As blockchain technology continues to evolve and expand into every facet of the digital economy, so too does the need for informed and balanced regulation. With policymakers in Washington increasingly tasked with drafting legislation on digital assets, a clear gap remains between the innovation taking place within decentralized networks and the understanding of these technologies among legislators. Recognizing this gap, Solana has taken a proactive step by launching the Solana Policy Institute (SPI), a non-partisan, non-profit organization dedicated to educating U.S. lawmakers and shaping the conversation around crypto regulation.
What Is the Solana Policy Institute?
The Solana Policy Institute was officially launched on March 31, 2025, as part of a broader effort to ensure that decentralized technologies, like the Solana blockchain, are fairly represented in public policy. Based in Washington, D.C., the institute operates independently of Solana Labs but is closely aligned with the Solana ecosystem and its community of developers, users, and infrastructure providers. SPI’s central mission is to inform policymakers about the real-world utility, economic potential, and technical nuances of decentralized networks while advocating for regulatory clarity and innovation-friendly legislation.
At the helm of SPI is Miller Whitehouse-Levine, a veteran policy advocate with a deep background in blockchain regulation and federal affairs. Whitehouse-Levine previously led advocacy efforts at the DeFi Education Fund and brings with him a wealth of experience navigating Washington’s regulatory landscape. Joining him is Kristin Smith, former CEO of the Blockchain Association, who now serves as SPI’s president. Smith’s transition from one of the most influential crypto lobbying groups in Washington to a leadership role at SPI signals the organization’s serious commitment to being a central voice in crypto policy discussions.
Goals and Strategic Objectives
The SPI is not merely a think tank or lobbying group, it is a strategic initiative to bridge the divide between decentralized blockchain ecosystems and the federal agencies responsible for overseeing them. One of its primary goals is to foster regulatory frameworks that are both technology-neutral and supportive of responsible innovation. This includes creating avenues for open dialogue between policymakers and those building on decentralized platforms like Solana.
By advocating for legislation that distinguishes between centralized and decentralized models, SPI aims to influence how regulators approach everything from stablecoin policies to digital asset classifications. The institute is also focused on highlighting the wide array of applications being built on Solana, from financial protocols and NFT marketplaces to decentralized storage solutions and identity systems. Through this approach, SPI hopes to show lawmakers that blockchain is not a monolith and that the technologies being developed on Solana offer tangible benefits for both the economy and society.
Educating Policymakers in Washington
The centerpiece of SPI’s strategy is direct engagement with lawmakers, regulators, and congressional staff. This includes organizing “fly-ins,” which bring developers, founders, and infrastructure providers from the Solana ecosystem directly to Capitol Hill. These fly-ins are designed to offer policymakers firsthand exposure to blockchain innovators and to demonstrate how decentralized applications are working in practice. By facilitating these in-person meetings, SPI aims to replace abstract discussions about crypto with grounded conversations about real-world use cases and challenges.
Another pillar of the institute’s work involves producing and sharing educational materials such as case studies, research briefs, and white papers. These resources are tailored to help lawmakers better understand the unique characteristics of decentralized networks, the technical distinctions between different blockchain protocols, and the implications of poorly crafted legislation. SPI is also working to maintain an ongoing dialogue with key regulatory bodies, including the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), particularly as these agencies continue to expand their role in overseeing digital assets.
Beyond traditional advocacy, SPI’s broader educational efforts include participating in congressional hearings, briefing sessions, and industry roundtables. By positioning Solana as a thought leader in blockchain innovation, SPI seeks to become a trusted source of insight for decision-makers seeking to regulate this fast-moving sector effectively.
🔆 We are excited to announce the launch of Solana Policy Institute (SPI), a new non-partisan, non-profit focused on educating policymakers on how decentralized networks like @solana are the future infrastructure of the digital economy—and why the people building on and using… pic.twitter.com/0qNjH4Tm0V
— Solana Policy Institute (@SolanaInstitute) March 31, 2025
Who’s Backing the Solana Policy Institute?
While the SPI was launched under the Solana banner, its formation and operation have been supported by a broader coalition of individuals and organizations active in crypto policy circles. Most notably, the Blockchain Association—an influential trade group representing crypto companies in Washington—has played a key role. Kristin Smith’s leadership role within both organizations underscores their collaborative relationship and shared vision for shaping blockchain regulation.
In addition to the Blockchain Association, the Cedar Innovation Foundation has been linked to SPI through its broader political engagement in the blockchain space. While not officially listed as a partner, Cedar’s funding from major players like Coinbase and Ripple Labs, as well as its prior campaign advocacy, suggests a shared ecosystem of influence. Other organizations, such as Jito and Multicoin Capital, both of which are prominent stakeholders in the Solana ecosystem, have also been publicly active in Washington policy discussions, further reinforcing the interconnected web of support behind SPI’s mission.
This broad coalition indicates that SPI’s efforts are not operating in isolation but are part of a larger push by the crypto industry to become more involved in the regulatory process. It reflects a growing awareness among blockchain builders and investors that long-term success will depend not only on technological progress but also on the policy environments in which these technologies operate.
Shaping the Future of U.S. Crypto Policy
The timing of the Solana Policy Institute’s launch is significant. With multiple crypto-related bills under consideration in Congress (including legislation focused on stablecoins, digital asset securities, and market structure), there is an urgent need for informed, balanced perspectives to help guide regulatory development. SPI’s focus on education and engagement positions it as a valuable intermediary between the blockchain industry and Washington’s policymaking apparatus.
By advocating for clear rules and promoting real-world blockchain solutions, SPI is helping to ensure that innovation in the U.S. is not stifled by outdated or overly restrictive policies. More importantly, it is encouraging lawmakers to take a more nuanced approach to digital assets, one that goes beyond Bitcoin and recognizes the diversity of decentralized technologies powering the next generation of the internet.
If SPI succeeds in its mission, it could set a precedent for other blockchain networks and crypto ecosystems to establish similar policy-focused initiatives. This could lead to a more pluralistic and well-informed regulatory landscape in which lawmakers are better equipped to craft legislation that supports both innovation and accountability.
Solana Takes a Policy Leadership Role
The creation of the Solana Policy Institute marks a new and important phase in the relationship between blockchain technology and U.S. public policy. By taking an active role in educating lawmakers, building relationships with regulators, and advocating for clear and fair legislation, SPI is helping to ensure that decentralized innovation has a seat at the table in Washington.
As the regulatory environment around crypto continues to evolve, SPI’s efforts may well shape how policymakers understand and engage with blockchain technology in the years to come. For the Solana ecosystem, this move reflects a broader strategic vision, one that sees policy influence not as a reactive necessity but as a proactive tool for long-term growth, adoption, and legitimacy.
