County Connection

Washington State Association of Counties
  • 5.0 (6)
  • GOVERNMENT
  • UPDATED BIMONTHLY

County Connection is the official podcast of the Washington State Association of Counties—where we dive into the legislative issues shaping the future of our communities. From budgets to public safety, infrastructure to elections, we’ll break down what’s happening in Olympia and how it impacts counties across the Evergreen State. Stay informed, stay engaged, and join us as we amplify the voice of Washington’s 39 counties.

  1. The County Connection | The Future of Recycling in Washington – Episode 205

    1D AGO

    The County Connection | The Future of Recycling in Washington – Episode 205

    From paint cans to fast fashion, Washington’s counties are tackling big changes in solid waste management. In this episode, Paul Jewell and Travis Dutton break down new proposals to expand paint stewardship, introduce textile recycling, and even revive the bottle deposit debate. Learn how these Extended Producer Responsibility programs could reshape local recycling systems and reduce environmental impacts. Tune in for a fast-paced look at what’s coming down the legislative pipeline. Recorded: January 16, 2026 ---------- County Connection is the official podcast of the Washington State Association of Counties—where we dive into the legislative issues shaping the future of our communities. From budgets to public safety, infrastructure to elections, we’ll break down what’s happening in Olympia and how it impacts counties across the Evergreen State. Stay informed, stay engaged, and join us as we amplify the voice of Washington’s 39 counties. ---------- Learn more at wsac.org Register on The Hub Follow us: LinkedInFacebookInstagramBSKY

    24 min
  2. The County Connection | Navigating Public Safety and Human Services in 2026 – Episode 204

    1D AGO

    The County Connection | Navigating Public Safety and Human Services in 2026 – Episode 204

    The 2026 legislative session is heating up with friction between state and federal priorities. From immigration enforcement and emergency management protocols to Medicaid impacts and behavioral health funding, counties are caught in the crossfire. Join Paul Jewell and Brad Banks as they unpack the bills, budget challenges, and political dynamics shaping public safety and human services this year. Stay tuned for insights on what’s coming next for Washington’s 39 counties. Recorded: January 16, 2026 ---------- County Connection is the official podcast of the Washington State Association of Counties—where we dive into the legislative issues shaping the future of our communities. From budgets to public safety, infrastructure to elections, we’ll break down what’s happening in Olympia and how it impacts counties across the Evergreen State. Stay informed, stay engaged, and join us as we amplify the voice of Washington’s 39 counties. ---------- Learn more at wsac.org Register on The Hub Follow us: LinkedInFacebookInstagramBSKY

    23 min
  3. The County Connection | The State of Public Defense – Episode 203

    1D AGO

    The County Connection | The State of Public Defense – Episode 203

    Washington counties are facing a full-blown public defense crisis. In this episode, Paul Jewell and Curtis Steinhauer break down why new caseload standards, skyrocketing costs, and limited state support are pushing local justice systems to the edge. From legislative fixes to a high-stakes lawsuit, hear what’s at stake and what counties are doing to protect a constitutional right. Tune in for the inside scoop on one of the most urgent issues of the 2026 session. Recorded: January 15, 2026 ---------- County Connection is the official podcast of the Washington State Association of Counties—where we dive into the legislative issues shaping the future of our communities. From budgets to public safety, infrastructure to elections, we’ll break down what’s happening in Olympia and how it impacts counties across the Evergreen State. Stay informed, stay engaged, and join us as we amplify the voice of Washington’s 39 counties. ---------- Learn more at wsac.org Register on The Hub Follow us: LinkedInFacebookInstagramBSKY

    26 min
  4. The County Connection | At the Intersection of Nature and Policy: Counties, Conservation, and Collaboration – Episode 202

    2D AGO

    The County Connection | At the Intersection of Nature and Policy: Counties, Conservation, and Collaboration – Episode 202

    As the legislative session accelerates, this episode of County Connection examines what comes next for counties navigating uncertainty at the Capitol. Paul Jewell and the Nature Conservancy's State Government Relations Director, Skippy Shaw, unpack emerging policy themes, budget pressures, and the behind-the-scenes advocacy shaping county priorities. The conversation highlights where counties are finding momentum, where concerns are growing, and how local leaders can stay engaged as decisions take shape. It’s a clear, timely snapshot of the issues counties are watching most closely right now. Recorded: January 14, 2026 ---------- County Connection is the official podcast of the Washington State Association of Counties—where we dive into the legislative issues shaping the future of our communities. From budgets to public safety, infrastructure to elections, we’ll break down what’s happening in Olympia and how it impacts counties across the Evergreen State. Stay informed, stay engaged, and join us as we amplify the voice of Washington’s 39 counties. ---------- Learn more at wsac.org Register on The Hub Follow us: LinkedInFacebookInstagramBSKY

