​AFA seeks to represent the needs and concerns of every company in the industry, regardless of size. We are committed to pursuing the issues that are important to you both in the legislature and through the initiative process.

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​Please see AFA's 2026 Legislative Agenda Here.

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2026 Legislative Priorities

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• Workforce Development & Training 

  • High industry demand for a strong pipeline of skilled and semi-skilled workers, increased enrollment in aerospace programs, and continued support for engineering and other aerospace-related four-year degrees. 
    •    Support educational institutions and training programs– Provide resources for K-12, CTE, community technical colleges and the four-year degree track to offer more hands-on experience and elevated awareness of the diversity of aerospace careers. Ensure no further reductions to academic and research capacity at the state’s public research universities, which play a critical role in advancing aerospace innovation and preparing the future workforce.
    •    Institutionalize workforce pathways – Expand and fund programs to bridge high school, community college, apprenticeships, and industry ie. CORE PLUS, Center of Excellence for Aerospace & Advanced Manufacturing.

 

• Infrastructure & Energy Capacity 

  • ​Ensure and invest in long-term production scaling needs, power availability and future aerospace demand. 
    •    Aerospace growth planning – Support legislation that streamlines the permitting process. Create an alternative compliance pathway or process for manufacturing businesses to comply with the State Clean Building Standards.
    •    Invest in energy infrastructure – Expand reliable, affordable power generation to support aerospace manufacturing and sustainable aviation.
    •    Sustainable Aviation Fuels – Continue to support the tax incentives and permit streamlining policies recommended by Washington State University’s ‘Alternative Jet Fuels Work Group.’

 

• Business Competitiveness 

  • Defend legislation that negatively impacts manufacturers to ensure a stable foundation for business innovation, retention, and growth.
    •    Create a business-friendly environment – Reduce regulatory complexity and provide predictability on rules and permitting.
    •    Stabilize small/medium businesses – Targeted support to keep businesses competitive, especially during uncertainty with instability of overseas trade regulations.
    •    Improve awareness of available funding opportunities – Create a statewide initiative to centralize grants, credits, and opportunities for business.​​​​​​​​

 

**AFA's priorities are created by our membership for the upcoming session. If you are a member, you are welcome to help put our priorities together for the following year.

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See the 2024 JLARC Review of Aerospace HERE.