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Insights About Our Communities
OFM is home to in-house research and analysis covering everything from health care and education to criminal justice and traffic safety. Get to know Washington through our diverse data and reporting.
The State Budget Affects Us All
OFM manages Washington state's budget and tracks how public funds are spent. Explore how lawmakers, the governor, and state agencies work together to shape and implement the budget each year.
June - Sept 2025
Supplemental Budget: Planning
Instructions for 2026 supplemental budget submittals Additional instructions for agencies
OFM issues budget instructions for state agencies
Supplemental budgets are annual revisions to the state’s biennial budget. State agencies must submit any requests to OFM by mid September.
In September, OFM publishes agency budget requests for the public and begins review.
OFM reviews agency budget requests.
Budget staff from OFM evaluate all budget requests to ensure consistency with executive policy priorities and alignment with budget limitations. Recommendations by OFM are then sent to the Governor.
Once the Governor has final recommendations of the supplemental budget, it is proposed to the Legislature.
Lawmakers review and adjust the proposed budget
During the legislative session, lawmakers review and revise the governor’s proposed budget, deciding how state funds will be spent. Lawmakers may also propose legislative changes or new policies that impact the budget.
Once both chambers agree on a final budget, it’s sent to the governor for approval and signature.
Apr - Jul 2026
Supplemental Budget
Governor signs and supplemental budget takes effect.
Once the Legislature passes a final budget bill, the governor reviews for his signature and possible vetoes. The governor must decide budget action within a specific number of days after Legislature delivers their budget.
The signed budget by the governor becomes the enacted supplemental budget and takes effect on July 1, 2026.
Ongoing
Performance Measure Tracking
OFM tracks spending, monitors revenue, and reports on how funds are used.
State agencies use the enacted budget to decide spending, staffing, run programs, and deliver services.
Each agency must stay within their spending limits and follow any specific instructions included in the budget.
Connecting People, Budgets, Policies,
Data and Systems for All of Washington
Our key initiatives reflect our commitment to equal access and opportunities for everyone in Washington.
Empowering Our Citizens
We empower Washingtonians by helping state agencies and the Legislature connect people, budgets, policies, data and systems.
Learn about our work
Pro-Equity, Anti-Racism
We believe every individual living in Washington has a right to thrive in their communities.
Read our PEAR statement
One Washington
We’re spearheading an enterprise-wide business transformation program focused on replacing 1960s-era technology.
See our progress
Serve Washington
We champion national service, volunteerism, and civic participation as the foundation of caring communities.
See where to volunteer