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Mission Statement

Washington Policy Center's mission is to improve lives through market solutions.

“Absent the leveling of ideas, politics is nothing but an unlovely maelstrom of scrambling interests.  Given ideas, it is an elevating and elevated discipline.  And institutions like Washington Policy Center and its research centers make politics not only more intelligent, but more noble.” - George Will at WPC’s 2006 Annual Dinner

About Washington Policy Center

Washington Policy Center (WPC) improves lives of Washington citizens by providing accurate, high-quality research for policymakers, the media and the general public. WPC is an independent, non-partisan, research and education organization located in Seattle, Washington, that publishes studies, sponsors events and conferences and educates citizens on public policy issues facing our region. WPC has an annual budget of $1.5 million and a full-time staff of 13 at its office in Seattle and satellite office in Olympia. Its work is regularly covered in the media and WPC analysts are routinely invited to testify before legislative committees.

Washington Policy Center focuses on eight core areas of public policy:

  1. Keep bureaucracy in check and ensuring fiscal responsibility.

  2. Enhancing Washington's business climate.

  3. Developing innovative ways to protect the environment.

  4. Bringing health care to the consumer.

  5. Promoting transportation improvements and accountability.

  6. Analyzing labor policy and creating greater job opportunities.

  7. Providing innovative recommendations for improving education.

  8. Developing and maintaining a legislative website for researching and
    tracking legislative activity - WashingtonVotes.org.

We believe ideas, supported by sound research and promoted through publications, conferences and the media, over time, create an environment in which sound public policy decisions are made.

WPC Wins 2009 Alfred P. Sloan Award for Business Excellence in Workplace Flexibility

Sloan Award winnersDann Mead Smith accepting the Sloan AwardThe Alfred P. Sloan Awards honor businesses that have set the standard in flexible work practices. The awards recognize businesses for innovative, flexible practices such as compressed work weeks, job-sharing, sabbaticals, customized benefits and telecommuting. WPC received the national award after staff completed detailed surveys on their work experiences.

WPC President Dann Mead Smith was presented with the award August 6th at a special lunch at the Washington Athletic Club in downtown Seattle, sponsored in part by the Greater Seattle Chamber of Commerce.

Read the Greater Seattle Chamber of Commerce press release

As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, all contributions to WPC are voluntary and tax deductible. Our supporters include individuals, small businesses, corporations and foundations. We receive no government funding. Our tax identification number is 91-1752769.