The Roundtable works to effect positive change on public policy issues that are most important to supporting state economic vitality and fostering opportunity for all Washingtonians. That work includes sharing news and analyzing policy developments affecting our state.

Latest News

70,000+ Fewer Postsecondary Students Enrolled in Washington Compared to Pre-Pandemic

January 18th, 2023

The crisis of stagnant or declining postsecondary enrollment – a concern even before the pandemic – is deepening at WA public two- and four-year colleges and universities. According to data shared with the Washington Roundtable by the state’s public postsecondary institutions: Fall 2022 enrollment of resident undergraduate students at Washington’s public four-year colleges and universities is down by nearly 10,000 students (11.3%) compared… Read more

Around the Table: Bristol Myers Squibb, Bank of America, Microsoft

January 12th, 2023

Supporting inclusion: Congratulations to Bristol Myers Squibb, recently recognized as a top pharmaceutical company for inclusiveness in oncology clinical trials based on Bioethics International’s new index for measuring the fair inclusion of underrepresented patients in clinical research. Learn more. Building community leaders: Bank of America continues its commitment to youth leadership development by providing a cohort of high school students the opportunity to participate in their hands on… Read more

POLICY AGENDA: Sharing Our Priorities for 2023

January 11th, 2023

Washingtonians have demonstrated tremendous strength and resiliency following the COVID-19 pandemic. State revenue collections continue to come in higher than expected and employment projections remain strong. That said, national efforts to tackle inflation and other challenges raise concerns about the potential for an economic downturn. Amidst these challenges, state policymakers have an opportunity to chart a course to diverse and inclusive statewide growth. This work… Read more

REPORT: Why Washingtonians Value Credentials But Aren’t Completing Them

December 11th, 2022

Research in 2021 indicated that Washington would add 373,000 net new jobs over five years, at least 70% of which will be filled by workers with a postsecondary credential. It is vitally important—to our state’s future and our residents—that more Washingtonians pursue the credentials that fuel our workforce and our economy. Yet, postsecondary enrollment stagnated through much of the last decade and declined… Read more