Normal view

There are new articles available, click to refresh the page.
Before yesterdayMain stream

The Growing Demand for P2P Crypto Exchange Platforms in the Digital Economy

21 July 2026 at 09:54
P2P Crypto Exchange Platform Development | Malgo

Financial services look nothing like they did a decade ago, and crypto is a big part of why. As more businesses look to get a piece of this market, one model keeps coming up again and again: the P2P (peer-to-peer) crypto exchange. Instead of routing every trade through a centralized authority, it lets people trade directly with each other.

That’s the appeal, really. Users get to pick their own payment method, negotiate price, and rely on escrow to keep the transaction safe, no middleman deciding the terms for them. It cuts costs, adds transparency, and gives traders more control than a typical centralized exchange.

For startups, fintech companies, and larger enterprises alike, building a P2P exchange is a real business opportunity right now. Get the security, blockchain infrastructure, and compliance right, and you’ve got a platform people will actually trust with their money.

Quick answer: A P2P crypto exchange platform lets users trade cryptocurrency directly with one another instead of going through a centralized order book. Escrow protection, KYC/AML checks, and multiple payment options keep transactions safe. Businesses typically monetize through trading fees, listing fees, and premium features and demand for this model keeps climbing as more people look for flexible, low-cost ways to trade.

Why Businesses Are Investing in P2P Crypto Exchange Platforms

More companies are putting money into P2P exchanges, and it’s not hard to see why. Millions of people trade crypto every day, and that’s a lot of potential recurring revenue for anyone who builds a platform people actually want to use.

The biggest draw for businesses is that P2P removes the need for a centralized order book. Buyers and sellers connect directly, choose their own payment method, and negotiate price which makes the platform appealing whether someone’s trading for the first time or the thousandth.

And the revenue isn’t limited to trading fees. Listings, premium memberships, escrow charges, ads there’s more than one way to make the model profitable.

How the Digital Economy Is Creating New Opportunities for P2P Crypto Exchanges

Everything’s moving online, and financial services are no exception. People want to move money faster, more transparently, and without worrying about borders and that’s exactly the gap decentralized trading platforms are filling.

Better blockchain infrastructure, digital wallets, and payment systems have made it a lot easier for businesses to actually build these platforms now than it was a few years ago. A well-built P2P exchange can offer safe transactions, lower costs, and access for traders across different countries, all at once.

There’s also a financial inclusion angle here that’s easy to overlook. A lot of people trading on P2P platforms simply don’t have easy access to traditional banking this gives them a way in.

And with governments and financial institutions paying closer attention to blockchain than ever, the businesses investing in this space now are positioning themselves well for what’s coming.

Key Features Every Business Should Include in a P2P Crypto Exchange

Getting a P2P exchange live isn’t just about letting people swap crypto. It needs to feel secure, run reliably, and be genuinely easy to use otherwise traders won’t stick around.

Escrow system This is the backbone of trust on any P2P platform. Crypto gets locked up until both sides hold up their end of the deal, so nobody’s left exposed mid-transaction.

KYC and AML verification Not the most exciting feature, but a necessary one. It keeps the platform compliant and helps weed out bad actors before they cause problems.

Support for multiple cryptocurrencies Bitcoin, Ethereum, USDT the more coins you support, the wider your potential user base.

Multiple payment options Bank transfers, e-wallets, cards give people the flexibility to pay however works for them.

Advanced security features Two-factor authentication, encrypted messaging, cold wallet storage, multi-sig wallets, DDoS protection, ongoing threat monitoring. None of these are optional if you’re handling people’s money.

Real-time trades and notifications Traders want to know what’s happening the moment it happens. Live updates keep them in the loop and build confidence in the platform.

Admin dashboard Behind the scenes, someone needs to be able to see and manage everything flag issues, resolve disputes, keep an eye on activity.

Benefits of Building a P2P Crypto Exchange Platform for Your Business

Launching a P2P exchange puts you in one of the fastest-growing corners of the digital economy. As more people get comfortable trading crypto, there’s real room to build a solid market position and multiple revenue streams at once.

