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August 21, 2026 COUNTY NEWS Washington Paid Out $614M in Settlements in
August 21, 2026
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COUNTY NEWS
Washington Paid Out $614M in Settlements in a Year. That Can't Go On
Washington’s growing lawsuit payouts are draining money from the state budget and crowding out public services. The state’s liability system encourages large settlements and needs reform.
Lawmakers need to update tort laws, reduce excessive claims, and protect funding for core programs.
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WESTERN REGION NEWS
As Wildfires Get Worse, Some States Are Struggling to Pass Fire Protection Rules
Wildfires are destroying more homes across the West, but states struggle to adopt consistent fire‑protection rules. Washington, Oregon, and others face challenges over building codes,
vegetation requirements, and wildfire‑risk maps. Experts say stronger statewide standards are needed as fires grow larger and more frequent, leaving many communities vulnerable.
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WSAC NEWS
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There’s Still Time to Secure Your Early Bird Discount & Room! Rates Increase September 1
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/d5926084-c132-4d51-b82b-42e37e40f3bb/4>
COUNTY NEWS
The Path Ahead: CRAB's 2026-30 Strategic Plan
The Washington State County Road Administration Board (CRAB) is updating its 2026–2030 strategic plan after gathering feedback from counties and state partners. Stakeholders praised
CRAB’s expertise but flagged challenges: declining MVFT revenue, preservation needs, and tight budgets. The plan sets two goals—greater visibility and long‑term funding—and outlines
strategies focused on relationships, workforce strength, data stewardship, and efficient grant programs.
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PARTNER NEWS
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WSAC’s New Platinum Partner Harnesses the Power of AI to Offer Customized Solutions
Please join us in celebrating the addition of WSAC's newest high-tier Platinum Partner, Autessa! Built locally in Redmond, Washington, Autessa's Builder Platform harnesses the power
of AI to offer customized solutions to county needs. Counties of all sizes can use the platform for permitting and licensing, forms and applications, compliance and rules libraries,
and secure AI review of large, sensitive document sets, while benefiting from no upfront cost, unlimited users, and no per-seat charge.
LEARN MORE <https://flight.us.toucantech.online/track/click/d5926084-c132-4d51-b82b-42e37e40f3bb/7>
WSAC CIVIC CHAMPION
Grant County’s Jim Anderson Recognized as a WSAC Civic Champion!
Jim Anderson and the Grant County Building & Planning team were honored as WSAC Civic Champions for exceptional service. Jim and his team expedited a short‑plat during a resident’s difficult,
time‑sensitive property sale, showing professionalism, compassion, and strong cross‑agency teamwork. Their quiet, consistent commitment to helping residents reflects the high standard
county staff strive to meet every day.
READ MORE <https://flight.us.toucantech.online/track/click/d5926084-c132-4d51-b82b-42e37e40f3bb/8>
COUNTY NEWS
Thurston County Looks to Ban AI Data Centers For a Year. Are Any Planned Here?
Thurston County may impose a one-year moratorium on new data centers in response to growing concerns about their impact. On Tuesday, the Board of County Commissioners unanimously directed
county staff to return to the board with a proposal for the one-year ban on approving permits for data centers.
READ MORE <https://flight.us.toucantech.online/track/click/d5926084-c132-4d51-b82b-42e37e40f3bb/9>
COUNTY NEWS
New Sales Tax for Public Safety, $20 Car Tabs Approved By County Council
On Wednesday, the Snohomish County Council approved by a 3-2 vote a new sales tax and car-tab fee to help fund public safety and road maintenance. A .01 percent countywide sales tax
increase will take effect in January, predicted to cost the average taxpayer $27 a year. The revenue will support criminal justice. A $20 annual car tab fee will fund road maintenance,
especially in unincorporated areas. The fee will apply to every vehicle registered in unincorporated Snohomish County.
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WSAC NEWS
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Exhibit Tables Sold Out! Waitlist Open. Great Sponsorship Opportunities Still Available
Exhibitor space is now sold out for WSAC’s County Leaders Conference. If you missed out on reserving your table, you can still join the exhibitor waitlist and/or reserve a conference
sponsorship!
Reserving a sponsorship is a strategic way to guarantee your company is represented while elevating the experience for all participants. Great sponsorships are still available, including
our top opportunity, the Opening Luncheon. This brand new sponsorship provides 15 minutes of speaking time to address all attendees. Other great opportunities include WIFI, charging
stations, branded notebooks, breakfast, and more!
REGISTER <https://flight.us.toucantech.online/track/click/d5926084-c132-4d51-b82b-42e37e40f3bb/12>
COUNTY NEWS
Crowdfunding Raises $260K to Save 13 More Acres From Logging in Clallam County
Elwha Legacy Forests Coalition raised money through crowdfunding to purchase the timber rights from a logging company and save 13 acres of trees from the chopping block. In just three
weeks, the Coalition raised $260,000 to preserve Unit 5 of the Doc Holliday forest in the Twin Rivers watershed, roughly between Salt Creek and the Lyre River. The negotiated agreements
compensate the company, the DNR, and the local taxing districts that depend on timber sale revenues.
