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
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…
Session News: Supplemental operating and capital budgets fund the UW's priorities
March 6, 2024
The state's supplemental operating and capital budgets were unveiled with funding included for all of the UW's top priorities. Both budgets will be voted on by the House and Senate in the next 24 hours. The 2024 legislative session is scheduled to end on time tomorrow. After, the budgets will be delivered to the Governor…
Session News: UW Regents thank lawmakers for continued support of the UW
February 22, 2024
UW Regents Jay Cunningham, Leonor Fuller, and David Zeeck and former Regent Herb Simon traveled to Olympia today to thank legislators for the investments included for the University in the House and Senate operating and capital budget proposals and to encourage them to retain those investments in the final compromise budgets. The House and Senate…