Unlike a lot of traditional trading setups, P2P platforms scale well and can handle a huge volume of users without breaking down. And because you’re not tied to a single country’s payment systems or language, going global is a lot more realistic.

What really keeps users coming back, though, is trust. Secure transactions, smooth trading, and fair dispute resolution go a long way. Pair that with solid blockchain infrastructure and real security, and you’ve got something people are willing to rely on.

Technology Stack Required for P2P Crypto Exchange Development

The tech stack you choose has a direct impact on how secure, fast, and scalable your platform actually is so it’s worth getting right from the start.

Frontend: React.js, Vue.js, and Angular are the go-to choices for building interfaces that feel responsive and work well across web and mobile.

Backend: Node.js, Python, Java, and Go typically handle the heavy lifting of authentication, transaction processing, escrow logic, and everything running behind the scenes.

Blockchain integration: Connecting to networks like Bitcoin, Ethereum, BNB Smart Chain, and Solana is what makes secure crypto trading possible in the first place.

Cloud infrastructure: AWS, Google Cloud, and Microsoft Azure give you the scalability and uptime a growing trading platform needs.

Security and Compliance Essentials for P2P Crypto Exchange Platforms

Security isn’t really optional here; people are trusting your platform with real money and personal information, and one bad breach can end a business.

The essentials: two-factor authentication, end-to-end encryption, cold wallet storage, multi-signature wallets, and solid DDoS defenses. Regular penetration testing and vulnerability checks catch problems before they turn into headlines.

Compliance matters just as much. KYC and AML processes help keep fraud out, and keeping clean transaction records makes life a lot easier when regulators come asking.

Step-by-Step Process to Build a P2P Crypto Exchange Platform

Building a P2P exchange isn’t something you rush. A clear process from the start makes the difference between a platform that launches smoothly and one that runs into trouble down the line.

1. Define your business objectives: Figure out who you’re building for, which cryptocurrencies you’ll support, and how you’ll actually make money. This shapes everything that comes after.

2. Design the platform Focus on UI/UX that feels intuitive, plus an architecture that can handle registration, wallets, escrow, payments, and admin controls without falling apart under load.

3. Develop core features Trade listings, order matching, secure wallets, KYC checks, notifications, dispute resolution, reporting this is where the platform actually comes together.

4. Integrate blockchain and payment systems Connect the blockchain networks, wallets, and payment gateways that let transactions flow smoothly and securely.

5. Test everything Functional testing, security audits, load testing, usability testing don’t skip any of it. Better to find the problems now than after launch.

6. Launch and keep maintaining Once it’s live, the work isn’t over. Keep monitoring performance, patching security issues, and rolling out improvements based on what users actually need.

Factors to Consider Before Investing in P2P Crypto Exchange Development

Before you commit to building, a few things are worth thinking through carefully.

Start with the market who you are actually building for, and what will make your platform stand out? From there, the blockchain network, tech stack, and payment systems you choose all shape what’s possible.

Security and compliance should never be an afterthought. And scalability matters too; your platform needs to hold up as more users and transactions come through, not just work fine in a demo.

Last but not least: who you build it with matters. An experienced development partner can make or break the whole project.

How to Choose the Right P2P Crypto Exchange Development Company

This decision probably matters more than any other in the process. You want a team that’s actually built blockchain and crypto platforms before, not one that’s learning on your dime.

Ideally, they can handle the whole journey: consulting, UI/UX design, blockchain integration, wallet development, smart contracts, testing, launch, and support afterward.

Beyond technical skill, pay attention to how they communicate, how they work, and whether they’re willing to actually tailor the solution to your business instead of handing you something off the shelf.

Why the Demand for P2P Crypto Exchange Platforms Will Continue to Grow

Blockchain adoption isn’t slowing down, and neither is crypto’s spread into everyday finance. As more people discover the benefits of trading directly with each other, lower fees, more transparency, more control, P2P platforms are going to keep gaining ground.

