Budget Basics

Washington creates three types of state budgets: Omnibus Operating; Capital Construction; and Transportation. At a basic level, each of the budgets can described as follows.

Ombnibus Operating

Also known simply as the operating budget, it funds, at least in part: K-12 education; higher education; health care; social services; public safety and prisons; natural resources and recreation programs; government operations; and debt services on bonds for capital projects (including K-12 and higher education).

In the operating budget, some of the spending is mandatory because of state constitution, federal, and state requirements. These include, but aren't limited to K-12 basic education, debt service, some level of care in institutional and foster care programs, and cost obligations for federal programs.

More details about the operating budget and where its funding goes are available in the following places:

• Operating Budget Overview. Includes links to interactive data reports, legislative proposals, enacted budget bills, LEAP documents, and Legislative Budget Notes.
• Understanding the Washington State Budget Universe (PDF)
• Citizen's Guide to the Operating Budget (PDF)
• Citizen's Guide to K-12 Finance (PDF)
• House Operating Budget Briefing Book (PDF)
• Senate Operating Budget Briefing Book (PDF)

Capital Construction

Also known simply as the capital budget, it funds: state-owned facilities and land; grants and loans; and K-12 school facilities partnership.

The capital budget funds "capital projects" consisting of the following: acquisition of land and buildings; construction of new buildings; major repairs, reconstruction, and additions to existing buildings; utility, landscaping, and infrastructure work; architectural planning, design, and engineering studies; and administrative costs directly related to the capital project. Specific locations of capital projects can be found on the capital maps on this website.

More details about the capital budget and where its funding goes are available in the following places:

• Capital Budget Overview. Includes links to interactive data reports, maps, legislative proposals, enacted budget bills, LEAP documents, and Legislative Budget Notes.
• Citizen's Guide to the Capital Budget (PDF)
• Capital Budget Briefing Book (PDF)

Transportation

The transportation budget includes funds to construct, preserve, operate, finance, and administer: roads and bridges; ferries and terminals; State Patrol; Amtrak Cascades and freight rail; moter vehicle registration and driver licensing; and public transportation and mobility grants.

Specific locations of transportation projects can be found on the transportation map on this website.

More details about the transportation budget and where its funding goes are available in the following places:

• Transportation Budget Overview. Includes links to interactive data reports, maps, legislative proposals, enacted budget bills, LEAP documents, and Legislative Budget Notes.
• Transportation Resource Manual