County Connection

What if one of the most powerful resources for local government was hiding in plain sight? In this episode, Paul sits down with MRSC Executive Director Melanie Harding to unpack how the Municipal Research and Services Center helps counties navigate everything from policy and legal guidance to training and real-world solutions. From free expert support to a massive library of ready-to-use documents, MRSC is a game-changer for both elected officials and staff. Tune in to learn how this under-the-radar resource can save you time, money, and headaches ...and why more counties should be tapping into it.Recorded: June 9, 2026----------County Connection is the official podcast of the Washington State Association of Counties—where we dive into the legislative issues shaping the future of our communities. From budgets to public safety, infrastructure to elections, we’ll break down what’s happening in Olympia and how it impacts counties across the Evergreen State. Stay informed, stay engaged, and join us as we amplify the voice of Washington’s 39 counties.----------Learn more at wsac.orgRegister on The HubFollow us:LinkedInFacebookInstagramBSKY

In this episode, Paul Jewell and Jamie Bodden break down the frenzy of mid‑session as fiscal cutoffs hit, floor action heats up, and dozens of bills race against the clock. They dive into key county‑impacting legislation, including the sprawling local government fiscal relief bill, public health tools, and early wins on certification and preventive‑services bills. The duo also shares a behind‑the‑scenes look at the chaos of simultaneous hearings—and the literal running it takes to cover both chambers. A fast, funny, inside‑Olympia episode perfect for anyone tracking session.Recorded: February 12, 2026----------County Connection is the official podcast of the Washington State Association of Counties—where we dive into the legislative issues shaping the future of our communities. From budgets to public safety, infrastructure to elections, we’ll break down what’s happening in Olympia and how it impacts counties across the Evergreen State. Stay informed, stay engaged, and join us as we amplify the voice of Washington’s 39 counties.----------Learn more at wsac.orgRegister on The HubFollow us:LinkedInFacebookInstagramBSKY

This week, Paul Jewell and Kelsey Hulse dig into the fast‑growing, and often confusing world of agritourism, from pumpkin patches and petting zoos to tasting rooms, weddings, and goat yoga. They unpack why lawmakers are split between expanding agritourism opportunities and tightening guardrails to protect rural communities, roads, and public safety. With multiple bills on the move and no statewide definition in place, the conversation is ripe for reform. Join them as they explore what it will take to cultivate a clear, workable framework for farmers and counties alike.Recorded: January 30, 2026----------County Connection is the official podcast of the Washington State Association of Counties—where we dive into the legislative issues shaping the future of our communities. From budgets to public safety, infrastructure to elections, we’ll break down what’s happening in Olympia and how it impacts counties across the Evergreen State. Stay informed, stay engaged, and join us as we amplify the voice of Washington’s 39 counties.----------Learn more at wsac.orgRegister on The HubFollow us:LinkedInFacebookInstagramBSKY

In this episode, Paul Jewell and Axel Swanson dig into the whirlwind start of week three, from storm impacts across the state to the massive responsibilities counties shoulder in maintaining 60% of Washington’s road system. They break down budget priorities, emerging funding fixes, and why collaboration between jurisdictions matters more than ever. Axel also sheds light on culvert replacements, infrastructure funding sweeps, and a decades‑old gas tax error now demanding attention. It’s a fast‑moving, high‑stakes look at the systems that keep Washington moving.Recorded: January 26, 2026----------County Connection is the official podcast of the Washington State Association of Counties—where we dive into the legislative issues shaping the future of our communities. From budgets to public safety, infrastructure to elections, we’ll break down what’s happening in Olympia and how it impacts counties across the Evergreen State. Stay informed, stay engaged, and join us as we amplify the voice of Washington’s 39 counties.----------Learn more at wsac.orgRegister on The HubFollow us:LinkedInFacebookInstagramBSKY

In this episode of County Connection, host Paul Jewell and policy consultant Kelsey Hulse unpack the legislative whirlwind shaping land use in Washington. From Urban Growth Areas to rural development, we explore the tension between housing supply, affordability, and preserving open space. Plus, hear the latest on ambitious bills, zoning battles, and why local voices matter more than ever in Olympia. Stay informed—your county’s future is on the line!Recorded: January 21, 2026----------County Connection is the official podcast of the Washington State Association of Counties—where we dive into the legislative issues shaping the future of our communities. From budgets to public safety, infrastructure to elections, we’ll break down what’s happening in Olympia and how it impacts counties across the Evergreen State. Stay informed, stay engaged, and join us as we amplify the voice of Washington’s 39 counties.----------Learn more at wsac.orgRegister on The HubFollow us:LinkedInFacebookInstagramBSKY

From paint cans to fast fashion, Washington’s counties are tackling big changes in solid waste management. In this episode, Paul Jewell and Travis Dutton break down new proposals to expand paint stewardship, introduce textile recycling, and even revive the bottle deposit debate. Learn how these Extended Producer Responsibility programs could reshape local recycling systems and reduce environmental impacts. Tune in for a fast-paced look at what’s coming down the legislative pipeline.Recorded: January 16, 2026----------County Connection is the official podcast of the Washington State Association of Counties—where we dive into the legislative issues shaping the future of our communities. From budgets to public safety, infrastructure to elections, we’ll break down what’s happening in Olympia and how it impacts counties across the Evergreen State. Stay informed, stay engaged, and join us as we amplify the voice of Washington’s 39 counties.----------Learn more at wsac.orgRegister on The HubFollow us:LinkedInFacebookInstagramBSKY

Washington counties are facing a full-blown public defense crisis. In this episode, Paul Jewell and Curtis Steinhauer break down why new caseload standards, skyrocketing costs, and limited state support are pushing local justice systems to the edge. From legislative fixes to a high-stakes lawsuit, hear what’s at stake and what counties are doing to protect a constitutional right. Tune in for the inside scoop on one of the most urgent issues of the 2026 session.Recorded: January 15, 2026----------County Connection is the official podcast of the Washington State Association of Counties—where we dive into the legislative issues shaping the future of our communities. From budgets to public safety, infrastructure to elections, we’ll break down what’s happening in Olympia and how it impacts counties across the Evergreen State. Stay informed, stay engaged, and join us as we amplify the voice of Washington’s 39 counties.----------Learn more at wsac.orgRegister on The HubFollow us:LinkedInFacebookInstagramBSKY

As the 2026 legislative session kicks off, the County Connection podcast dives straight into the deep end—budget deficits, public health funding, and the tough choices facing lawmakers in Olympia. Host Paul Jewell is joined by Jamie Bodden of the Washington State Association of Public Health Officials (WSALPHO) for a candid, fast-moving conversation on a potential 40% rollback to foundational public health services and what it means for counties. From emotional committee hearings to bipartisan policy fixes, this episode breaks down what’s at stake and how county leaders can engage early. It’s an unfiltered look at a challenging session—and why county voices matter more than ever.Recorded: January 14, 2026----------County Connection is the official podcast of the Washington State Association of Counties—where we dive into the legislative issues shaping the future of our communities. From budgets to public safety, infrastructure to elections, we’ll break down what’s happening in Olympia and how it impacts counties across the Evergreen State. Stay informed, stay engaged, and join us as we amplify the voice of Washington’s 39 counties.----------Learn more at wsac.orgRegister on The HubFollow us:LinkedInFacebookInstagramBSKY