Transition Team key priorities presented to Governor Bob Ferguson

Jan 23, 2025
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Written by WR Communications
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Bob Ferguson is sworn in as the 24th Governor of the State of Washington during his inauguration ceremony Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025, at the Washington State Capitol in Olympia, Wash. (Ryan Berry/Washington State Standard)

Before Governor Bob Ferguson officially took office, his Transition Team identified and presented key priorities across 13 subcommittees. These recommendations were designed to guide his administration’s initial focus and strategic approach. Now, with Governor Ferguson in office, these priorities will shape the implementation of his policy agenda.

Below is a summary of the proposed priorities:

Project 2025

  • Create a cabinet-level role to address impacts of Trump-era funding and policy actions.

Budget

  • Avoid increasing the deficit; ensure new programs are sustainably funded; seek savings.

Strong Schools

  • Close education funding gaps.
  • Fund free school meals for all students.
  • Support behavioral health and invest in staff.

Governance

  • Foster inter-agency collaboration.
  • Expand the Executive Cabinet’s role.
  • Recommend qualifications for leadership appointments.

Transportation

  • Focus on maintenance, sustainable funding, and project completion.
  • Elevate the ferry division leader’s role and explore ferry acquisition options.

Health Care

  • Protect coverage gains and reproductive rights.
  • Improve Medicaid reimbursement rates and behavioral health access.
  • Streamline Department of Health rulemaking.

Child Care

  • Maintain funding for childcare programs.
  • Address barriers to establishing new facilities.

Workforce and Higher Education

  • Boost FAFSA completion and post-secondary credential attainment.
  • Expand apprenticeships and healthcare worker pipelines.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

  • Review agriculture regulations and enhance mental health support for farmers.
  • Encourage collaboration with tribal interests.

Housing

  • Promote transit-oriented development, lot splitting, and accountability measures.
  • Protect renters, lower construction costs, and reform impact fees.
  • Create a state housing department.

Public Safety

  • Invest in officer retention, recruitment, and local hiring grants.
  • Improve DOC Community Custody programs.

Climate and Environment

  • Accelerate funding for vulnerable communities and large-scale infrastructure projects.

Customer Service

  • Define and deliver excellent customer service through cross-agency collaboration.

    

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