Washington state lawmakers develop three budgets each biennium: operating, capital, and transportation.
Yesterday, the House and Senate released their respective 2025–27 transportation budget proposals, along with accompanying plans to raise dedicated transportation revenue to address ongoing budget shortfalls. Like the operating budget, the transportation budget is facing significant challenges this biennium
While the UW is not deeply engaged on the transportation budget, this year the University requested accelerated funding for improvements to the Burke-Gilman Trail on or near the Seattle campus. If additional revenue is available, the House budget proposal accelerates $9.4 million in 2025-27 and $6.6 million in 2027-29 for access, safety, and efficiency improvements along this vital corridor. The Senate budget does not accelerate this funding, but its inclusion in the House proposal means it will be part of the final budget negotiations.
Both chambers are weighing new revenue sources to fund infrastructure investments, like the Burke-Gilman trail, and close the budget deficit. Each proposal includes an increase to the gas tax, although at varying levels. The House proposal also explores a new highway use fee based on vehicle fuel efficiency and a vehicle sales tax increase. Meanwhile, the Senate proposal includes higher electric vehicle fees, a new tax on luxury vehicles, and a fee on large-scale event venues.
The operating and capital budget proposals are expected in the coming days.
Questions?
The UW Office of State Relations is advocating on behalf of the University in Olympia. For questions about the budget proposals or legislative process, please contact Morgan Hickel at mhickel@uw.edu.