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 all 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
2024 General Election: Washington State's Early Results
November 6, 2024
At the state level, early election results indicate that Washington will remain deep-blue, with voters making key decisions on statewide offices and initiatives. VOTER TURNOUT Washington has more than 5 million registered voters and as of this evening, more than 74% of ballots have been returned and total voter turnout is at 58.5%. For reference,…
2024 General Election in Washington State: What You Need to Know
November 5, 2024
Today marks the general election in Washington state, as well as across the nation. While national headlines may dominate the news, significant changes are set to take place at the state level where numerous offices and ballot measures are up for consideration. Voting in Washington State Washington has more than 5 million registered voters and…
Gov. Inslee and Sen. Nguyen Celebrate the UW Clean Energy Institute's New Battery Lab
October 14, 2024
The UW Clean Energy Institute (CEI) held an event last Friday at the Washington Clean Energy Testbeds to celebrate the launch of their new open-access battery lab, which is set to open in the summer of 2025. The new lab will allow for scaled prototyping of emerging battery technologies and will help drive innovation to…