While standard due diligence catches the big legal red flags, many Searchers are blind to the "Municipal Drift" that can erode margins post-acquisition. In 2026, Washington businesses are facing a complex web of local B&O tax expansions, new state-level tech service taxes, and shifting municipal permit requirements. As a former Mayor and CEO, I help Searchers look past the P&L to see: Municipal Resilience: Are the city’s zoning and tax plans aligned with the company’s 5-year growth? Infrastructure Upside: Can the company’s "Capital Stack" be improved with federal infrastructure or resiliency grants? Modernization Risk: Is the target’s data governance ready for the shift toward AI-driven operations? If you're evaluating a deal in the PNW and want an executive's "gut check" on local operational risks, let's connect.