03 What if the West Coast Reclaimed its Federal Taxes? With Julie Dingley

Pacific Time: The "What if...?" of West Coast Independence

What if the West Coast reclaimed its federal tax dollars? National and local budget veteran Julie Dingley explores how local control could position the West Coast to address its own challenges.

Julie is the former Seattle Budget Director and a veteran of the White House OMB under Presidents Obama and Trump. She joins host Greg Amrofell to explore the possibilities that open up for the West Coast if it was economically independent, and communities have the resources and autonomy to build the society they envision.

Julie considers how redirecting federal taxes locally and budgeting strategically could unlock solutions for housing shortages, education gaps, public safety, and income inequality. By prioritizing outcomes, getting serious about progressive taxes, and planning for the long-term, she argues the West Coast could set an inspiring example of effective, progressive governance. Could smarter budgeting make the West Coast far greater than America?

Key highlights include:
✔️ The true cost of exporting West Coast wealth—and what we stand to gain if we kept those resources at home.
✔️ Practical ideas for building a progressive tax system that actually aligns with West Coast values and priorities.
✔️A compelling look at why local governments might be better positioned to solve pressing issues like housing, education, and public safety than the federal government.
✔️Personal reflections from Julie about the stark contrasts she observed between Obama and Trump administrations—and why they matter today.

Whether you're an engaged citizen, a policy enthusiast, or simply someone who loves the West Coast and believes in its potential, this episode offers great ideas about what could happen if we design governance, taxation, and community investment on our own terms.

PS: Julie got in touch right after our interview to correct one comment that budget nerds might spot: defense spending is discretionary. (Gotta love a budget expert with an eye for detail! Also, wouldn’t it be great if Congress could pass a budget that contemplated defense cuts?)

Resources & References
U.S. Digital Response
Julie (Allen) Dingley | LinkedIn

Office of Management and Budget – The White House
Current Budgets - City Budget Office | seattle.gov
Balance of Payments Portal | Rockefeller Institute of Government

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