County Connection

by Washington State Association of Counties

Season 2

The County Connection | From Dragons to Ballots: A Conversation with Secretary of State Steve Hobbs

What do election security, international trade missions, public libraries, and Dungeons & Dragons have in common? They all fall under the watch of Washington Secretary of State Steve Hobbs. In this wide-ranging conversation, Hobbs joins Paul Jewell to discuss election integrity, cybersecurity threats, voter confidence, and the evolving role of the Secretary of State’s Office. Along the way, he shares stories from his military service, his passion for tabletop gaming, and how both have shaped his approach to public service. Recorded: July 27, 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.org Register on The Hub Follow us: LinkedIn Facebook Instagram BSKY

S2 · E26

Aug 14, 2026

1:13:16

The County Connection | Unlocking MRSC: A Powerful Tool for Local Government

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.org Register on The Hub Follow us: LinkedIn Facebook Instagram BSKY

S2 · E25

Jun 23, 2026

53:59

The County Connection | Inside the Public Works Board: How Washington Funds Local Infrastructure

What does it take to fund roads, water systems, and broadband across Washington? In this episode, we break down the Public Works Board; how it works, where the money comes from, and why it’s such a critical (and sometimes controversial) tool for local governments. From low-interest loans to legislative fund transfers, our guests unpack the challenges counties face in accessing funding and the future of infrastructure finance in our state. If you’ve ever wondered how projects actually get built, or delayed, this conversation is for you. Recorded: May 5, 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.org Register on The Hub Follow us: LinkedIn Facebook Instagram BSKY

S2 · E24

Jun 16, 2026

57:32

The County Connection | Breaking Down the 2026 Supplemental Budget

In the final episode of the 2026 legislative session, Paul Jewell and budget whisperer Brian Enslow unravel the mysteries of the newly released supplemental budgets. From the unexpected size of the operating plan to the creative (very creative) maneuvering behind the Public Works Assistance Account. They dig into the four‑year outlook, looming revenue uncertainties, and why the new income tax on millionaires plays such a pivotal role in keeping the state’s books balanced. With humor and clarity, the duo turns complex fiscal gymnastics into a surprisingly fun ride. A must‑listen wrap‑up for anyone tracking local government impacts in Olympia. Recorded: March 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.org Register on The Hub Follow us: LinkedIn Facebook Instagram BSKY

S2 · E23

Mar 13, 2026

55:41

The County Connection | Sine Die Shenanigans: Surprises, Setbacks & Standouts of the 2026 Session

In this episode, Paul Jewell sits down with Kelsey Hulse and Brad Banks to unpack the biggest plot twists, policy battles, and political curveballs of the final days of the 2026 session. From the last‑minute resurrection of the statewide transmission authority bill to intense public‑safety fights and the downright bizarre microchipping‑employees saga, the team breaks down what passed, what fizzled, and what’s coming back with a vengeance next year. They also reflect on unexpected allies, evolving coalitions, and how counties collectively dodged some major bullets. A candid, funny, inside‑the‑Capitol look at a short session that was anything but small. Recorded: March 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.org Register on The Hub Follow us: LinkedIn Facebook Instagram BSKY

S2 · E22

Mar 13, 2026

54:49

The County Connection | Session Superlatives: Big Wins, Near Misses & the Policy Team Unplugged

In this lively end‑of‑session wrap‑up, Paul Jewell brings in Travis and Curtis for a candid, funny, and surprisingly deep look at what passed, what flopped, and what counties should take away from the 2026 legislative session. From major victories like the clean energy property tax overhaul to protecting permanent supportive housing funds, the team breaks down their biggest wins, along with the bills that fizzled out or left them scratching their heads. They also dish on behind‑the‑scenes surprises, bloopers, parking‑policy déjà vu, and how the policy team found its rhythm this year. A fast and witty close‑out to a session that was anything but predictable. Recorded: March 11, 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.org Register on The Hub Follow us: LinkedIn Facebook Instagram BSKY

S2 · E21

Mar 13, 2026

55:18

The County Connection | Sine Die Eve: Public Health Wins, Near‑Misses & Last‑Minute Saves

On the eve of sine die, Paul Jewell and Jamie Bodden break down a whirlwind session packed with major public health wins, surprise amendments, and one dramatic eleventh‑hour rescue of a $21 million FPHS shortfall. From key bills on preventative care and wastewater inspection reforms to navigating the twists of HB 2442, they highlight what passed, what died, and what counties should watch as budgets drop. Jamie also dishes on “kill bills,” rural health workforce challenges, and why this short session felt unusually intense. A sharp, fast‑moving wrap‑up of the victories, setbacks, and battles still on the horizon. Recorded: March 11, 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.org Register on The Hub Follow us: LinkedIn Facebook Instagram BSKY

S2 · E20

Mar 12, 2026

42:44

The County Connection | The 'Ol Policy Switcheroo

In this breaking‑news episode, Paul Jewell and Brad Banks dig into the chaotic final days of the 2026 legislative session as the controversial “millionaire’s tax” bill, SB 6346, changes, yet again. This time, stripping all local government funding with just days left. They unpack how public defense hopes rose and collapsed, how surprise tax exemptions will blow massive holes in county budgets, and why 79 amendments now threaten to grind the Legislature to a halt. With behind‑the‑scenes insight, sharp analysis, and a fair bit of frustration, they capture a moment in Olympia that has counties on edge. The episode is equal parts policy autopsy and real‑time political thriller. Recorded: March 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.org Register on The Hub Follow us: LinkedIn Facebook Instagram BSKY

S2 · E19

Mar 10, 2026

43:12

The County Connection | Budget Gymnastics & Billion‑Dollar Backfills: Inside the 2026 Supplemental Showdown

Paul Jewell and budget‑whisperer Brian Enslow return for a deep, candid, and entertaining breakdown of the House and Senate supplemental operating budgets. From billion‑dollar transfers to the great Public Works Account squeeze, they unravel the creative fiscal maneuvers shaping Washington’s $80 billion spending plan. They also dive into the high‑stakes LEOFF 1 pension fix, Climate Commitment Act, and cuts hitting childcare, behavioral health, and higher education. If you want to understand what’s really happening behind the numbers in Olympia, this episode is your master class. Recorded: February 25, 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.org Register on The Hub Follow us: LinkedIn Facebook Instagram BSKY

S2 · E18

Feb 27, 2026

1:10:58

The County Connection | Cutoff Chaos & Big Politics

This week, Paul Jewell and Brad Banks take listeners inside the high‑drama finish to HB 2389, a sweeping juvenile justice overhaul that collapsed spectacularly at cutoff. They break down why the bill faltered, lack of stakeholder work, last‑minute vote scrambling, and more than 60 amendments dropped in the final hours. The episode also dives into WSAC’s push for jail medical liability reform and the growing need for coordinated state‑county solutions. A sharp, candid look at how policy is really made (or unmade) in Olympia. Recorded: February 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.org Register on The Hub Follow us: LinkedIn Facebook Instagram BSKY

S2 · E17

Feb 26, 2026

31:11

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