Across Washington and Oregon, Strategies 360 teams work alongside clients to navigate complex legislative environments, build support, and move priorities forward. That work is grounded in people and relationships.
In Oregon, our Salem team brings a collaborative, relationship-driven approach that connects policy, funding, and community impact. They partner with clients to navigate systems, build coalitions, and elevate community voices, especially in challenging budget environments.
Their work reflects a broader S360 approach. Advocacy does not begin and end during session. It requires ongoing engagement, clear strategy, and trusted relationships to help ideas move forward.
In Washington, our Olympia team brings that same perspective, combining policy expertise, communications, and on-the-ground insight to guide clients through fast-moving legislative dynamics and support meaningful outcomes. This work reflects our full-circle approach, connecting government relations, communications, research, and community engagement to support clients at every stage of the legislative process.
What Happened in 2026
The 2026 sessions in both states wrapped in early March, shaped by tight budgets, federal uncertainty, and a continued focus on affordability.
Budgets drove much of the conversation in both states. In Oregon, lawmakers spent the 35-day session working to close a roughly $900 million gap. Lawmakers from the majority party worked together to identify priorities and hold difficult conversations on solving the states most pressing problems. Ultimately, this resulted in the passage of far-reaching bills and budget decisions that did not seem possible at the start of session.
Washington faced their own budget shortfall of nearly $2 billion, which sparked debates about spending, revenue, and long-term sustainability.
Across both states, federal actions added complexity and urgency, influencing decisions on everything from tax policy to health care and public safety.
Focus on Affordability and Stability
Cost of living remained a top priority.
Washington lawmakers focused on housing, taxes, and maintaining services, while Oregon advanced policies to protect health care access and improve affordability for residents.
In both states, the emphasis was on sustaining core programs while managing financial constraints.
Key Takeaways
Practical decision-making shaped outcomes
Lawmakers focused on what could be delivered in a constrained environment, often prioritizing preservation over expansion.
Federal uncertainty is reshaping state policy
Both states passed measures to respond to current and potential federal actions, signaling a more proactive approach.
Big questions remain
Long-term funding, infrastructure needs, and affordability challenges are still unresolved and will carry into future sessions.
Looking Ahead
Navigating a legislative session takes more than tracking bills. It takes a 360° understanding policy, public sentiment, and stakeholder dynamics, and bringing those pieces together to guide decisions in real time.
As both states look toward the next cycle, continued budget pressure and political turnover will shape what comes next. For organizations and communities, staying engaged and informed will be key.
Strategies 360 will continue to support clients across the region by connecting insight, strategy, and engagement to help bring priorities to life and deliver meaningful results.