Our Mission and History

Our Mission

To use research and analysis to advance the well-being of Washington communities, improve the economic security and social opportunity of all in the state, and support the essential role of government in promoting a just and prosperous society.

Who we are

The Washington State Budget & Policy Center is an independent, progressive policy organization that works to create a just and prosperous Washington State through sound research.

We were founded in 2005, when policy experts and business people all came to the same conclusion. The state would never solve its persistent problems unless fiscal policies were more just and adequate.

They imagined the Center to come up with fresh, practical alternatives to public policies that fail everyday Washingtonians.

To further that mission, our respected policy analysts seek to shape our state’s budget discussions. We pay particular attention to how Washington’s spending and revenue practices impact low and moderate-income families.

We’ve added to the public discourse over ballot measures that affect state fiscal policies by providing detailed analysis of their impacts on everyday families.

We’ve offered analysis and policy ideas like the Washington Families Rebate and improvements that can be made on state public assistance programs. We also work with a broad base of advocacy groups, policymakers and local coalitions on a number of areas.

What we do:

• Comprehensive budget and policy analysis: We identify and analyze current fiscal issues and priorities; track budgeting trends over time; and analyze the impact of both revenue and spending policies on Washingtonians – especially low and moderate-income residents.

• Alternative proposals and effective solutions: We provide analyses and evidence-based alternatives in all areas of budget and fiscal policy. We develop budget solutions, long-term fiscal strategies, and identify best practices from other states as alternatives to existing programs and policies.

• Public awareness and civic engagement: We use our research and analysis to educate the public about the facts, enabling greater civic understanding and participation in state budgeting matters. We use many methods of communication to ensure that our findings have the greatest impact on public policy debates.

Our Supporters

The Washington State Budget & Policy Center received its initial funding through the generous support of the Annie E. Casey Foundation, Paul G. Allen Family Foundation, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the Public Welfare Foundation, and community leaders and organizations. We are the Washington state representative in the State Fiscal Analysis Initiative, a consortium of organizations knit together by the national Center on Budget and Policy Priorities.