Jay Inslee is a fifth-generation Washingtonian who has lived and worked in urban and rural communities on both sides of the state. Governor Inslee worked his way through college and graduated from the University of Washington with a degree in economics before earning his law degree at Willamette University. He and his wife, Trudi, then moved to Selah, a small town near Yakima where they raised their three sons. Jay worked as an attorney and prosecutor.
Washington state is home to some of the best-skilled workers and innovators in the world. Our export capabilities, low-cost energy resources and exceptional quality of life attract businesses and people from around the globe.
Gov. Inslee created an Office of Economic Development and Competitiveness to work directly with industry leaders on recruiting new companies to Washington and growing key industries. When these industries do well, so do Washington’s small businesses, service-sector employers and the workers who support them – from truck drivers and machinists to fruit packers and lab technicians. Washington is experiencing its lowest unemployment rates since 2008 and some of the highest job growth in the nation.