The Washington State Budget & Policy Center provides credible, independent and accessible information and analyses of state fiscal issues - including both revenue and spending policies - with particular attention to the impacts on low and moderate-income persons. Our products inform state fiscal and budget policy debates and contribute to sound decisions that improve the well-being of individuals, communities and the state as a whole.

Our Beginnings
In 2005, a group of policy experts and businesspeople came to the same conclusion: Solutions to persistent problems in Washington depend on more just and adequate fiscal policies. And, such policies will only surface after credible and thorough study. We imagined a source of fresh ideas - an independent organization to devise and broadcast practical alternatives to public policies that fail everyday Washingtonians. The Washington State Budget & Policy Center was born. We are an independent, nonpartisan, nonprofit organization. We develop realistic reforms that state policymakers can put to work with a particular emphasis on low- and moderate-income residents.

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

Our Values
At the Washington State Budget & Policy Center, we believe that good government needs partners. Government, communities and an engaged and informed public should share common goals. We pledge to work toward:

• economic security, with consistent access to food, shelter, health care and other basic needs for all Washingtonians.
• shared prosperity, with opportunities for education, training and employment for all.
• thriving local communities with excellent public services, infrastructure and cultural amenities supported by local economic prosperity and rich civic engagement.
• open and responsive government that plays an essential role in supporting society.
• a stable and adequate revenue structure to fund important public needs.
• fair budgets and taxes, with crucial public goods and services funded through progressive taxation.

Our Approach
We engage and collaborate with a broad base of constituents every step of the way. With advocacy groups, policymakers, coalitions and local communities, the Washington State Budget & Policy Center works to achieve its goals through:

• COMPREHENSIVE BUDGET & 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 & 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 & 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.

Effective Leadership and Generous Support

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. Our Board of Directors is a diverse group of respected professionals and experts from around the state, reflecting the wide range of issue areas we study. 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.

Work With Us
Please join us. Whether it’s simply to stay informed about state fiscal matters or to bring information and ideas to our attention, your participation is welcome. The Washington State Budget & Policy Center is an independent, nonpartisan, nonprofit organization registered in the state of Washington. Our organization is fully funded through the charitable contributions of individuals, foundations and organizations. To support our work, send a tax-deductible contribution through the mail or click here to donate online.