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July 24, 2026 WSAC NEWS Washington Sets Another Record with Growing Lawsuit
July 24, 2026
<https://flight.us.toucantech.online/track/click/667bd622-3e08-45e4-adf4-d8a679db9be2/0>
WSAC NEWS
Washington Sets Another Record with Growing Lawsuit Costs
Washington’s runaway payouts for government misconduct climbed to $537 million in the past year, as the ever-growing sum continues to strain the state’s finances. And according to a
recent Washington State Association of Counties report <https://flight.us.toucantech.online/track/click/667bd622-3e08-45e4-adf4-d8a679db9be2/1> , county claims are rising rapidly and
liability insurance premiums are up over 380% since 2021. Added costs either lead to higher taxes or reduced public services.
READ MORE <https://flight.us.toucantech.online/track/click/667bd622-3e08-45e4-adf4-d8a679db9be2/2>
WSAC NEWS
Washington Counties Attend the 2026 NACo Annual Conference!
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).
READ MORE <https://flight.us.toucantech.online/track/click/667bd622-3e08-45e4-adf4-d8a679db9be2/3>
WSAC NEWS
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Register Now to Secure Your Early Bird Rates!
The County Leaders Conference, hosted by the Washington State Association of Counties, brings together close to 300 elected/appointed officials and department heads from all of Washington's
39 counties.
Look forward to networking opportunities, learning sessions, and great food! We can't wait to bring back all the fun of last year plus more! Secure your spot now to get $75 off your
full-conference registration and access to our room blocks before they fill up.
REGISTER <https://flight.us.toucantech.online/track/click/667bd622-3e08-45e4-adf4-d8a679db9be2/5>
STATE NEWS
Smoke, Heat Advisory Choke Washington as 100K Acres Burn
As crews battle the blazes on the frontlines, wildfire smoke and hazy skies are beginning to impact local air quality. Especially in Whatcom, Skagit, and eastern counties, sensitive
groups should limit outdoor activity, filter indoor air, and monitor real‑time conditions as shifting winds may worsen smoke at times. Meanwhile, an active heat advisory and dry weather
are fueling concerns that new fires could ignite.
READ MORE <https://flight.us.toucantech.online/track/click/667bd622-3e08-45e4-adf4-d8a679db9be2/6>
WSAC NEWS
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Only 10 Exhibit Tables Left! Reserve Yours & any Sponsorships Before They're Gone
As WSAC's largest event of the year, sponsors and exhibitors at the 2026 County Leaders Conference will have the opportunity to market their services and meet directly with elected county
commissioners, councilmembers, and executives from across the state in one convenient location. Members of affiliate associations, local government agencies, and departmental staff
are also invited, offering endless networking opportunities.
Exhibitor space and sponsorship opportunities are limited, and tables are selling fast. Register today to reserve your spot at County Leaders!
REGISTER <https://flight.us.toucantech.online/track/click/667bd622-3e08-45e4-adf4-d8a679db9be2/8>
PARTNER NEWS
<https://flight.us.toucantech.online/track/click/667bd622-3e08-45e4-adf4-d8a679db9be2/9>
WSAC Welomes Its Newest Associate Member: The County Road Administration Board!
The Washington State County Road Administration Board (CRAB) is a unique, innovative agency that ensures the success and accountability of the state's 39 county road departments. The
agency administers transportation funds, collects and certifies statewide data, and provides support to reach compliance requirements with engineering training, cutting-edge technology,
mentorship and support.
LEARN MORE <https://flight.us.toucantech.online/track/click/667bd622-3e08-45e4-adf4-d8a679db9be2/10>
COUNTY NEWS
King County’s Population Exodus is Mostly Local, IRS Data Shows
Local moves, not a mass exodus, are driving King County population shifts, according to IRS data. People are leaving Seattle for nearby suburbs, while higher‑income households are more
likely to move out of state. The county still attracts new residents, but the inflow no longer outweighs the outflow, signaling a shift in regional housing pressures and migration patterns.
READ MORE <https://flight.us.toucantech.online/track/click/667bd622-3e08-45e4-adf4-d8a679db9be2/11>
COUNTY NEWS
Thurston County Celebrates Achievement Awards
Thurston County celebrated its employees, recognizing 30 programs the National Association of Counties has recognized. During the Board of County Commissioners meeting, leaders emphasized
how these award‑winning efforts strengthen services, support community needs, and reflect the county’s commitment to public service.
READ MORE <https://flight.us.toucantech.online/track/click/667bd622-3e08-45e4-adf4-d8a679db9be2/12>
COUNTY NEWS
Benton County Switches to EXTREME Fire Danger Risk. This is What It Means
On Tuesday, July 21, Benton County officially reached EXTREME fire danger, the highest classification on the Department of Natural Resources fire danger rating system. This is not a
cautionary yellow level warning, but the top of the scale, and it demands immediate attention from every resident in the county. No outdoor burning is allowed. Period.
READ MORE <https://flight.us.toucantech.online/track/click/667bd622-3e08-45e4-adf4-d8a679db9be2/13>
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TUE
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AUGUST 25
Preparing for Large Data Centers: Insights from Local Governments <https://flight.us.toucantech.online/track/click/667bd622-3e08-45e4-adf4-d8a679db9be2/14>
Webinar | $50
TUE
17
NOVEMBER 17-19
County Leaders Conference <https://flight.us.toucantech.online/track/click/667bd622-3e08-45e4-adf4-d8a679db9be2/15>
Pierce County | $475 (Early Bird)
VIEW ALL UPCOMING EVENTS <https://flight.us.toucantech.online/track/click/667bd622-3e08-45e4-adf4-d8a679db9be2/16>
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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
BENTON COUNTY
Finance Manager <https://flight.us.toucantech.online/track/click/667bd622-3e08-45e4-adf4-d8a679db9be2/18>
$116,226 -$141,274/Yr
LEWIS COUNTY
Deputy Prosecuting Attorney III – Criminal <https://flight.us.toucantech.online/track/click/667bd622-3e08-45e4-adf4-d8a679db9be2/19>
$108,802 - $146,316/Yr
VIEW ALL COUNTY JOBS <https://flight.us.toucantech.online/track/click/667bd622-3e08-45e4-adf4-d8a679db9be2/20>
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The mission of the Washington State County Road Administration Board (CRAB) is to preserve and enhance the transportation infrastructure of the 39 Washington State Counties by providing
standards of good practice, fair administration of funding programs, visionary leadership, and integrated, progressive, professional, and technical services.
The transportation systems owned, operated, and maintained by the state's 39 counties include almost 80,000 lane miles of roads, 3,300 bridges, and four ferry systems. The annual county
road department budget exceeds $1.2 billion per year, funded by local property taxes, a share of the state motor vehicle fuel tax, federal and state grants, and other sources.
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