Learn

Learning Resources

WSAC is committed to learning and educational opportunities for members, county staff, affiliates, the public, and students of all ages. There is so much to learn about county government, the role of an elected official, or the many programs and services that are integral to the success and well-being of your communities. We offer a variety of learning options to meet your on-demand needs. Our content changes frequently so check back often. If there is a subject you’d like to learn more about then let us know!

General Resources

Online Courses

Leadership. Growth. Collaboration.

County Development Institute

The County Development Institute of Washington is a collaboration between the Washington State Association of Counties (WSAC) and Washington Counties Risk Pool (WCRP). The County Development Institute provides county leaders in Washington state with trainings on various topics.

Visit CDIWA Website

Boost your County Knowledge

CDIWA On-Demand Trainings

CDIWA is now offering on-demand trainings that are publicly available for county professionals on various topics with more to be added in the future.

Currently available courses:

  • Water 101
  • Water 102
  • Timber 101
  • Timber 102
  • Timber 103
  • Housing Policy & Resources 101

Please check back later for additional courses and topics!

View On-Demand Trainings

County Webinars & News

Webinars Scheduled Weekly

WSAC Virtual Assembly

The weekly WSAC Virtual Assembly gives updates on county issues, provides opportunities to network and learn from peers on a variety of current and emerging issues facing counties, and to learn from Agency leaders around the state and in D.C.

Register for Virtual AssembliesView Past Virtual Assemblies

Subscribe to Our Newsletter Today!

Weekly and Quarterly County News!

WSAC offers multiple publications for members and non-members. The publications are free of charge and open for subscription.

  • WAcounties Weekly – Your weekly newsletter sharing the most pertinent updates, articles, events, grants, and other information straight to your inbox every Friday!
  • WAcounties Quarterly – A quarterly email highlighting resources, events, and valuable content from training providers and agencies.
  • The Legislative Bulletin – Weekly publication during legislative session that provides county specific legislative activity happening in Olympia.
Subscribe to our Newsletters

Learn About Counties

Learn About Washington Counties

County Government 101

Are you a Washington state student or citizen seeking education on how county government works? You’ve come to the right place!

Counties are remnants of British mode of government, where lands were divided into ‘shires’ and ruled regionally. Everyone in Washington lives in one of 39 counties that make up the state. The effective thing about counties is that they are hyper local – county officials are from the county they are working for!

Learn More about Counties

Student & Teacher Resources

Learn More About Counties and County Government!

Are you a Washington state student, teacher or parent seeking education on how county government works? We offer resources and materials to help teach young people how county governments operates.

  • Washington Road Trip – Get a scenic, educational and historic tour of Washington state through the lens of each of our state’s 39 counties. Learn More
  • iCivics & Counties Work – A full curriculum to educate students, grades 6 through 12, about the important role and functions of county government. The curriculum — along with the online game, “Counties Work” — assists teachers with preparing lessons on county government. Learn More
  • County Spotlights – Find out all about Washington’s 39 counties, including links to in-depth pages on each individual county. Find county logos, establish date, a photo of the county courthouse and links to each county website. Learn More
  • Request a County Speaker! – Are you a Washington teacher thats wants to hear from a county leader on county government? Reach out to us by clicking the link below to request a county leader come speak in your classroom. Request Speaker Form