Office of Federal Relations
Located just steps from the United States Capitol, the UW Office of Federal Relations is your resource for navigating the nation’s capital. Our team of experienced professionals is here to provide strategic guidance on testifying before congressional committees, who to meet with on the Hill, and best practices in federal-level advocacy.
If you are visiting Washington, D.C. and intend to engage lawmakers, the Administration, or federal agencies, please be in touch with our office. We are happy to arrange your meetings, consult with you on background and meeting materials, and help craft your message. In addition, our Director and/or Deputy Director are available to accompany you on the Hill. They are UW’s primary representatives to the Federal Government and have a wealth of experience.
Other services available from the Office of Federal Relations:
- Color printing
- Luggage storage
- Small conference space for up to six people
- Wifi
- Conference phone
Additionally, our building offers a full menu of conference services including meeting spaces for up to 100 people, projectors, mics, and basic coffee and beverage service. If you need to host a meeting while you’re in town, let us know and we can connect you with the State Services Organization.
UW Office Address: 444 North Capitol Street NW, Suite 418, Washington, D.C. 20001
Lodging in the District
Hotel accommodations in Washington, D.C. can be expensive. The UW has a preferred rate with the Kimpton George Hotel, which is across the street from the UW Office and within walking distance to the Capitol, public transportation, restaurants, etc. Various federal agencies and Downtown D.C. are nearby.
UW travelers on official business can request the University of Washington rate, which aligns with the lodging per diem allowance. We recommend UW travelers utilize the Kimpton George if it suits their needs.
Flying to Washington, D.C.
For most travelers, flying in to Washington Reagan Airport (DCA) makes the most sense. DCA is a quick twenty-minute taxi ride from our office and is metro accessible via the Yellow and Blue lines. We recommend Reagan Airport (DCA) as your first preference when booking airfare.
There are two additional major airports servicing the Washington metropolitan region. Baltimore-Washington International Airport (BWI) is a forty five-minute train ride from the Office of Federal Relations via the region’s commuter train system or about a one-hour drive via a car service or shuttle.
Please be advised that Dulles International Airport (IAD) is the farthest away of the three airports. Travelers using public transit should allow for a full hour and a half to get to/from IAD and make note that the Silver Line on the metro out to the airport is under construction, so you must transfer from the metro to buses along segments of the Silver Line that are not yet completed. As such, please check traffic reports as you plan when to leave DC to head out to catch your flight at Dulles airport.
Taxis to/from both BWI and IAD are typically between $80 and $120 depending on traffic.
There are multiple daily, non-stop flights from Seattle to Washington, D.C. however a Washington State Government rate is available on Alaska Airlines.
Getting Around the District
The UW Office of Federal Relations and the United States Senate are located across the street from the Union Station metro stop on the Red Line. The nearest metro stop to the United States House of Representatives is the Capitol South stop, which is accessed via the Orange, Blue, and Silver metro lines. Washington, D.C., is a walkable city and also offers bike share services and scooter services. Taxis, Lyft, and Uber are also readily available.
If you plan to use the metro, here is information on fares, maps, and the WMATA app for your smartphone.