Dear friends and neighbors,
Since the 2026 legislative session ended, I have loved spending time in community — listening to your stories, learning from your experiences and continuing our work together.
The interim is when I get to bring the work of Olympia home. Over the past several months, I have connected with students and educators, visited local organizations and small businesses, met with community leaders, and continued important conversations about affordability, education, housing and support for military families.
These moments remind me that the best ideas do not begin at the Capitol. They begin with the people we serve. Your voices continue to guide my work as I build partnerships, advance our shared priorities and prepare for the next legislative session.
I am excited to share a few highlights from my time in community. As always, it is the honor of my life to represent and serve the 28th Legislative District.
Scroll down to learn more about what I have been up to and how we can stay connected:
Bringing the Legislature Home
The work does not stop when the legislative session ends. Throughout the interim, I have been meeting with local leaders and neighbors across the 28th Legislative District to share updates on the policies and investments we advanced this year — and, most importantly, to listen.
I have had the opportunity to provide legislative updates to the Town of Steilacoom, City of Fircrest, and the City of University Place, as well as connect with neighbors in Lakewood and on Anderson Island. These conversations help me better understand how decisions made in Olympia are affecting our communities and what priorities I should bring back to the Capitol next session.
Helping Students Fund Their Educational Dreams
As chair of the Senate Higher Education & Workforce Development Committee — and as a former educator — I know that completing the FAFSA or WASFA can change the course of a student’s life.
This interim, I launched my FAFSA Completion Tour, connecting with students and families at Harrison Prep School and Steilacoom High School. These visits are about making sure students understand the financial aid available to them and know that college, apprenticeships and other training opportunities can be within reach.
I am grateful to the students, educators, school leaders and statewide partners who continue working with my office to help more Washington students access the resources they have earned.
Our next stop is Curtis Senior High School in University Place! Stay tuned for more information.
Celebrating Young People Stepping into Their Futures
Every young person deserves to enter adulthood knowing they have people in their corner.
It was especially meaningful to join Eileen & Callie’s Place for Celebrate 18, honoring young women with foster care experience as they step into adulthood. As someone who experienced foster care myself, I know how important it is for young people to have stability, encouragement and a community that believes in them.
Their strength, joy and determination were powerful reminders that aging out of foster care should never mean facing the future alone. I remain committed to advancing policies and investments that help young people build secure, successful futures.
Learning the Legislative Process Together
Understanding how a bill becomes law is one way we can help more people see themselves as part of the policymaking process.
I was honored to join the Alpha Omicron Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. at the University of Washington for “How to Read a Bill.” We walked through the parts of a bill, discussed how legislation changes throughout the process and explored how community members can make their voices heard.
I also welcomed students from Realize Tacoma to the Capitol for a conversation about public service, leadership and the legislative process. I loved hearing their questions and encouraging them to recognize the power of their own voices.
Showing Up in Community
Some of the most meaningful moments of the interim have come from gathering in community and celebrating the people, cultures and traditions that make our district special.
I was grateful to spend time in DuPont during the 2026 Canoe Journey, including witnessing the final landing and connecting with Tribal and local leaders. I have also enjoyed visiting community events and local small businesses across the district, including the DuPont Farmers Market.
These opportunities to listen, learn and build relationships are an important part of how I represent our communities in Olympia.
Building Economic Freedom and Opportunity
Juneteenth is a celebration of freedom, but it is also a reminder that freedom must be made real in people’s everyday lives.
This year, I joined community conversations about what economic freedom should look like in 2026 and beyond. That means access to quality education, stable housing, good jobs, affordable health care and the ability to build wealth and security for the next generation.
I also participated in a discussion connected to the FIFA World Cup’s presence in Seattle. Major events can generate tremendous economic activity, but our work must be intentional, so those benefits reach local workers, small businesses and communities that have too often been left out.
Supporting Women in Public Service
I was honored to join the Interagency Committee of State Employed Women for its annual professional development conference and speak about women’s leadership and human-centered public service.
State employees make a difference in people’s lives every day, often through work that happens outside the spotlight. Our public institutions are strongest when employees feel valued, supported and empowered to lead. I am grateful for the women across state government who bring their experience, compassion and commitment to serving Washingtonians.
Learning from Our Military Community
Representing a district that is home to Joint Base Lewis-McChord, I know how important it is for policymakers to understand the unique contributions and needs of our military community.
I was grateful to participate in Team McChord’s Civic Leader Flight and learn more about the mission of the 62nd Airlift Wing. From mission briefings to a flight aboard a C-17 Globemaster III, the experience offered a firsthand look at how our servicemembers support humanitarian efforts, national defense and global mobility.
Thank you to Col. Regni, the 62nd Airlift Wing and Team McChord for welcoming me and for your continued service to our state and nation.
You can always visit my official Facebook page to learn even more about what I’ve been up to throughout our wonderful community and state!
Wildfire Recovery and Insurance Resources
My heart is with everyone affected by the devastating wildfires in Spokane, on the Colville Reservation and across Washington. The scale of the loss is heartbreaking, and I am grateful to the first responders, emergency personnel and community members working to keep people safe.
Insurance Commissioner Patty Kuderer has issued an emergency order providing additional protections for affected policyholders through Sept. 30. These protections include grace periods for premium payments, waived late fees and additional notice before policies can be canceled or not renewed.
Please share these disaster recovery and insurance resources with anyone who may need support.
My office and I launched Coffee & Cowork in June as a new way to connect with neighbors in a relaxed setting while supporting local small businesses. After our first gathering in Fircrest, we hosted another in Steilacoom in August.
Thank you to everyone who attended, spent part of their morning with us and shared what was on their minds. I hope you will join us for our next Coffee & Cowork in Lakewood!
🗓️ Wednesday, Oct. 14
⏰ 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Please RSVP to receive the location HERE.
One of the most important parts of my work is helping neighbors find the information, services and support they need. My office regularly shares updates about state resources, community programs and opportunities to participate in the legislative process.
If you are having trouble navigating a state agency, accessing benefits or finding the right point of contact, my office may be able to help. You can also stay connected by following my official Facebook page for community updates, resources and upcoming events, or by visiting my website to learn more about my legislative work and contact my team.
Over the past several months, I have been grateful to connect with constituents, students, educators, local leaders and community partners across the 28th Legislative District and Washington state. Thank you to everyone who welcomed me, shared their stories and helped shape the work I will bring back to Olympia. I could not do this work without YOU!
Sincerely,
Sen. T’wina Nobles
