HomeMy WebLinkAbout080726 - WAcounties Weekly _ August 7_ 2026ALERT: BE CAUTIOUS This email originated outside the organization. Do not open attachments or click on links if you are not expecting them.
August 7, 2026 STATE NEWS Governor Ferguson Declares Statewide Wildfire Emergency, Issues
August 7, 2026
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STATE NEWS
Governor Ferguson Declares Statewide Wildfire Emergency, Issues Statewide Burn Ban
Governor Bob Ferguson declared a statewide state of emergency due to our drought conditions, unusually high temperatures and high winds all exacerbating our record-setting wildfires.
The declaration includes a statewide prohibition on most outdoor and agricultural burning through September 30, 2026.
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COUNTY NEWS
Power Cut to Thousands, Evacuations Remain as Crews Work to Contain Historic Wildfires Raging in Northwest
A historic wildfire emergency has forced at least 65,000 people from their homes, completely upending local communities as the most destructive wildfire in Washington state history tears
through the region. The Spokane Complex Fire has destroyed over 700 structures and scorched more than 10,000 acres, leaving neighborhoods shattered and completely unrecognizable. Meanwhile,
crews continue to work around the clock to increase containment.
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WSAC NEWS
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Secure Your Early Bird Rates and Room!
Early-bird registration is available until August 31st for WSAC's largest event of the year: the County Leaders Conference! Don't miss out on joining 300 elected/appointed officials
and department heads from all 39 counties in Washington for networking, knowledge sharing, professional development, keynote presentations, and fun!
Register today to lock in your early-bird discount on your full-conference registration and access our hotel room block rate before they fill up! First-time conference attendees also
enjoy a special rate.
REGISTER <https://flight.us.toucantech.online/track/click/4bf41bd8-e91e-4a90-a1f0-bb374f0907cb/4>
COUNTY NEWS
Yakima County Commissioners Consider Temporary Moratorium on Data Centers
The Yakima Board of County Commissioners unanimously directed staff to prepare a resolution for a six-month moratorium on data centers. Dozens of residents expressed concerns about data
centers' effects on water resources, agriculture, energy use, health and the environment during a recent work session. Yakima County currently has no specific code language addressing
data centers, and the moratorium would give officials time to determine whether to regulate, permit or prohibit them.
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COUNTY NEWS
King County To Reclaim $159M in Homelessness Contracts
Last week, the City of Seattle and King County announced plans to reclaim control of more than $159 million in homelessness service contracts from the King County Regional Homelessness
Authority (KCRHA) beginning in January 2027.
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STATE NEWS
What the Data Center Boom Means for Washington Local Governments
Data centers are growing, both in the total being built and in the size of the proposed facilities. What are some of the benefits and costs data centers bring to local communities? While
a state workgroup evaluates this, some local governments are pausing new development.
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WSAC NEWS
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Only THREE Exhibit Tables Left! Top Sponsorship Opportunities Still Available
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/4bf41bd8-e91e-4a90-a1f0-bb374f0907cb/9>
STATE NEWS
Washington Wildfire Emergency: Support and Resources From the Department of Commerce
Washington is currently under a State of Emergency due to severe wildfires impacting communities across the state. We are aware that some people have lost their homes, hearts are breaking
and communities are rallying to support and rebuild. Many communities are facing urgent needs. The Department of Commerce is committed to supporting people, communities, and partners
through immediate response and long-term recovery efforts.
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STATE NEWS
Wildfire Smoke in Seattle: What to Know as Unhealthy Air Hits Western Washington
Wildfire smoke from Washington, Oregon and Canada is expected to worsen air quality across western Washington through midweek. Health officials warn air quality could reach unhealthy
levels, especially for children, older adults and people with heart or lung conditions. Officials warn residents to monitor the Air Quality Index, limit outdoor activity when smoke
is heavy, and take steps to reduce indoor smoke exposure.
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STATE & FEDERAL NEWS
Increase Access to Healthcare in Rural Communities Through Funding Program
The Rural Health Transformation (RHT) Program empowers states to strengthen rural communities across America by improving healthcare access, quality, and outcomes by transforming the
healthcare delivery ecosystem. Through innovative system-wide change, the RHT Program invests in the rural healthcare delivery ecosystem for future generations.
Applications for the RHT Program Provider Technology Fund (RFA 2026HCA12) are due August 13, with awards expected this fall. More information can be found on the Washington State Health
Care Authority's website <https://flight.us.toucantech.online/track/click/4bf41bd8-e91e-4a90-a1f0-bb374f0907cb/12> and on the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services' website <https://flight.us.to
ucantech.online/track/click/4bf41bd8-e91e-4a90-a1f0-bb374f0907cb/13> .
READ MORE <https://flight.us.toucantech.online/track/click/4bf41bd8-e91e-4a90-a1f0-bb374f0907cb/14>
<https://unlayer-hqpnbzmtervc8.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/%2F1705611441075-425944.png> Upcoming Events
TUE
25
AUGUST 25
Preparing for Large Data Centers: Insights from Local Governments <https://flight.us.toucantech.online/track/click/4bf41bd8-e91e-4a90-a1f0-bb374f0907cb/15>
Webinar | $50
TUE
17
NOVEMBER 17-19
County Leaders Conference <https://flight.us.toucantech.online/track/click/4bf41bd8-e91e-4a90-a1f0-bb374f0907cb/16>
Pierce County | $475 (Early Bird)
VIEW ALL UPCOMING EVENTS <https://flight.us.toucantech.online/track/click/4bf41bd8-e91e-4a90-a1f0-bb374f0907cb/17>
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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
Accounting Assistant IV – Payroll <https://flight.us.toucantech.online/track/click/4bf41bd8-e91e-4a90-a1f0-bb374f0907cb/19>
$5,147 - $6,847/Mo
KITSAP COUNTY
Clerk of the Board <https://flight.us.toucantech.online/track/click/4bf41bd8-e91e-4a90-a1f0-bb374f0907cb/20>
$33.96 - $43.44/Hr
VIEW ALL COUNTY JOBS <https://flight.us.toucantech.online/track/click/4bf41bd8-e91e-4a90-a1f0-bb374f0907cb/21>
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WSAC's NACo Edge Partner, Savi, helps county members navigate the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program and unlock other repayment benefits. PSLF is a federal program that forgives
the remaining balance on eligible federal student loans for borrowers who work full-time for qualifying public service employers after they make 120 payments.
Across 32 NACo county clients, Savi has helped members manage their student debt and unlock federal forgiveness and repayment benefits with the following results:
* $243M in total student debt managed (average of $61,505 per user)
* $130M in projected federal loan forgiveness (average of $44,230 per qualifying user, primarily government employees)
* 20,000+ borrowers (residents and employees) engaged with SAVI’s education and guidance resources
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