Firesteel

For over 130 years, YWCA has championed the right to adequate housing, access to essential services, and economic stability. Shaped by impacted community members, allied organizations, public officials, and legal experts, our 2025 policy agenda advances civil rights, builds empowered communities, and fosters regional justice.

We believe in the power of the collective, social movements, and community organizing to enact change and consider the law a tool to support that work. Our 2025 legislative priorities focus on four key areas: housing justice, health and safety for all, economic empowerment and workforce expansion, and fair tax reform and community investment.

Housing Justice

Safe, affordable, and stable housing is a fundamental right. YWCA provides direct housing services to over 5,000 low-income women and families annually, from Everett to Auburn. To ensure sustainable housing solutions, we support policies that:

• Expand Affordable Housing Supply by securing robust capital funding for the Housing Trust Fund to develop and preserve housing for low-income families, including rental units, homeownership opportunities, manufactured housing, and land acquisition.
• Prevent Cuts to Housing Services by closing funding gaps that threaten essential housing programs, particularly for youth and under-resourced populations.
• Protect the Rights of Unhoused Individuals by opposing punitive local laws that criminalize those without adequate shelter.
• Ensure Renter Stability through tenant protections against excessive housing costs, unjust evictions, and unsafe living conditions. 

Health & Safety for All

Everyone deserves to live in dignity, free from violence and systemic barriers. YWCA serves over 1,000 survivors annually through culturally responsive gender-based violence programs. Key priorities include:

• Investing in Gender-Based Violence Services by securing funding for shelters, counseling, advocacy centers, and legal services, with a focus on survivors from underserved communities.
• Strengthening Holistic Community Safety through culturally specific prevention and intervention programs.
• Expanding Critical Supports for All by removing barriers to housing, healthcare, and other essential services, regardless of citizenship status. 

Economic Empowerment & Workforce Expansion

Economic opportunity is a key component of a thriving and just society. YWCA’s robust workforce programs offer job readiness, apprenticeships, and financial literacy. Legislative priorities include:

• Expanding Economic Support for Women & Families by increasing funding for programs addressing the gender wage gap and promoting financial stability for all.
• Investing in Career-Connected Learning through workforce development, apprenticeships, and job training programs that lead to family-wage careers. 

Fair Tax Reform & Community Investment

A fair tax system is critical to funding essential services and reducing economic disparities. YWCA and the broader service ecosystem depend on these funds to sustain programs that support thousands of individuals and families across King and Snohomish counties. Key policy goals include:

• Implementing Progressive Revenue Solutions that lower burdens on low-income households while generating revenue for infrastructure, housing, and essential services.
• Securing Sustained Funding for Critical Community Services to ensure ongoing support for organizations serving those in need. 

A Call to Action

The challenges we face demand leadership and collective action. YWCA Seattle | King | Snohomish remains steadfast in its mission to advance justice and opportunity for women and families across the region. We invite policymakers, community leaders, and advocates to join us in shaping a future where all people can thrive.