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 UW community, the state’s five other public baccalaureate institutions, community and technical colleges, and industry partners to identify shared interests and influence public policy. Additionally, we help ensure compliance with state advocacy laws.
Legislative Agendas & Outcomes
State support is essential to University operations and our pursuit of providing an excellent and accessible education for Washingtonians, improving the health and sustainability of our state, and promoting 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 the state’s lobbying laws and the UW’s related rules.
Resources & Partners
Discover more about the Washington’s legislative process, including how a bill becomes a law, and explore the many internal and external organizations the Office of State Relations partners with.
Latest News and Updates
Session News: Washington State Lawmakers Reconvene for the First Day of the 2026 Legislative Session
January 13, 2026
Yesterday marked the beginning of the 2026 legislative session in Olympia, where lawmakers are tasked with passing the state’s 2026 operating, capital, and transportation supplemental budgets. The supplemental budgets will adjust or apply fixes to the 2025-27 biennial budgets passed last legislative session. The most pressing issue continues to be the state’s operating budget shortfall,…
Governor Ferguson Releases 2026 Supplemental Operation and Capital Budgets
December 29, 2025
Governor Ferguson’s 2026 supplemental operating and capital budgets reflect the financial constraints that Washington state is facing. For the UW, his 2026 supplemental operating budget proposes a 3%, or $15.8 million per year, cut to the University’s base state funding and a $3.5 million cut to the University’s administrative spending all beginning in Fiscal Year…
Kevin Chang Joins UW State Relations
December 12, 2025
The Office of State Relations is delighted to announce that Kevin Chang will join the University of Washington as Associate Director of State Relations on December 15. He succeeds Morgan Hickel, who was appointed Director of State Relations in September. Previously, Chang served as a Senior Advisor to U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell, who represents Washington…