Washington Goes to D.C.

This week, the Washington State Association of Counties (WSAC) proudly joined county leaders from across the country at the National Association of Counties (NACo) 2026 Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C., to make our voices heard!

Washington Counties Show Up

30 county commissioners and officials from across Washington State, along with WSAC staff, traveled to the nation’s capital to engage in policy discussions, connect with federal partners, and advocate for county priorities. From coastal communities to Eastern Washington, our delegation represented the full breadth and diversity of the Evergreen State, bringing local perspectives directly to federal decision-makers.

The NACo Legislative Conference agenda covered a wide range of timely and critical topics, including intergovernmental relations, transportation and infrastructure investment, disaster response and resilience, behavioral health funding, public lands, and federal regulatory reform. For Washington’s counties, these conversations directly affect the roads we maintain, the health systems we operate, and the emergency services we provide every day.

Elevating WSAC’s 2026 Federal Priorities

With WSAC’s 2026 Federal Priority Agenda in hand, our members met with five members of Washington’s congressional delegation, as well as both of our U.S. Senators—Maria Cantwell and Patty Murray. These meetings provided valuable opportunities to highlight the critical federal-state-local partnership that keeps our communities running.

Among the key issues discussed:

• Intergovernmental Relations & Local Control – WSAC reaffirmed counties’ commitment to the importance of direct federal funding, permitting reform, and fully funded shared responsibilities. Counties stand ready to partner; however, unfunded mandates and federal overreach shift costs to local taxpayers.
• Transportation & Infrastructure – Counties nationwide invest billions annually in transportation systems, including nearly $1 billion in Washington alone. Yet significant funding gaps remain for county roads, bridges, and ferries. Enhanced road safety investments and technical assistance are essential to keep our communities connected.
• Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) – With large portions of federally owned land in many Washington counties, long-term or permanent reauthorization of PILT is vital to fairly compensate counties for tax-exempt lands and the services provided on them.
• Secure Rural Schools (SRS) – For timber-dependent communities, SRS funding supports essential local services. WSAC advocated for permanent reauthorization, inflation-adjusted funding, and strong local representation on Resource Advisory Committees.
• Disaster Response & FEMA Reform – Counties play a frontline role in disaster preparedness and recovery. WSAC urged Congress to improve FEMA reimbursement processes and increase funding for emergency management and mitigation grants.
• Behavioral Health & Medicaid Policy – Counties are central to delivering behavioral health services. WSAC called for sustained or increased funding through SAMHSA block grants and highlighted the need to address the Medicaid Inmate Exclusion Policy (MIEP), which disrupts continuity of care for individuals, particularly those with complex medical and behavioral health needs, prior to conviction and in preparation for an incarcerated individual's release.

Partnership in Action

Beyond the formal meetings, the conference provided invaluable opportunities for collaboration, idea-sharing, and strengthening relationships with counties across the country. Whether discussing infrastructure innovations, public lands policy, or behavioral health systems, Washington’s county leaders brought practical, solutions-oriented perspectives to the table.

The week was busy (as all good D.C. trips are), but it was also energizing. When 30 county leaders from Washington State walk the halls of Congress together, the message is clear: counties are essential partners in delivering services, building infrastructure, and strengthening communities.

WSAC is proud of the strong Washington delegation that represented our state so well at NACo’s 2026 Legislative Conference. We return home informed, inspired, and ready to continue advancing policies that support local control, fiscal sustainability, and resilient communities across Washington.

Because when counties work, Washington works.

View the photos here.