business leaders are considering leaving. Empty storefronts and for-sale signs now dot cities like Tacoma, a sign of a broader trend. It’s not just about profits anymore—it’s about survival. When basic costs and safety become unpredictable, even well-established companies have to weigh their options. For Delta Camshaft, the decision to relocate isn’t just about moving to a new place. It’s about finding a spot where running a business doesn’t feel like a constant uphill fight.