AI and machine learning are already making exchanges smarter at catching fraud and suspicious activity. Meanwhile, Layer 2 solutions and faster blockchain networks are cutting transaction times and costs even further.

Add in the rise of Web3, DeFi, tokenized assets, and stablecoins, and you can see where this is headed: decentralized wallets, cross-chain trading, smart contracts, and automated compliance are quickly becoming standard, not cutting-edge.

Put it all together, and P2P crypto exchange development looks less like a trend and more like where the industry is actually going.

Why Choose Malgo for P2P Crypto Exchange Development

Building a P2P exchange that actually works takes more than good code; it takes a team that understands blockchain, security, and what makes traders trust a platform in the first place. That’s what we focus on at Malgo.

We handle the full build: consultation, UI/UX design, blockchain integration, wallet development, escrow implementation, testing, launch, and support after you’re live. Everything’s shaped around your business and your brand, not a generic template.

Security is never an afterthought in our process. Two-factor authentication, encrypted connections, multi-sig wallets, cold storage, KYC/AML checks, regular updates it’s all built in from day one.

We build on modern, scalable infrastructure so your platform can actually handle growth instead of buckling under it. And once you’re live, our support team sticks around to keep things running smoothly and securely.

Whether you’re starting from scratch or upgrading an existing platform, Malgo can help you build something that’s ready for what’s next.

Key Takeaways

  • P2P crypto exchanges let users trade directly, without a centralized order book
  • Escrow, KYC/AML, multi-currency support, and strong security are non-negotiable features
  • The right tech stack spans frontend, backend, blockchain integration, and cloud infrastructure
  • Security and compliance protect both users and the business long-term
  • Demand keeps rising alongside Web3, DeFi, and cross-chain trading adoption

Conclusion

Crypto trading has become a real part of the global economy, and that’s driving serious demand for platforms that are secure, decentralized, and easy to trust. P2P exchanges have turned out to be exactly what a lot of businesses and traders are looking for a way to trade that’s transparent, flexible, and doesn’t rely on a middleman.

Get the technology right, take security seriously, and stay compliant, and you’ve got a platform that can genuinely scale with demand. Escrow protection, multi-currency support, real-time trading, strong security aren’t nice-to-haves, they’re what earns user trust over time.

As blockchain, Web3, and digital finance keep evolving, P2P exchange platforms aren’t going anywhere if anything, demand is only going to grow. Working with a development partner like Malgo means you’re building something ready for where the industry’s headed, not just where it is today. If you’re thinking about entering this space, there’s rarely been a better time to start.


The Growing Demand for P2P Crypto Exchange Platforms in the Digital Economy was originally published in Coinmonks on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

No Longer Just the Megacaps: Average Stocks Lead the Way.

10 July 2026 at 02:54

The start of the third quarter greeted investors with a worse than expected jobs report for June along with negative revisions to prior months…putting a question mark on the health of the labor market.

The economy created just 57,000 jobs during June compared to estimates for 115,000, while May and April’s figures were revised lower by a combined 74,000 jobs. The unemployment rate ticked down to 4.2% on a drop in labor force participation.

Investors initially cheered the report with a rally in stock index futures, signaling a regime where bad economic news is good for equities. As the outlook for monetary policy becomes more hawkish, a softer jobs report could delay rate hikes from the Federal Reserve.

But the reality is that the jobs report likely hit the “Goldilocks” zone, and wasn’t bad enough to stoke growth concerns while also not strong enough to pull forward additional tightening from the Fed.

Even with the softer June jobs report, overall the recent trend in payrolls is inflecting higher based on the three- and six-month moving averages (chart below). Other economic reports received during the week reinforces the growth outlook.

Chart from Nick Timiraos on X

That includes the ISM Manufacturing PMI that measures activity in the manufacturing sector of the economy. While the headline figure decelerated from prior report, it remained well into expansion territory while the leading new orders component points to growth ahead as well.

Signs of broadening economic activity helped send the S&P 500 higher by about 15% in the second quarter that ended last week, which was the best showing in six years. The final month of the quarter also saw market breadth spread beyond the tech sector and AI infrastructure trade.

