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News & Tools for Washington's Counties

April/May Issue 2013

IN THIS ISSUE
Elections
Outside Resources
Federal News
Upcoming Events
Grant News
Affinity Program News
 SAVE THE DATES

WSAC Health Care Benefits Forum

June 5

Yakima County

 

WSAC Professional Development Conference

June 6-7

Yakima  County

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What Does Performance Management Mean to You?

Processes, such as planning, budgeting, sales, and billings have been carried out for years in organizations. But all too often, these activities are done for the sake of doing them; not for contributing directly to the preferred results of the organization.

 

Ask yourself the following questions:

  • Do you spend more time than you like handling problems?
  • Would you like to get the best out of all of your people so that your area of control thrives?
  • How much easier would it be if you didn't lose your best people?
  • Do you find it difficult to appraise your staff and give them a fair assessment?

Performance management reminds us that being busy is not the same as producing results. It reminds us that training, strong commitment, and a lot of hard work alone are not results. The major contribution of performance management is its focus on achieving results-redirecting our efforts away from busyness toward effectiveness.

 

WSAC is proud to offer "Leading for Performance", a Professional Development Forum, specifically designed for WSACs' elected county officials.  Curriculum includes system and process improvement; measuring what you want to change; understanding LEAN; and other topics that help you create the results your county needs. 

Registration is now open for the WSAC June 6-7, Leading for Performance, Professional Development Forum in Yakima County.  This forum is being conducted in partnership with the Washington State Auditor's Local Government Performance Center.

 

Register Here  More Information 

Elections

WSAC Elects New Members to Board of Directors

WSAC is pleased to announce the results of the WSAC special election and welcome three new members to the WSAC Board of Directors:

 

Walla Walla County Commissioner Greg Tompkins, Eastern Region Representative

Skagit County Commissioner Kenneth Dahlstedt, Western Region Alternate

Island County Commissioner Kelly Emerson, Western Region Alternate

 

Congratulations to our new Board members and thanks to all who expressed interest in serving and participating in our special election.

 

San Juan County Elections New Council

Congratulations to Councilmembers Jarman, Hughes, and Stephens on their recent election victories in San Juan County.  The election was held in light of an amendment to the County's charter shifting the council from six members to three.  More Results 

Outside Resources

EZview Helps State and County Officials with Projects

EZview is a specialized web tool to coordinate and support regulatory decision making.  WSAC developed the tool in cooperation with the Association of Washington Cities and the Governor's Office of Regulatory Assistance. On April 16, EZview was previewed to a webinar audience of almost 80 participants.  During the preview, officials from the state and counties were given an in-depth introduction to the key features of the tool.  The webinar viewers were pleased with the ease of use; the transparency of the data provided by the tool; the ability to track projects; the ability to display large amounts of data and information regarding projects under permit review; and share important aspects of a proposed project in a simple online format. 

 

For more information on EZview contact Scott Boettcher (360)480-6600; Scott Hitchcock (360)489-0043; or Emmett Dobey (360)489-3023.

Federal News

Senate passes Marketplace Fairness Act

The Marketplace Fairness Act of 2013 was passed out of the Senate on May 6.  This legislation was strongly supported by the National Association of Counties (NACo). The measure now moves on to the House.  Read More

 

NACo & Better Futures Enterprises Announce Partnership

NACo and Better Futures Enterprises, formerly known as The NetWork for Better Futures, have launched a strategic partnership to advance smart justice reforms that will promote better outcomes for individuals returning to communities from jail or prison; enhance public safety; and use public dollars more efficiently. Read More

Upcoming Events

Washington State Liquor Control Board - Implementation of I-502

On May 23, WSAC is hosting a webinar to discuss the Implementation of I-502. Rick Garza, Deputy Director of the Liquor Control Board (Board), is our featured presenter.  The webinar includes an overview of the Board's role in implementing the new law and creating regulations for a strictly controlled marijuana marketplace. This includes: key elements to the Initiative; the Board's objective for implementing I-502; issues and challenges of implementation; communication and access to information; and next steps into this new venture.  Please join us to learn about the implementation of I-502 and bring your questions to ask the Deputy Director.  Register Here

 

Employee Health Care Benefits Forum

On June 5, WSAC is hosting an employee health care benefits forum in Yakima County.  Forum topics include implementation of the Affordable Care Act; how counties are addressing delivery of employee health care benefits; and other valuable topics.  This forum is designed for elected officials, administrators, and human resource directors.  There is no charge for this event; however, pre-registration will be required.  More Information

 

The Salmon Recovery Funding Board Biennial Conference 

The Salmon Recovery Funding Board Conference focuses on building better salmon recovery projects and sharing lessons learned. The May 14-15 conference will highlight what has worked in salmon recovery, what has not, and how to improve the quality and cost-effectiveness of projects.

More Information

 

Department of Revenue Local Government Partnership Meeting 

The Department of Revenue has scheduled two Local Government Partnership meetings.  For the first time, the Department of Revenue will be offering a Western and Eastern Washington meeting location.  The meetings provide an opportunity for local governments to share information; connect with the department staff and peers; and help plan future tools to enhance local tax administration and communication.  More Information

Grant News

DOT Announces Fifth Round of TIGER Competitive Grant Program 

Department of Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood announced the availability of $474 million for a fifth round of the TIGER (Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery) competitive grant program to fund surface transportation projects that have a significant impact on the nation, a region, or metropolitan area.  Read More

 

Volunteers Needed to Evaluate Grants for Parks, Trails and Boating

The state Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO) is seeking volunteers to evaluate grant applications that will help decide where the next parks, trails, and boat launches will go in the state. 

Read More

 

Boating Infrastructure Grants Available this Year

The RCO is accepting grant applications in the Boating Infrastructure Grant program.  The RCO received additional money from the federal government and will be running a quick round of grants for boating facilities.  Read More

 

Ecology Offers $7 Million for Stormwater Construction Projects 

The Washington Department of Ecology is offering $7 million to local governments for statewide stormwater construction projects through the Supplemental Statewide Stormwater Grant Program

More Information

Affinity Program News
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