Introduction
There is much to love about living in the state of Washington - the natural beauty that surrounds us, the fertile farms and orchards that sustain us, and the innovative industries that employ our talents and make our state an important part of the global economy.
But together as a state, we have work to do. New economic pressures and decades of neglect are taking their toll on our resources and infrastructure. Together we must ensure that our air is clean, our drinking water is safe, and our public schools provide an excellent education to all students. We must strive for a health care system that offers easier access to high quality care. We need roads, bridges, and transportation systems that are reliable and well-maintained.
This is the work that we must do together because no one person can complete it alone. By focusing our collective attention on smart investments, we can ensure that opportunities for good health, economic prosperity, and personal fulfillment can be achieved by all.
This is no small mission. It requires working together to make progress towards a shared vision for the state, one that highlights the values of a healthy, equitable society. In order to set and accomplish these ambitious goals, we need to know where we are, where we want to be, and how we can get there. The Progress Index is designed to catalyze that process, beginning with a shared vision that all Washingtonians can believe in.
