Community Bankers of Washington Endorses ICBA's Plan for the New Congress and Administration

 (Feb. 5, 2025) Community Bankers of Washington (CBW) representing the community banks of Washington State, today joined the Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) in calling on Congress to take a fresh approach to tackling damaging regulations. In a joint letter with other state community banking associations, CBW urged lawmakers to advance policy proposals to promote a vibrant community banking sector and support the prosperity of local communities.

"Community banks in Washington are the backbone of our local economy, and our collective plan for the 119^th Congress provides a clear and necessary roadmap to ensure their continued success," said Kathryn Swenson, President & CEO of CBW. "From addressing overregulation to ensuring access to capital, this agenda reflects the critical priorities of Main Street banks in our state.”

In alignment with ICBA’s "Repair, Reform, and Thrive" plan for powering local economies, today’s letter outlines the following priorities:

• Fixing Destructive Regulatory Burden—Inefficient and prescriptive regulations continue to encumber community bank lending, drive industry consolidation, and inhibit local economic growth. Tailored regulation is essential to unleash the potential of community banks.
• Ensuring a Competitive Financial Landscape—Community banks must compete on a level playing field with entities engaged in similar financial activities. This balance promotes innovation and expands services for consumers and small businesses.
• Revitalizing Rural America—America’s farmers and ranchers rely on community banks to foster rural prosperity and a stronger nation. Supporting these efforts is critical to the success of rural economies in [State Name].
• Strengthening Financial Consumers—Policy changes must ensure financial stability for American consumers, providing them with the tools and protections needed to thrive.

"The plan is a testament to the strength and resilience of community banks nationwide.” added Swenson. “For Washington, this means ensuring our local businesses, farmers, and families have the tools they need to succeed.”

For more information on how these policy reforms will benefit Washington please visit CBW’s website at communitybankers-wa.org

About CBW

As the state’s only advocate working solely for the interest of community banks and their customers, Community Bankers of Washington is a member-driven organization, representing 70% of the State’s community banks, and is governed by a Board of Directors comprised of independent community bankers.

About ICBA
The Independent Community Bankers of America® has one mission: to create and promote an environment where community banks flourish. We power the potential of the nation’s community banks through effective advocacy, education, and innovation.  

As local and trusted sources of credit, America’s community banks leverage their relationship-based business model and innovative offerings to channel deposits into the neighborhoods they serve, creating jobs, fostering economic prosperity, and fueling their customers’ financial goals and dreams. For more information, visit ICBA’s website at icba.org.