This April, we celebrate the critical role counties play in shaping our communities and making a positive impact. In Washington State, counties are leaders, bringing innovative solutions, building resilience, and being a voice for their constituents in Olympia. Our theme this year, “Voices of Impact,” highlights how important our county voices are in our state. Counties foster economic growth, ensure public safety, drive democracy, promote health, maintain our infrastructure, protect our environment, and well, too much more to list.
With this in mind, we want to take the month of April to highlight many of the outstanding things our counties do, whether it’s on their own or in partnership with others. It’s in that spirit of collaboration that we will highlight many of our affiliate groups and departments that we work so closely with! Stay tuned throughout the month for messages about these important voices that make an impact on our communities. Share them, send us your stories, and get ready for a box of SWAG to share with your fellow elected officials and staff!
Each April we join colleagues across the nation in celebrating National County Government Month—a time to highlight the essential role counties play in the daily lives of our residents. This year, as the Washington State Association of Counties embraces the theme “We Are WA Counties, 39 Counties Strong” we stand united with the National Association of Counties and its new “We Are Counties” campaign.
NACo’s “We Are Counties” initiative reminds us that while this work is vital, it is not always well-understood. We are being encouraged to tell our story more clearly and consistently, highlighting how counties serve as the foundation of local governance and community well-being. In Washington, that story is of course strengthened by collaboration through WSAC, which for more than a century has brought together commissioners, councilmembers, and executives to advocate, share knowledge, and advance solutions for our communities.
“We Are WA Counties” is more than a slogan – it reflects the collective strength of all of counties working together to address complex challenges every day. It also reflects the power of a unified voice, ensuring that county priorities are heard at both the state and federal levels.
– Clallam County Commissioner and WSAC President, Mark Ozias
This year, WSAC is launching the, Civic Champion Award! In each of your Swag bags, you’ll be receiving a gorgeous Civic Champion Award pin! Carefully consider a staff member in your county who should be recognized for going above and beyond to help your thrive! Download this award certificate to fill out and share with them, along with the Civic Champion pin!
Be sure to share a photo of them with their award and a short description about their achievement online using the hashtags #WeAreWACounties and #WeAreCounties, and don’t forget to tag us on social media using @WACounties!
