HomeMy WebLinkAbout013026 WAcounties Weekly _ January 30_ 2026ALERT: BE CAUTIOUS This email originated outside the organization. Do not open attachments or click on links if you are not expecting them.
January 30, 2026 COUNTY NEWS Skagit County's North Star Initiative Wins Project
January 30, 2026
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COUNTY NEWS
Skagit County’s North Star Initiative Wins Project of Impact Award
More than 500 people experience homelessness in Skagit County on any given night, with too few treatment beds and one of the lowest housing vacancy rates in Washington. In 2022, Skagit
County’s leaders launched North Star—All Skagit Thriving to change that.
The effort unites county and city governments, first responders, housing providers, health organizations, and community leaders to ensure every resident has access to safe housing and
essential care.
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STATE NEWS
Washington Eyes Arbitration for Lawsuits Against Government as Costs Soar
Washington’s escalating legal costs — with billions of dollars in lawsuit payouts slamming state and local governments — have led state lawmakers to consider legislation forcing anyone
suing public agencies to go through arbitration before taking cases to a jury.
The proposal, Senate Bill 6239, is the first serious effort by majority Democrats to rein in the ballooning tort liability costs that have put the state’s self-insurance fund $1 billion
in the red.
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PARTNER NEWS
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WSAC Announces Newest Platinum Partner: WCIF!
We’re thrilled to share that the Washington Counties Insurance Fund (WCIF) has amplified its dedication to serving Washington's counties, upgrading to the high-tier Platinum level of
WSAC's Corporate Member Program. Learn more about WCIF's services and how to get in touch with their dedicated team by visiting WSAC's Solutions Center.
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COUNTY NEWS
Take MRSC’s Customer Satisfaction Survey
How can MRSC better serve you? Take MRSC’s customer satisfaction survey to share your thoughts on their website, training program, Ask MRSC service, and e-newsletters. Your responses
will help shape MRSC’s local government services now and in the future.
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COUNTY NEWS
Got Waste? What to Know About the New System for Annual Dangerous Waste Reports
This year, annual dangerous waste reports must be submitted by March 1st through a new online platform. Learn how these changes will impact dangerous waste reporting and recordkeeping
for your public agency.
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STATE NEWS
Informal Comment Period Open for Chapter 246-90 WAC Updates
The Washington State Board of Health would like your feedback on possible updates to the Local Board of Health Composition rules. These updates are required by a new state law, ESHB
1946, which directs the Board to establish a timeline for adding Tribal representatives to local boards of health.
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WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
Advancing Local Government Through Skill-Based Recruitment
Local governments are at a pivotal moment. As retirements accelerate and community needs shift, traditional hiring methods are no longer enough to build resilient, diverse teams. More
than half of U.S. states, including the State of Washington, have adopted policies encouraging skills-based hiring. In states with these policies, 22 out of 25 saw their share of job
postings without degree requirements increase (National Governors Association, 2024). This shift is helping governments address talent shortages and diversify their workforce. To meet
today’s challenges, local governments must embrace skill-based recruitment—an approach that values practical abilities and real-world experience.
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NACO NEWS
Apply Now! NACo Initiatives and Cohorts
NACo partners with thought leaders, industry partners and philanthropic organizations to identify and elevate best practices in key areas of county responsibility. NACo programming enhances
public understanding of county government and supports the learning and development of America’s county leaders.
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<https://members.wsac.org/emailimages/1705611441075-425944.png> Upcoming Events
WED
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FEBRUARY 11 @ 10:00AM
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Webinar | $50
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FEBRUARY 12 @ 11:00AM
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NEW WSAC MEMBER?
Sign into The Hub for county resources & more ways to connect!
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<https://wsac.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/WSAC_Legislative_Icons_2021-Social.png> LATEST Job Openings
THURSTON COUNTY
Procurement & Contract Specialist II <https://members.wsac.org/admin-portal/email-engine/link/MjkzNzkxLTFjMDEzZlZNTEFYYQ==/14/C5M9pxn90Cfz4hRWwxtyvu8nsVKVlXb1LZKQmLPwqPkpd5PhWES1Qoo---slash---AZAkpwR
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$6,569-$8,738/Mo
CLARK COUNTY
Court Assistant III <https://members.wsac.org/admin-portal/email-engine/link/MjkzNzkxLTFjMDEzZlZNTEFYYQ==/15/4uqXJP---slash---ucqdU34MNDEF8YmwLuJ7kQFO5KZiSVy8Xh4UzO3MqKOStEkXlnbBSAwX---plus---PnKnyn1
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$28.12 – $37.96/Hr
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WCIF was established in 1958 by the Washington State Association of Counties to provide more cost-efficient health insurance for county employees. Today, WCIF provides a comprehensive
suite of health and welfare benefit options, as well as full-service benefits support to local public servants across the State of Washington.
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FOLLOW US
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FACEBOOK
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LINKEDIN
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