Starbucks is moving jobs from its Seattle headquarters to Tennessee, according to multiple reports, as the coffee giant faces ongoing tensions with local government policies.

Former Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz has publicly criticized Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell's policies, characterizing some of the mayor's rhetoric as socialist in nature. The comments come as the company implements job cuts and relocations affecting its Seattle-based workforce.

The coffee chain is shifting certain corporate roles from Washington state to Tennessee as part of broader operational changes. Specific details about the number of positions affected or the timeline for the relocations were not immediately available.

Starbucks is not the only major company reassessing its presence in the Seattle area. Other businesses have also been exploring opportunities in different markets, citing various operational and regulatory considerations.

The job relocations occur against the backdrop of ongoing debates about business-friendly policies in Seattle and Washington state. Companies have cited factors including regulatory environment and operational costs in their decision-making processes.

Seattle has been home to Starbucks since the company's founding in 1971, with the city serving as the location of its global headquarters and many corporate functions.