County Connection
County Connection
Podcast Description
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.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast delves into topics like public safety, infrastructure, housing, homelessness, mental health, and environmental issues. Episodes approach these themes through legislative lenses, with examples like discussions on affordable housing, transportation funding, and compliance with federal regulations on homelessness.

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.
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
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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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