Impact Initiatives

Objective

Implement EO 24-04 to create a more inclusive and accessible hiring process in Washington state government.

Outcome measure

Implement EO 24-04 Increasing Employment Opportunities in Washington State Government in OFM and advance equitable and inclusive hiring practices.

Workgroups

• Assessment Subcommittee: Focused on developing competency-based assessment tools.
• Equitable Continuous Improvement: Focused on equity in our current hiring process and identifying areas for improvement.
• Change Management: Focused on assisting with messaging and change management of recommendations/deliverables from the other subcommittees.

Accomplishments

Each subcommittee met regularly and developed recommendations / deliverables in support of their assigned focus area.

Objective

Continue implementation of EO 24-04 to streamline recruitment through an accessible online system, remove unnecessary qualifications, improve pay equity and regularly report progress.

Outcome measure

Establish a baseline understanding of where agencies are in implementing equity competencies, competency-based hiring, and pay equity. (via Statewide Equity Competency Assessment)

Objective

Refine budget processes, improve data collection, and strengthen community outreach.

Outcome measure

Increase the number of organizations engaged during budget development and throughout the legislative session.

Accomplishments

• Implemented three key initiatives to enhance cultural humility and equity literacy.
• Strengthened equitable decision-making in budgeting.
• Fostered an inclusive work environment through learning and engagement.

Objective

Expand outreach, increase spending with diverse businesses, improve vendor tools and enhance communication.

Outcome measure

Increase spending with minority- and women-owned businesses from 4.1% to 10%, and veteran-owned businesses from 0.05% to 1% by the end of 2026. At the end of FY2025 we increased to 5.56% and 0.10% respectively.

Workgroups

• Data and Reporting: Updating the Supplier Diversity dashboard to make it more user friendly for staff to track their supplier diversity spend progress.
• Contract Engagement: Developing a resource for staff to provide small and diverse vendors to assist them in navigating OFM and state processes.
• Communications Coffee Chat: Held a Coffee Chat with contract managers in Spring 2026 to discuss continued barriers regarding contracting with and engaging diverse vendors.

Accomplishments

• Contracts staff along with OFM’s Pro-Equity Consultant, and a representative from Statewide Registration attended the Alliance Northwest Conference on March 30, 2026. We met over 25 diverse vendors and registered over 15 vendors for their Statewide vendor number.
• Developed a resource for contract managers based on feedback and best practices.
• Updated the supplier diversity dashboard.