During a recent government meeting, the Office of Intergovernmental Relations (OIR) presented its legislative agenda for the upcoming 2025 session, emphasizing the city's pressing needs amid significant budget challenges. The presentation, led by OIR Director Mina Hashemi and her team, highlighted the collaborative effort in developing a concise agenda that reflects the highest agreed-upon priorities from various city departments and stakeholders.

The council was informed that a resolution to adopt this agenda will be voted on December 3rd, with amendments due by the following day. The OIR team expressed gratitude for the council's participation in the legislative priority-setting process, noting that the streamlined agenda aims to convey the city's seriousness to legislators as they face competing needs in a constrained budget environment.

The meeting also addressed the implications of recent elections, which resulted in a shift in legislative leadership and the introduction of new priorities from incoming officials. Notably, the House and Senate Democrats gained seats, with the Senate now led by Jamie Peterson, following the retirement of former majority leader Andy Billig.

As the legislative session approaches, the OIR is actively engaging with legislators and stakeholders to align on priorities. The team outlined the legislative timeline, detailing key cutoffs and deadlines throughout the 105-day session, which begins in January.

A significant concern raised during the meeting was the state's projected budget shortfall, estimated between $10 billion and $12 billion over the next four years. This shortfall is attributed to declining revenues, particularly from capital gains and sales taxes, alongside increased service demands. The OIR indicated that the state may need to explore new revenue sources, including adjustments to property taxes and potential new taxes on payroll and transportation.

The meeting concluded with a commitment from the OIR to keep the council and the public informed throughout the legislative session, reinforcing their role as advocates for the city's interests in Olympia.