Building Better Neighbors and Improving Public Safety: New Executive Order Updates Washington’s Recidivism and Reentry Efforts

From: Washington Governor Bob Ferguson
September 16, 2024

The best prison, in the view of Gov. Jay Inslee, is one where people leave and don’t come back. On Sep 16th, he signed an executive order updating Washington’s reentry efforts and formalizing Washington state’s commitment to Reentry 2030, a national initiative to reduce recidivism by removing barriers for individuals leaving prison.

Inslee’s executive order makes Washington the sixth state to join Reentry 2030. The EO involves nine state agencies. 

While the Reentry 2030 commitment is new, the state’s commitment to restorative justice is not.

The Washington State Reentry Council was formed in 2016 to smooth the transition from prison to the populace. Inslee signed the state’s first reentry executive order directing agencies to work together on several reentry-focused services and planning.

State efforts are paying off. In 2015, about 34% of people released from prison committed a felony within three years. By 2020, state leaders reported that number had dropped to 22%.

Latest News

Governor Ferguson Appoints Matt Jones as Director of Department of Enterprise Services

From: Washington Governor Bob Ferguson
July 15, 2025
OLYMPIA - On July 15, 2025 Governor Bob Ferguson announced the appointment of Matt Jones as Washington’s new director of the Department of Enterprise Services (DES). Jones, serving as acting… Read More

Governor Ferguson Issues Statement in Response to Latest Round of Trump Tariff Announcements

From: Washington Governor Bob Ferguson
July 14, 2025
President issues new tariff threats daily that will continue to wreak havoc on Washington’s economy OLYMPIA - Governor Bob Ferguson issued the following statement today on President… Read More

Governor Ferguson Appoints Cindy Kay as Board of Accountancy Executive Director

From: Washington Governor Bob Ferguson
July 11, 2025
OLYMPIA - On July 11, 2025 Governor Bob Ferguson announced the appointment of Cindy Kay as Washington’s new executive director of the Board of Accountancy. Kay, a Certified Public Accountant,… Read More

Governor Ferguson Appoints Candie M. Dibble to Spokane County Superior Court

From: Washington Governor Bob Ferguson
July 10, 2025
Dibble joins the Spokane County bench after nearly 25-year career, including 15 years at the Attorney General’s Office in Spokane OLYMPIA - On July 10, 2025 Governor Bob Ferguson announced… Read More

Governor Ferguson: Washington Will Cover Gap Caused by Federal Attempt to Defund of Planned Parenthood

From: Washington Governor Bob Ferguson
July 9, 2025
President Trump’s ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ bans all Medicaid funding for Planned Parenthood for a year SEATTLE - Governor Bob Ferguson announced today that Washington state will… Read More