We work collaboratively with our members and policymakers to create a policy ecosystem that enables a strong and sustainable technology sector in a thriving community.
Federal
WTIA has a seat at the table in national-level conversations that impact the technology sector–including topics like workforce development, data protection and privacy, and emerging technologies.
Washington State
WTIA partners with a range of policy stakeholders to represent the voice of the technology sector and to advocate for policies that foster a robust technology ecosystem in the state. We focus on workforce development, education and STEM, diversity and inclusion, taxes and regulations, and privacy and data protection.
Strengthening our Cities
WTIA engages at the municipal level across Washington’s cities. We advocate for a range of policies and programs to strengthen our cities, and we seek to partner with policymakers on solutions that support our communities and enable the continued growth of the technology sector.
We work to develop a robust policy ecosystem for the technology sector across a number of workstreams. This includes proactively tracking and engaging on legislation, contributing expertise and thought leadership on relevant issues impacting the sector, and working collaboratively with our member companies and policymakers.
Want to learn more and partner with WTIA? Reach out to our public policy team.
Legislative Look-Ahead: WTIA Releases Key Policy Priorities for 2023
Kelly Fukai, WTIA Blog | January 2023
As the 2023 Washington State Legislature convenes in Olympia over the next 105 days, the Washington Technology Industry Association (WTIA) welcomes opportunities to partner with…
How Will the CHIPS and Science Act Help Washington State’s Tech Sector?
Brittany Jarnot, WTIA Blog | August 2022
In the final hours before adjourning for its traditional August recess, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the CHIPS and Science Act, a bill the U.S. Senate approved earlier in the …
2022 Legislative
Session Recap
Molly Jones, Brittany Jarnot, WTIA Blog | April 2022
The Washington State Legislature convened on January 11 poised to build on the momentum from the historic 2021 session, set against the ongoing pandemic and checkered economic recovery. All committee activity was held…
Growing Blockchain Technology in Washington State
Molly Jones, Brittany Jarnot, WTIA Blog | February 2022
Washington Technology Industry Association (WTIA) is excited to announce its selection by the Washington State Department of Commerce to grow an Advanced Technology Cluster…
Affirmative Action Policy Speaker Series 2023: Eye on Affirmative Action, The Shifting Policy Landscape and Its Impact on Tech
- Dissecting the facts of the landmark Supreme Court cases on affirmative action
- Why the tech sector should pay attention to this topic
- What smart leaders are doing to prepare for the potential decision
- How affirmative action policy is changing
- How those changes impact the U.S. tech sector in recruiting and competing globally
WTIA Policy Speaker Series: Closing the Digital Divide — Opportunities in the Federal Infrastructure Package for Washington State
Join U.S. Representative Marilyn Strickland, Beth Cooley from CTIA, and Alex Minard from NCTA for a discussion on the funding for broadband programs in the federal infrastructure package, passed in November 2021. The panel discussed how this funding will help expand internet access across the U.S., how the funding could impact Washington state and the role the private industry plays in using these investments to close the digital divide.
WTIA Policy Speaker Series: Partnering for Impact — Addressing Homelessness in King County
WTIA Policy Speaker Series Event brought together King County Regional Homelessness Authority CEO Marc Dones and Global Head of the Tableau Foundation Neal Myrick for a conversation on the crisis of homelessness in Washington, and how the tech sector can partner to impact this critical issue.
WTIA Policy Speaker Series: Building a Global Tech Hub
WTIA was honored to host Mayor Lynne Robinson for a conversation on building the City of Bellevue into a global tech hub, as well as shaping it to attract entrepreneurs, businesses, and tech workers during the new era of remote work. Representative Vandana Slatter provided keynote remarks on this important topic.
This timely conversation is highlighted as cities across the country are competing to attract and retain the innovative companies and entrepreneurs that will continue to drive economic growth and job creation — particularly as remote work has created unprecedented geographic flexibility for the tech sector. This has accelerated the imperative for policymakers in Washington to foster and grow the technology sector to compete on the global stage.
Watch the WTIA Policy Speaker Series event from October 21st, 2021, as we brought together leaders to discuss Washington’s future as a global tech hub and the imperative of attracting businesses, entrepreneurs, and tech workers in a new era of remote work.
WTIA Policy Speaker Series – Ethics in AI Innovation: Protecting Against Bias & Promoting Inclusion
Exponential advances in AI technologies have created seamless real-world applications with life-changing impacts — from healthcare diagnoses to college admissions. Yet, the growth of AI into new frontiers also creates a host of novel challenges and policy considerations. As innovators pilot new AI applications, it is critical to encode and embed fairness and inclusivity within these systems.
Join WTIA as we bring together global experts in the Policy Speaker Series to discuss the future of innovation and ethics in AI, as well as the role that innovators, investors, and governments play in protecting against bias, promoting fairness, and advancing inclusivity.
Fireside Chat with Tanium CEO Orion Hindawi & Madrona Managing Director Matt McIlwain
WTIA hosted a fireside chat with Tanium CEO Orion Hindawi and Madrona Venture Group Managing Director Matt McIlwain, as they discuss leadership through the pandemic and Tanium’s recent relocation from Silicon Valley to Washington.
2023 Technology Sector Economic Outlook in Washington State and the Greater Seattle Region
The Technology Sector Economic Outlook in Washington State and the Greater Seattle Region report from the WTIA highlights the essential and growing role of the ICT sector and tech roles in non-tech industries, while advocating for policies to support the ICT industry’s continued vitality in Washington state.
Cross Sector
Computer Science Plan
WTIA partnered with Washington STEM to create, iterate, and operationalize a Cross-Sector Statewide Computer Science Strategic Plan that will provide equitable access to computer science for all of Washington’s students, from early learning to the workforce.
To maintain our role as a global leader in technology innovation, more can be done to create a supportive environment that promotes innovation and job growth in the information and communications technology (ICT) sector in all corners of Washington state. Without sustained investments in the workforce and startup community, policy modernization and accountability that promotes innovation and growth, and cross-sector collaboration, we risk our tech firms and jobs leaving the state.
We held focused feedback conversations with internal and external partners from higher education, K-12, community-based organizations, and industry leaders. Five themes have emerged as the Computer Science Call to Action – support K-12 implementation of equitable access to CS, accountability through data, teacher preparation, coordination and partnership, and understand postsecondary pathways into CS.