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Thurston County wins 19 NACo Achievement Awards; county programs highlighted at July 29 meeting
Summary
County managers and department staff announced July 29 that Thurston County earned 19 National Association of Counties (NACo) Achievement Awards, the most of any county in Washington state; several county programs were called out, including a program named best in category nationally.
Thurston County officials announced July 29 that the county received 19 National Association of Counties (NACo) Achievement Awards for 2025, the most of any county in Washington state.
“Thurston County is proud to announce the National Association of Counties has awarded 19 achievement awards to various programs and services offered by the county,” County Manager Leonard Hernandez told the Board of County Commissioners. Assistant County Manager Josh Cummings emphasized staff contributions: “Without the energy and dedication to serving your neighbors, none of this would be possible.”
County staff and department representatives came forward during the meeting to accept awards for programs across multiple departments. Examples cited during the awards presentation included elections programs (security enhancements, voter education and “voting access at your library”), a Passport Fair run by recording and licensing staff, a Habitat Conservation Plan by Community Planning and Economic Development, the Thurston County Resource Hub for pretrial services, and several public health initiatives.
Public Health and Social Services received multiple recognitions, including a fetal infant mortality review program identified in the meeting as the first of its kind in Washington state, a Health Habits Food Program, QPR suicide prevention training, public-health communications tools, a workforce development program, and a medical reserve corps recruitment and retention initiative.
Other departments honored included the treasurer’s office (tax title community mailings), Public Works (noxious weed landowner assistance and a water and sewer utility consolidation project), parks and recreation (trail preservation and rehabilitation), and a neighborhood traffic-calming program.
The meeting also highlighted the county’s Fix-It Fair, which the presenter said won “best in category” nationally. Cummings noted the county was asked to return to Washington, D.C., for a special ceremony for that award. Staff described the Fix-It Fair as a volunteer-driven event that partnered with community organizations and transit providers.
Hernandez and Cummings invited award recipients to a short reception after the meeting and encouraged the public to view the full list of recognized programs. Several commissioners offered congratulations during the brief remarks that closed the presentation.
The awards announcement included appreciation for cross-department collaboration and external partners. Officials framed the NACo awards as recognition of ongoing county programs rather than new policies or initiatives.
