2025-07-28-minutes-public-works-study-session

Home Browse Search

KITTITAS COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS PUBLIC WORKS — BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS STUDY SESSION STAFF REPORT STUDY SESSION DATE: July 28, 2025 TOPIC: Conference of Governments Regional Advocacy ACTION REQUESTED: Information only LEAD STAFF: Josh Fredrickson RECOMMENDATION: Informational briefing — no action required by the Board BRIEFING SUMMARY: • Through regional coordination efforts Kittitas Conference of Government (COG) members in partnership with Central Washington University has identified the need for regional advocacy at the federal level • Regional advocacy is intended to provide COG and its members the assistance to navigate federal programs, secure competitive funding and advocate for regional priorities • COG intends to solicit proposals to provide professional federal advocacy BACKGROUND: Kittitas County Conference of Governments (COG) is a regional planning agency with its focus on regional planning among member agencies. This includes the municipalities of Roslyn, Cle Elum, South Cle Elum, Kittitas, Ellensburg and Kittitas County. This collective effort has developed a recognition of benefits working for regional purposes. Recent efforts have identified that professional assistance is needed to navigate federal programs with the goal to secure additional funding for the region, in particular efforts for economic growth. Central Washington University is an active participant in the economic development of the County. To help align all efforts, a single advocacy partner will benefit all. DISCUSSION: COG has been working in regional coordination and cooperation among member jurisdictions on matters affecting the public served by the member jurisdictions. Through this effort regional advocacy at a Federal level has been identified as a current need. Kittitas County has experienced success with federal advocacy partners in navigating federal programs and advocating for priorities. COG membership is seeking assistance