The Washington Employee Ownership Program Commission

The Commission operates as an Advisory Board to the Washington Employee Ownership Program (EOP). Meeting quarterly, the commission offers input and recommendations to the Program Manager. This will ensure the program receives broad support from the business community, experts, the public, and other stakeholders. The commission uses the Racial Equity Framework as a guiding principle and the Governor has ultimate authority over any policy decisions. The Governor retains ultimate authority over policy decisions.

Membership

The commission is composed of a diverse group of individuals who will be tasked with offering input and recommendations to the Program Manager to guide EOP initiatives. Members include:

  • Four members of the legislature
    • One Republican and one Democrat from each house
  • Five people from the private sector
    • Two from employee ownership businesses
    • One from a business association
    • One private-sector economic development expert
    • One from a financial institution with employee ownership transition experience
  • Two from the public sector
    • One public-sector economic development expert
    • One from the Department of Commerce

Read the EOP Commission Member Bios to learn more about the current board.

Upcoming meeting(s)

Please check this page again. The 2025 WA-EOP Commission meetings will be scheduled soon.

Meeting attendance

Interested in attending a commission meeting? While the meeting is open to the public, participation during the meeting is limited to appointed members of the Council and those presenting. If you wish to attend, please email WAEOP@commerce.wa.gov with your name, contact information and reason for your interest.

Past meetings and meeting materials

Learn more

Visit the Access to Capital page to learn more about the Employee Ownership Program and if it might be right for your organization.

Visit the Employee Ownership Program Tax Credit page to learn more about those requirements.

Statutory language – S.B. 5096

Final Bill summary – 5096-S SBR FBR 23