    23 min
  5. The County Connection | The Sleighing of Public Health – Episode 201

    2D AGO

    The County Connection | The Sleighing of Public Health – Episode 201

    As the 2026 legislative session kicks off, the County Connection podcast dives straight into the deep end—budget deficits, public health funding, and the tough choices facing lawmakers in Olympia. Host Paul Jewell is joined by Jamie Bodden of the Washington State Association of Public Health Officials (WSALPHO) for a candid, fast-moving conversation on a potential 40% rollback to foundational public health services and what it means for counties. From emotional committee hearings to bipartisan policy fixes, this episode breaks down what’s at stake and how county leaders can engage early. It’s an unfiltered look at a challenging session—and why county voices matter more than ever. Recorded: January 14, 2026 ---------- County Connection is the official podcast of the Washington State Association of Counties—where we dive into the legislative issues shaping the future of our communities. From budgets to public safety, infrastructure to elections, we’ll break down what’s happening in Olympia and how it impacts counties across the Evergreen State. Stay informed, stay engaged, and join us as we amplify the voice of Washington’s 39 counties. ---------- Learn more at wsac.org Register on The Hub Follow us: LinkedInFacebookInstagramBSKY

    22 min
  6. The County Connection | Seeing the Forest Through the Trees – Episode 020

    JAN 5

    The County Connection | Seeing the Forest Through the Trees – Episode 020

    Washington State Public Lands Commissioner Dave Upthegrove joins County Connection to unpack the challenges and responsibilities of managing the state’s public lands during a time of fiscal constraint and climate change. From wildfire prevention and recreation access to trust lands and rural economies, this episode offers a candid look at how state and county priorities intersect on the ground. Recorded: December 2, 2025 ---------- County Connection is the official podcast of the Washington State Association of Counties—where we dive into the legislative issues shaping the future of our communities. From budgets to public safety, infrastructure to elections, we’ll break down what’s happening in Olympia and how it impacts counties across the Evergreen State. Stay informed, stay engaged, and join us as we amplify the voice of Washington’s 39 counties. ---------- Learn more at wsac.org Register on The Hub Follow us: LinkedInFacebookInstagramBSKY

    1h 7m
  7. The County Connection | Reflecting on Lessons Learned as a County Commissioner – Episode 019

    12/29/2025

    The County Connection | Reflecting on Lessons Learned as a County Commissioner – Episode 019

    This week, Paul Jewell, Government Relations Director at the Washington State Association of Counties, sits down to chat with Commissioner Lisa Janicki to reflect on her work as a county commissioner and member of the WSAC Executive Team & Board of Directors. Recorded: November 19, 2025 ---------- County Connection is the official podcast of the Washington State Association of Counties—where we dive into the legislative issues shaping the future of our communities. From budgets to public safety, infrastructure to elections, we’ll break down what’s happening in Olympia and how it impacts counties across the Evergreen State. Stay informed, stay engaged, and join us as we amplify the voice of Washington’s 39 counties. ---------- Learn more at wsac.org Register on The Hub Follow us: LinkedInFacebookInstagramBSKY

    43 min
  8. The County Connection | County Cybersecurity Horrors – Episode 018

    12/19/2025

    The County Connection | County Cybersecurity Horrors – Episode 018

    No, this isn't a late Halloween episode, this is the reality counties are facing and what your county should be doing to ensure their data is secure! This week, Derek Young, Executive Director at the Washington State Association of Counties, sits down to chat with Crowe to discuss all things online security! Learn more about Crowe. Recorded: October 28, 2025 ---------- County Connection is the official podcast of the Washington State Association of Counties—where we dive into the legislative issues shaping the future of our communities. From budgets to public safety, infrastructure to elections, we’ll break down what’s happening in Olympia and how it impacts counties across the Evergreen State. Stay informed, stay engaged, and join us as we amplify the voice of Washington’s 39 counties. ---------- Learn more at wsac.org Register on The Hub Follow us: LinkedInFacebookInstagramBSKY

    42 min
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Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

County Connection is the official podcast of the Washington State Association of Counties—where we dive into the legislative issues shaping the future of our communities. From budgets to public safety, infrastructure to elections, we’ll break down what’s happening in Olympia and how it impacts counties across the Evergreen State. Stay informed, stay engaged, and join us as we amplify the voice of Washington’s 39 counties.

Information

  • Creator
    Washington State Association of Counties
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    56
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © WSAC 2025
  • Show Website
    County Connection