The Brief The Seattle City Council passed the "Seattle Shield" initiative, increasing taxes on high-grossing companies while reducing them for small and medium-sized businesses, aiming to raise $80 million for critical programs. The initiative offers tax relief to nearly 16,500 small businesses, though business associations express concerns about economic volatility. The Seattle City Council passed the "Seattle Shield" initiative, which would raise the business and occupation tax on high-grossing companies, while lowering the tax burden for small and medium-sized businesses. What is the Seattle Shield initiative? "Now, voters have the choice this November to give small businesses relief and help them stay open.