County Connection

Latest Episodes:

The County Connection | Storms, Roads, and Big Fixes: Inside Washington’s Transportation Challenges – Episode 208 Jan 30, 2026

Show notes

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

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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.

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Learn more at wsac.org

The County Connection | Crab Lore and Local Roads: Building Washington’s Next Big Infrastructure Program – Episode 209 Jan 30, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, Paul Jewell welcomes back Jane Wall of the County Road Administration Board to explore the newly authorized Local Roads Program. They break down why local roads make up more than half of county-owned lane miles, why they’ve never had a state-funded program until now, and how upcoming seed funding could get counties shovel-ready by 2027. Jane also digs into preservation, resiliency, and why counties must stay front‑and‑center in statewide transportation investments. A must‑listen for anyone tracking Washington’s infrastructure future.

Recorded: January 28, 2026

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Learn more at wsac.org

The County Connection | Urban Growth, Rural Reality: Navigating Washington’s Housing Debate – Episode 207 Jan 23, 2026

Show notes

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

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Learn more at wsac.org

The County Connection | BREAKING: A Game-Changer for Liability Reform – Episode 206 Jan 23, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of County Connection, Paul Jewell and Brad Banks unpack Senate Bill 6239, an unexpected proposal that could reshape liability claims for state and local governments. From skyrocketing jury awards to the push for arbitration, we explore why this bill matters, what it means for counties, and the political dynamics driving it forward. Tune in for insights on one of the most significant legislative surprises of the session.

Recorded: January 21, 2026

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Learn more at wsac.org

The County Connection | The Future of Recycling in Washington – Episode 205 Jan 21, 2026

Show notes

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

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Learn more at wsac.org

The County Connection | Navigating Public Safety and Human Services in 2026 – Episode 204 Jan 20, 2026

Show notes

The 2026 legislative session is heating up with friction between state and federal priorities. From immigration enforcement and emergency management protocols to Medicaid impacts and behavioral health funding, counties are caught in the crossfire. Join Paul Jewell and Brad Banks as they unpack the bills, budget challenges, and political dynamics shaping public safety and human services this year. Stay tuned for insights on what’s coming next for Washington’s 39 counties.

Recorded: January 16, 2026

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Learn more at wsac.org

The County Connection | The State of Public Defense – Episode 203 Jan 20, 2026

Show notes

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

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Learn more at wsac.org

The County Connection | At the Intersection of Nature and Policy: Counties, Conservation, and Collaboration – Episode 202 Jan 19, 2026

Show notes

As the legislative session accelerates, this episode of County Connection examines what comes next for counties navigating uncertainty at the Capitol. Paul Jewell and the Nature Conservancy's State Government Relations Director, Skippy Shaw, unpack emerging policy themes, budget pressures, and the behind-the-scenes advocacy shaping county priorities. The conversation highlights where counties are finding momentum, where concerns are growing, and how local leaders can stay engaged as decisions take shape. It’s a clear, timely snapshot of the issues counties are watching most closely right now.

Recorded: January 14, 2026

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Learn more at wsac.org

The County Connection | The Sleighing of Public Health – Episode 201 Jan 19, 2026

Show notes

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

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Learn more at wsac.org

The County Connection | Seeing the Forest Through the Trees – Episode 020 Jan 05, 2026

Show notes

Washington State Public Lands Commissioner Dave Upthegrove joins County Connection to unpack the challenges and responsibilities of managing the state’s public lands during a time of fiscal constraint and climate change. From wildfire prevention and recreation access to trust lands and rural economies, this episode offers a candid look at how state and county priorities intersect on the ground.

Recorded: December 2, 2025

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Learn more at wsac.org

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