This week, let’s look at the bullish continuation pattern forming in the S&P 500 while new 52-week highs are expanding across the market. We’ll also look at evidence that economic growth is broadening across industries.

The Chart Report

Although the S&P 500 is coming off a hot second quarter with a 15% gain, the index topped in early June and has yet to make a new high. But the S&P 500 trading within a bullish continuation pattern and has been finding support at a key level. The dashed lines in the chart below show the symmetrical triangle pattern, which tends to resolve in the direction preceding the pattern (higher in this case). As the pattern has filled out, the S&P is finding support at the 50-day moving average (black line). The consolidation is also allowing the index to reset the MACD above the zero line, which is a bullish momentum reset. The pattern is forming against the backdrop of positive calendar seasonality in July and elevated bearish sentiment among retail investors.

While the June jobs report came in weaker than expected, other reports of economic activity are holding up. That includes surveys of business activity across manufacturing and services sectors. The ISM’s manufacturing survey remains above the key 50 level, indicating expansion in that sector of the economy. Underlying components are evolving favorably as well. The new orders figure was reported at 56, indicating growth and is considered a leading indicator of economic activity. Within the manufacturing report, the number of industries reporting growth is jumping higher and is a the best level since 2023 (chart below). That shows economic activity broadening beyond AI infrastructure capex spending.

While the S&P 500 has been consolidating since the start of June, the average stock has been rallying to new record highs. That includes the equal-weight S&P 500, small-cap stocks with the Russell 2000 Index, and the NYSE advance/decline line. New highs minus new lows across major exchanges are jumping higher as well. The chart below shows net new 52-week highs which jumped to the highest daily reading since April and is one of the largest figures of the past year. Improving breadth shows the foundation of the bull market broadening, which is positive for the outlook for forward returns.

Stock prices are a discounting mechanism for future business conditions, and will often turn six- to 12-months before an inflection in earnings. With that in mind, keep a close eye on semiconductor indexes that have gone parabolic around optimism for AI-driven earnings from the capex spend. But the move in semiconductor stocks will likely peak before its apparent the earnings cycle is turning. That’s the lesson from another semiconductor earnings boom heading into the internet bubble peak in 2000. The chart below plots semiconductor stocks in the top panel along with earnings (bottom panel) heading into the 2000 peak. Chip company earnings kept moving higher for nearly a year after chip stock prices peaked.

Chart from RenMac on X

Heard in the Hub

The Traders Hub features live trade alerts, market update videos, and other educational content for members.

Here’s a quick recap of recent alerts, market updates, and educational posts:

  • Why liquidity remains a bullish tailwind.
  • This software stock doesn’t care about AI’s threat.
  • What seasonality says about midterm election years.
  • Labor market data turning a corner ahead of payrolls.
  • How to use weekly charts to pinpoint support and resistance levels.

You can follow everything we’re trading and tracking by becoming a member of the Traders Hub.

By becoming a member, you will unlock all market updates and trade alerts reserved exclusively for members.

Trade Idea

Cloudflare (NET)

Watching a new pattern after a failed break above the $250 level. The weekly chart shows this level is still in play as the stock makes a smaller pullback and resets the MACD above the zero line. I’m watching for an initial move over $250.

Key Upcoming Data

Economic Reports

Earnings Reports

I hope you’ve enjoyed The Market Mosaic, and please share this report with your family, friends, coworkers…or anyone that would benefit from an objective look at the stock market.

Become a member of the Traders Hub to unlock access to:

✅Model Portfolio

✅Members Only Chat

✅Trade Ideas & Live Alerts

✅Mosaic Vision Market Updates + More

Our model portfolio is built using a “core and explore” approach, including a Stock Trading Portfolio and ETF Investment Portfolio.

Come join us over at the Hub as we seek to capitalize on stocks and ETFs that are breaking out!

And if you have any questions or feedback, feel free to shoot me an email at mosaicassetco@gmail.com

Disclaimer: these are not recommendations and just my thoughts and opinions…do your own due diligence! I may hold a position in the securities mentioned in this report.


