Washington’s public defense system is nearing collapse, and TVW's documentary explores the crisis at its "Tipping Point."

Learn more and watch the full documentary featuring WSAC's Executive Director, @derekmyoung.bsky.social, at the link below:

members.wsac.org/news/advocac...

We had a great launch of the 2026 Legislative Steering Committee today! Thank you to all 75+ county commissioners, councilmembers, executives, and other leaders who attended online and in-person to set up #LocalGovernment for a strong 2026 Legislative Session!

#WAcounties #LocalGov #WAleg

In this episode of the County Connection podcast, the @wadnr.bsky.social Commissioner of Public Lands, Dave Upthegrove, joins us to unpack the challenges and responsibilities of managing the state’s public lands during a time of fiscal constraint and climate change.

rss.com/podcasts/cou...

We just published the FIFTIETH episode of the County Connection! What a way to end the year. If you haven't been listening, be sure to check it out, as this episode features a conversation with Commissioner Lisa Janicki, reflecting on her work as a county commissioner.

rss.com/podcasts/cou...

Thank you to Washington State Association of Counties for having SAO’s Lean expert, Cami Jones, at the County Leaders Conference earlier this month!

Cami’s presentation focused on strategies governments can use to help boost efficiency. Learn more: https://ow.ly/WwQL50XuswQ

Last week, WSAC elected Clallam County Commissioner Mark Ozias as its new President during the 2025 WSAC Membership Meeting. As the WSAC’s 119th President, he will help guide the strategic direction and advance statewide efforts to support and empower #WAcounties.

members.wsac.org/news/members...

Are you attending the Washington State Association of Counties Leaders Conference Nov. 18-20 in Spokane? If so, you won't want to miss SAO's Lean session dedicated to maximizing existing resources to boost efficiency.

Learn more about our no-charge Lean services today: https://ow.ly/9CY650XqMMS

In Spokane County, the Public Defender’s Office reached its caseload limits just 9 days into Sept and 15 days into Oct. Meaning individuals accused of crimes may wait in jail up to 72hrs without legal representation—and then walk free if no attorney can be assigned.

members.wsac.org/news/media/8...

We’re on the hunt for our next Director of Finance & Administration. We offer competitive pay, outstanding benefits, and a workplace culture that values collaboration, flexibility, and fun. We may be slightly biased, but we think it’s a great place to work!

Apply here:
wsac.org/jobs/directo...

King County charged 892 juveniles with crimes last year, a nearly threefold increase from 2021, prompting prosecutors and schools to launch a coordinated intervention strategy aimed at preventing youth violence before it escalates.

www.king5.com/article/news...

This week, Paul Jewell, Government Relations Director for the WSAC, sits down to chat with Snohomish County Councilmembers Jared Mead and Nate Nehring to talk about how to work with the other side of the aisle – even when you don't politically see eye-to-eye.

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The Biggest County Event of the Year!

With well over 150 attendees already registered, this year's County Leaders Conference is going to be one of the best we've ever had – and you're not going to want to miss it!

countyleaders.org

In this week's episode of the County Connection podcast, Paul Jewell, Government Relations Director for WSAC, sits down to chat with Jason Spadaro, Executive Director of the Washington Forest Protection Association, to discuss forest management in Washington State.

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A new policy issued last week allows lawmakers in the state House to auto-delete records within 30 days, reversing a move made amid a lawsuit that alleged legislators were illegally excluding themselves from the state Public Records Act.

www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news...

The County Connection is where we explore the legislative issues shaping the future of our communities. From budgets to public safety, infrastructure to elections, we’ll examine what’s happening in Olympia and how it impacts counties across the Evergreen State.

rss.com/podcasts/cou...