READ MORE <https://flight.us.toucantech.online/track/click/d5926084-c132-4d51-b82b-42e37e40f3bb/13>
COUNTY NEWS
Suicide Prevention Summit
Join Pierce County for its inaugural Suicide Prevention Summit and Bridge to HOPE 5K on Sept. 18, noon to 7 p.m. The free community event will take place at PenMet Parks Recreation Center,
2524 14th Ave. NW in Gig Harbor. Behavioral health professionals, healthcare providers, first responders, educators, community partners, families and residents will gather to learn,
connect and take action.
READ MORE <https://flight.us.toucantech.online/track/click/d5926084-c132-4d51-b82b-42e37e40f3bb/14>
COUNTY NEWS
Pallet PBC Shelters Available Immediately
Snohomish County is offering 20 insulated, heated Pallet shelters to qualified nonprofits, governments, and tribes at no cost. Recipients will arrange transport from Arlington. The county
also opened an RFP for extreme‑weather shelter operators, with about $931,000 available for sites across the county. Applications are due TODAY, August 21, by 4:00pm PST.
READ MORE <https://flight.us.toucantech.online/track/click/d5926084-c132-4d51-b82b-42e37e40f3bb/15>
STATE NEWS
Help WSDOT Finalize the Washington Freight System Plan
The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) invites you to review and provide feedback on the draft 2026 Freight System Plan by Sept. 13. This plan examines all modes of
freight movement — including trucks, air cargo, rail, barges and cargo ships. It guides policy and investment decisions to address freight mobility needs across the state.
Email FreightPlan@wsdot.wa.gov to share your comments on the draft FSP or comment on this form <https://flight.us.toucantech.online/track/click/d5926084-c132-4d51-b82b-42e37e40f3bb/16>
. Include the section number, specific appendix, and page number. WSDOT will consider all comments in the plan development process.
SURVEY HERE <https://flight.us.toucantech.online/track/click/d5926084-c132-4d51-b82b-42e37e40f3bb/17>
COUNTY NEWS
Clark County Weighs Changes to Regional Waste System, Possible Purchases of Two Vancouver Transfer Stations
Clark County approved a $649,115 contract with HDR Engineering to review how the regional solid waste system should operate. HDR will help the county and cities evaluate governance,
ownership options, and possible changes. The county is also considering buying two Vancouver transfer stations for $1 each to gain more control over rates and future operations.
READ MORE <https://flight.us.toucantech.online/track/click/d5926084-c132-4d51-b82b-42e37e40f3bb/18>
<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/d5926084-c132-4d51-b82b-42e37e40f3bb/19>
Webinar | $50
TUE
17
NOVEMBER 17-19
County Leaders Conference <https://flight.us.toucantech.online/track/click/d5926084-c132-4d51-b82b-42e37e40f3bb/20>
Pierce County | $475 (Early Bird)
VIEW ALL UPCOMING EVENTS <https://flight.us.toucantech.online/track/click/d5926084-c132-4d51-b82b-42e37e40f3bb/21>
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NEW WSAC MEMBER?
Sign into The Hub for county resources & more ways to connect!
SIGN IN HERE <https://flight.us.toucantech.online/track/click/d5926084-c132-4d51-b82b-42e37e40f3bb/22>
<https://wsac.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/WSAC_Legislative_Icons_2021-Social.png> LATEST Job Openings
KITSAP COUNTY
Developmental Disabilities Program Supervisor <https://flight.us.toucantech.online/track/click/d5926084-c132-4d51-b82b-42e37e40f3bb/23>
$99,071.79 - $126,744.82/Yr
CHELAN COUNTY
Solid Waste Manager <https://flight.us.toucantech.online/track/click/d5926084-c132-4d51-b82b-42e37e40f3bb/24>
$7,884 - $10,415/Mo
VIEW ALL COUNTY JOBS <https://flight.us.toucantech.online/track/click/d5926084-c132-4d51-b82b-42e37e40f3bb/25>
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AI has produced a generational shift in software: more affordable, more capable, and better suited to how a department actually works. Built in Redmond, Washington, the Autessa Builder
Platform brings these benefits to counties of all sizes, with no upfront cost, unlimited users, and no per-seat charge.
Counties can use the platform for:
* Permitting and licensing
* Forms and applications
* Compliance and rules libraries
* Secure AI review of large, sensitive document sets
* And additional customizable solutions
Any AI activity operates within the limits the county sets, data stays within the county’s boundaries, and every action is recorded and auditable.
Autessa is certified to ISO 42001 and ISO 27001, audited under SOC 2 Type II, aligned to NIST 800-53, and compliant with HIPAA and GDPR.
Autessa is offering to build working pilots for WSAC members at no cost.
LEARN MORE <https://flight.us.toucantech.online/track/click/d5926084-c132-4d51-b82b-42e37e40f3bb/28>
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