No Longer Just the Megacaps: Average Stocks Lead the Way. was originally published in Coinmonks on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

The Silent Disappearance of Entry-Level Jobs in the AI Economy: A Generation’s First Career Ladder…

2 July 2026 at 03:13

The Silent Disappearance of Entry-Level Jobs in the AI Economy: A Generation’s First Career Ladder Is Breaking

As artificial intelligence reshapes industries at scale, the traditional entry-level job is quietly fading forcing young professionals to rethink how careers begin, not just how they grow.

Years went by with one clear path. Study hard, finish school, then start at the bottom. The jobs were never flashy, yet each became the base of something bigger.

Confidence grew there, slowly. Mistakes happened often and that was okay, skills formed not on paper, but while working, hands-on, day after day that structure is now under pressure.

Now machines handle jobs like typing numbers, answering questions, or writing reports tasks people once learned on the job. Firms rely more on tools that never sleep, cutting costs while speeding things up.

These starting-point duties disappear, replaced by silent software doing ten jobs at once. Learning by doing fades when algorithms take over day one. Speed wins, but newcomers lose footing before they start.

What happens next might surprise you a quiet shift that shrinks entry-level chances over time. Not sudden, yet clear when you look closely.

The Vanishing First Step

True, positions aren’t vanishing overnight. Yet the baseline for entry keeps moving.
Back then, new analysts would pass months fixing data errors, setting up sheets, one task after another stacking up. Now? Much of that work finishes itself overnight, handled silently by smart software while workers sleep.

A strange situation shows up here. Workers with skills remain necessary, yet firms look only at those who’ve done the job before. Getting that history usually means starting at the bottom. Now that path is falling apart.

Out here, fresh grads hold degrees tight in hand yet stumble into jobs asking for years they do not have. Paper credentials mean little when every opening wants proof of time served.

AI Changed How We Learn by Changing What Learning Is Worth

What really changes goes beyond machines taking tasks. Experience built through practice now holds less worth in jobs.
Back then, companies saw slow progress as part of bringing in fresh workers.

It took a beginner more hours to finish work, yet those extra minutes were considered building something.
Instant results come first these days. As machines handle jobs in moments, there is less room for people to catch up slowly. Training fades into the background when performance matters most.

This shift sneaks into decisions without noise. Rather than bringing on a pair of newcomers meant to evolve, firms now lean toward a single seasoned worker backed by artificial intelligence aids.

The New Entry Barrier Skills Without a Safety Net

Surprisingly, skill still matters just as much since AI showed up only now you have to know more before you even begin.

These days, fresh applicants must understand software tools and processes that used to be picked up slowly at work. Instead of waiting for training, people now learn by doing small jobs, trying things alone, or showing real examples of their efforts. Hiring based on proof of skill is spreading fast.

Still, that change widens gaps in who gets hands-on chances. Some never touch actual work tasks before landing a role. Old-school company learning setups are fading quicker than new routes appear to fill them.

What’s Actually Disappearing

True, some beginner roles still exist. Not every starting position has disappeared overnight. A few openings remain, though harder to spot.

Still, low-barrier jobs aren’t gone for good. Just shifted, not erased entirely.
Fading now is the workplace where learning packed every moment, yet demands stayed light. Not gone yesterday, but slipping where growth crowded in, while pressure kept its distance.

We are seeing,
Fewer positions aimed only at beginners
More hybrid “mid-level from day one” expectations
Greater reliance on automation for foundational tasks
Increased demand for self-sufficiency from new hires

Simply put, firms aren’t pushing out new hires they’re dismantling spaces that welcome them.

The Human Cost of Efficiency

Hidden in the shift, a small price slips through unnoticed by efficiency charts.
Starting out meant more than a paycheck it built habits through daily routines. Mistakes happened here without serious consequences, talking with coworkers became routine, slowly shaping how tasks got done. Showing up on time mattered, just like meeting set dates.

Working alongside others revealed different approaches to shared work. Over time, handling pressure grew easier.

