Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson is dismissing concerns that Washington state's new tax on high earners will drive wealthy residents and businesses elsewhere, the New York Post reports.

During an interview with FOX 13 Seattle co-anchor Hana Kim, Wilson laughed off warnings of a millionaire exodus even as a new survey shows many business leaders are considering leaving the state.

Kim pressed the mayor on growing concerns that Washington's newly enacted millionaire tax of 9.9% on households earning more than $1 million annually, could trigger an outflow of affluent residents.

The law, which Democrat Gov. Bob Ferguson signed into law on March 30, was championed by progressive lawmakers and opposed by conservatives — who warned it could undermine the state's business climate.

Kim pressed Wilson whether concerns about wealthy residents leaving the state were exaggerated.

Wilson replied, “Claims of a large exodus of rich people due to our statewide millionaire tax are overblown. I do believe that.”

The mayor the argued her administration has strengthened ties with the business community despite criticism from some corporate leaders and taxpayers.

"When I think about the last five months and the things that I and my administration have done to build bridges with the business community, the narrative that was spun around those things is very, very out of step with the reality," Wilson said.

As evidence, Wilson pointed to support from several major corporations.

Starbucks, Microsoft and T-Mobile are helping fund a 90-unit tiny-house village at South Park Cloverleaf, Wilson emphasized.

“And, so, this narrative that it's like Seattle socialist mayor versus Starbucks — well, then why are they donating a million dollars to our shelter site?” Wilson said.

Wilson added that while disagreements remain between city officials and businesses, her approach has been to maintain working relationships.

“The attitude that I have tried to come in with into office toward the business community is, ‘Look, we're not going to agree on everything,’” she said.

Her comments come as business leaders express growing concerns about Washington state’s economic direction.

According to a recent survey by the Association of Washington Business, reported by The Center Square, 44% of Washington business leaders said they are considering moving their personal residence out of state.

The survey also found businesses are now more than twice as likely to expand outside the Pacific Northwest state as they are to grow within the state.

While Wilson maintains warnings of a wealthy exodus as “overblown,” many employers and well-to-do residents, nevertheless, remain uneasy about the state's tax and regulatory environment.