Attention: You are using an outdated browser, device or you do not have the latest version of JavaScript downloaded and so this website may not work as expected. Please download the latest software or switch device to avoid further issues.
| 25 Jul 2026 | |
| Written by Mitch Netzer | |
| Media |
Last week, county electeds and staff from Washington gathered with their peers from around the country in Orleans Parish, LA, for the National Association of Counties (NACo) Annual Conference and Exposition. Washington was well represented by its county delegates from around the state and by staff members from the Washington State Association of Counties (WSAC).
Attendees participated in committee and caucus meetings, learned from subject-matter experts, gathered resources, and networked to bring back practical solutions and resources to best serve their communities. Sessions ranged from mental health to data centers and offered learning and best practices on the full range of county responsibilities and domestic policy issues.
NACo membership also elected new leadership and set the organization's policy priorities during the Annual Business Meeting. In his first act as President, Commissioner George Dunlap (Mecklenburg County, NC) appointed caucus and committee leadership to represent counties at the federal level. Please join us in congratulating those representing Washington at the National Association of Counties!
Full caucus and committee assignments will be finalized at the end of the month. NACo membership also recently approved expanded opportunities to serve on policy committees. If you’re interested in serving, contact WSAC Executive Director Derek Young.
Please join us in congratulating all of those representing Washington state at the National Association of Counties!
| NAME | COUNTY | COMMITTEE/COUNCIL | POSITION | SUBCOMMITTEE |
| Hon. Amanda McKinney | Yakima County | Agriculture and Rural Affairs Policy Steering Committee | Vice Chair | |
| Hon. Katie Walters | Kitsap County | Arts and Culture Innovation Council | Vice Chair | |
| Hon. Katie Walters | Kitsap County | Community, Economic and Workforce Development Policy Steering Committee | Subcommittee Vice Chair | Economic Development Subcommittee |
| Hon. Sean Swope | Lewis County | Environment, Energy and Land Use Policy Steering Committee | Subcommittee Chair | Energy Subcommittee |
| Hon. Amber Waldref | Spokane County | Health Policy Steering Committee | Subcommittee Vice Chair | Behavioral Health Subcommittee |
| Hon. Teresa Mosqueda | King County | Health Policy Steering Committee | Subcommittee Vice Chair | Medicaid and Indigent Care Subcommittee |
| Hon. Jani Hitchen | Pierce County | Human Services and Education Policy Steering Committee | Vice Chair | |
| Mr. Sam Kim | Grays Harbor County | Information Technology Standing Committee | Vice Chair | |
| Carolina Mejia | Thurston County | Justice and Public Safety Policy Steering Committee | Subcommittee Vice Chair | Courts and Corrections Subcommittee |
| Hon. Brian Sullivan | Snohomish County | Transportation Policy Steering Committee | Vice Chair | |
| Mrs. Cathrene Nichols | Spokane County | Veterans and Military Services Advisory Council | Vice Chair |
Please consider joining us at next year's NACo Legislative Conference in February and the NACo Annual Conference and Expo in July of 2027!
Media Contact:
Mitch Netzer
Director of Communications and Business Development
mnetzer@wsac.org
Liability costs are rising rapidly for Washington counties, putting essential services and the public at risk. More...
The Washington State Association of Counties Welcomes Mike Hoover as Senior Policy Director & General Counsel More...
WA counties face a triple threat to their budgets: property taxes capped below inflation, skyrocketing legal liabilities, and the responsibility of de… More...