Fewer safety nets mean young workers often pick things up on the job, where errors cost more and patience runs thin.
A whole group of people grows up knowing tools well yet rarely facing how offices truly function. Adaptation, Not Extinction
Just because things have changed does not mean chances vanish instead, they shift shape.

A different path opens when the old one bends; possible routes begin to show up where none existed before, project-based hiring instead of role-based hiring, Apprenticeship models in tech and business, Portfolio-driven recruitment and AI-assisted onboarding instead of traditional training programs

Freelance and micro-internship ecosystems replacing early corporate roles
What counts as entry-level now depends less on how long someone has worked and more on what they can actually do.

The Bigger Question Ahead

What matters now isn’t if machines take beginner roles. That shift happened quietly, in pieces.

Here lies a different puzzle altogether. What steps in when work stops teaching people how to grow?

Back when they were just starting out, even seasoned experts had to begin somewhere. Should those early steps grow tougher to take, fewer people will make it through over time a slow fade few notice until it’s too late.

Out here, machines aren’t pushing people out of jobs. They’re reshaping how skills grow in the first place.
That shifts how things stand now.


The Silent Disappearance of Entry-Level Jobs in the AI Economy: A Generation’s First Career Ladder… was originally published in Coinmonks on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

Gov. Bob Ferguson taps Amazon, Microsoft and others as concerns over Washington economy grow

By: John Cook
29 June 2026 at 12:24
Gov. Bob Ferguson announcing the new Economic Development Council. (Washington Office of Financial Management Photo)

Gov. Bob Ferguson last week recruited top executives from Microsoft, Amazon, T-Mobile, Boeing and other major employers to help shape Washington state’s economic strategy, launching a new advisory council as concerns mount that the state is becoming less competitive for business.

The 26-member Governor’s Economic Development Council is the first such governor-led economic advisory body in roughly two decades, reviving an approach last used under former Gov. Christine Gregoire in 2006. The group includes leaders from technology, aerospace, organized labor, higher education, tribal governments, ports and economic development organizations who will advise the governor on policies aimed at strengthening Washington’s economy. (See full list below).

One missing ingredient: No members from Washington’s venture capital or startup ecosystem are on the council, even though they are often considered the bench strength of a growing economy.

The announcement comes as executives, startup founders and business organizations have increasingly warned that higher taxes, rising costs, permitting delays and an uncertain regulatory environment are making Washington a more difficult place to build and grow companies. Ferguson recently signed the so-called “millionaires tax” — a proposed 9.9% tax applied to taxable, personal annual income that exceeds $1 million.

Some of the region’s wealthiest and most prominent entrepreneurs — including Zillow and Expedia co-founder Rich Barton; Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and former Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz — have publicly announced moves out of Washington state in recent years.

Starbucks also recently announced a major expansion in Nashville, and Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte of earlier this month announced that Sedro Wooley, Wash.-based Janicki Industries chose Great Falls for the site of an $800 million manufacturing center expected to create 1,000 jobs.

“Washington is our home, and that is not changing,” said John Janicki, president of Janicki Industries, in a press release. “Our footprint in Washington has continued to grow but is slowing due to ever-increasing regulations and lack of business understanding at an executive and legislative level.” 

Meanwhile, a recent survey from the Association of Washington Business found that 24% of businesses are considering a relocation out of the state, up from 17 percent in the prior quarter.

Washington’s economic climate was also one of the reasons why GeekWire recently traveled to Cleveland, where we explored how the Midwestern city was positioning itself for a changing economy, and the lessons that Washington could learn from it.

“We cannot take our strength for granted,” Ferguson said in announcing the council. “I’m launching a historic convening of top leaders from around Washington state to help guide the next chapter of economic prosperity for our state.”

The council will help develop Washington’s long-term economic strategy, identify opportunities to create family-wage jobs, evaluate the state’s competitiveness against other states and global markets, recommend ways to attract new employers and review regulatory barriers that may be slowing economic growth. The group will meet quarterly and submit recommendations to the governor.

The council’s creation comes after months of growing unease within Washington’s technology and business community.

