Washington for All: Transforming Government Through Equity

For too long, many people have felt left out by government systems, but Washington’s Office of Equity is working to rewrite that story. In this Reflection Series interview, we sat with Megan Matthews, the Director of Washington State’s Office of Equity, who shared how a small agency with a big mission is working to change the way government operates. Created in 2020, the Office exists to make sure every Washingtonian, not just a few, has access to opportunities, resources, and information.

Megan explained that too often, people experience government as something done to them, rather than with them. Whether it’s applying for jobs, contracts, or benefits, barriers can keep communities out. That’s why the Office is focused on making systems fairer and more accessible. One powerful example: rethinking small business contracting so that micro-businesses can compete without expensive consultants.

Another priority is accountability. The Office of Equity is developing public dashboards that go beyond counting activities to measuring what really matters, whether people are actually better off. This shift helps agencies see their real impact while building trust with the public.

At the heart of this work is a simple idea: “Washington for All.” Equity isn’t about favoring one group over another. It’s about ensuring everyone has a fair chance to succeed. By breaking down silos, using plain language, and centering community voices, the Office of Equity is helping government become more relational, more responsive, and ultimately more human.