Washington State Senate confirms new Utilities and Transportation Commissioner

The Washington State Senate recently confirmed Jay Balasbas as commissioner of the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC) with a unanimous vote.

Gov. Jay Inslee appointed Balasbas to a six-year term that extends until Jan. 1, 2023. His first day at the commission will be May 1.

Balasbas will join Chairman David Danner and Commissioner Ann Rendahl on the three-member panel.

“Our UTC commissioners are involved in highly complex and crucial regulatory services, and I know Jay will do an excellent job. His extensive experience in transportation policy, the state budget and taxation will serve him well in this role,” Inslee said. “He is also highly skilled in working with stakeholders on complex policy issues. I am grateful for his service in the Office of Financial Management and the counsel he has provided my team and me over the past five years.”

Since 2012, Balasbas has served as senior budget assistant to the governor in the Office of Financial Management. Previously, he worked in a number of roles for the Washington House of Representatives including senior fiscal analyst, assistant director of policy and policy analyst. Balasbas also worked with the Department of Transportation.

Balasbas graduated from Seattle University, earning a bachelor’s degree in political science and a master’s degree in finance.