GeekWire has reported extensively on criticism surrounding this year’s tax package, which raised business taxes on many employers and expanded the sales tax to additional services, including advertising. Business groups warned the measures could discourage investment and expansion in Washington, while lawmakers argued the revenue was necessary to close a multibillion-dollar budget gap and preserve essential public services.

The broader economic backdrop remains mixed. Washington continues to rank among the nation’s strongest state economies and remains home to global leaders in artificial intelligence, cloud computing, aerospace and life sciences. At the same time, employers are navigating higher borrowing costs, federal policy uncertainty, trade tensions and intensifying competition from states aggressively courting new investment.

As one example, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine recently encouraged people and businesses from places like Washington to consider Ohio.

“Come work in Ohio,” DeWine noted after a question from GeekWire about advice he’d provide to Washington. “You will not find a better place, better people, quality of life. Cost of living is low compared to the two coasts.”

In the press release announcing Janicki Industries’ Montana expansion, Gianforte was a bit more blunt.

“The Treasure State is proud to attract job creators like Janicki that choose to expand from high-tax, high-regulation blue states to take advantage of our unmatched quality of life, lower taxes, and strong workforce,” he said. “I look forward to seeing the impact of this significant investment.”

Ferguson has sought to make economic development a central priority during his first year in office. His administration has highlighted efforts to speed permitting across state agencies, increase housing production and invest in sectors including quantum computing, advanced manufacturing and clean energy.

However, some have argued that the governor’s efforts come a bit too late, and are only be instituted in response to criticism. Gov. Ferguson shot back at that contention in the press conference last week, saying he doesn’t worry about critics and he’s interested in “solving problems.”

“I didn’t wake up last week and think about forming this council,” he said. “To be clear, as I mentioned in my talking points, this was an effort we really started last year and was an outgrowth of having conversations with many of the folks behind me and many other people across the state.”

Whether the new council ultimately leads to meaningful policy changes remains to be seen. But its creation sends a signal that Ferguson intends to place economic competitiveness — and closer engagement with Washington’s business community — near the center of his administration.

Amazon Chief Global Affairs and Legal Officer David Zapolsky, a member of the newly created council, called the formation of the group an “important step.”

“When the public and private sectors align around shared goals, communities benefit,” he said.

Governor’s Economic Development Council members:

  • Michael Cade — Incoming Board Chair, Washington Economic Development Association; Executive Director, Thurston County Economic Development Council
  • Dr. Betsy Cantwell — President, Washington State University
  • Leonard Forsman — Chairman, Suquamish Tribe
  • Denny Heck — Washington State Lieutenant Governor
  • Kris Johnson — President, Association of Washington Business
  • Trevor Johnson — CEO, Blackwood Homes
  • Dr. Robert Jones — President, University of Washington
  • Mike Katz — Chief Business & Product Officer, T-Mobile
  • Mary Kipp — President & CEO, Puget Sound Energy
  • Heather Kurtenbach — Executive Secretary, Washington State Building & Construction Trades Council
  • Dr. Thomas J. Lynch Jr. — President & Director, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center
  • Julianna Marler — CEO, Port of Vancouver
  • West Mathison — President & CEO, Stemilt Growers
  • Stephen Metruck — Executive Director, Port of Seattle
  • Denise Moriguchi — President & CEO, Uwajimaya
  • Stephanie Pope — President & CEO, Boeing Commercial Airplanes
  • Heather Rosentrater — President & CEO, Avista
  • Michael Senske — Chairman & CEO, Pearson Packaging Systems
  • April Sims — President, Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO
  • Brad Smith — Vice Chair and President, Microsoft
  • Rachel Smith — President, Washington Roundtable
  • Bill Sterud — Chairman, Puyallup Tribe
  • Shane Tackett — President and Chief Financial Officer, Alaska Airlines
  • Monique Valenzuela — Executive Director, Ventures
  • Dr. Rebekah Woods — President, Columbia Basin College
  • David Zapolsky — Chief Global Affairs & Legal Officer, Amazon
❌
❌