The Office of State Relations serves as the principal liaison between the University of Washington and state government. Through strong relationships with state elected officials, their offices, and state agencies, we work to advance the University’s mission and legislative priorities. We collaborate closely with the state’s five other public baccalaureate institutions, community and technical colleges, and industry partners to identify shared interests and influence related public policy.
Past Legislative Agendas & Outcomes
State support is essential to the University’s pursuit of our shared goals: to provide an excellent and accessible education for all Washingtonians, improve the health and sustainability of our state, and promote a prosperous economy.
What is Lobbying?
UW employees must coordinate advocacy with the Office of State Relations to ensure clear and consistent communication and compliance with state laws. Learn more about public agency lobbying and disclosure requirements.
Partners and Resources
Discover more about the Washington’s legislative process and explore the many organizations the Office of State Relations partners with both internally and externally.
Latest News and Updates
It's campaign season! Reminder: UW employees cannot engage using public resources
May 10, 2024
Washington candidate filing week for the 2024 general election on Nov. 5 ends today. People interested in running for statewide or state legislative offices, along with federal and court positions, must file for election with the Secretary of State no later than 5 p.m. today to appear on the ballot. Positions that have more than…
Spokane-area legislators celebrate UW rural dentistry program expansion
May 6, 2024
Last week, Spokane-area legislators joined community members and University leaders, including President Ana Mari Cauce, to celebrate the expansion of the UW School of Dentistry’s Regional Initiatives in Dental Education (RIDE) program, which was funded by the state this past legislative session. The RIDE program aims to develop dentists who are committed to practicing in…
2024 session debrief and 2025-27 state budget request process Q&A, April 5
March 28, 2024
Alongside UW Finance, Planning & Budgeting, the Office of State Relations will hold a 2024 legislative session debrief and 2025-27 state budget request process Q&A on Friday, April 5 from 11:00am-12:00pm via Zoom. Highlights from this session will be shared, as well as a brief review of the final supplemental operating and capital budgets. A…