WSEMA! It’s Friday already! Man, this week seems like it went by fast for me.
I’ve been reflecting on some of the core values that guide our profession – integrity, equity, respect, and service to all our communities. In times of heightened national focus on public safety operations, it’s a reminder that emergency managers don’t just respond to hazards, we also help nurture the trust and confidence of the people we serve.
And in a world that often feels divided, I try to hold onto what connects us. Most people I know are just trying to get by. We are more alike than not. I’ve broken bread with more people than I can count who, on paper, I’m told I shouldn’t have anything in common with. Some of my most favorite people have differing views and opinions, but at the core we want the same things in life for ourselves, our friends and family, and for our community.
In person, we are not our labels. We are our nuances. We are our humanity.
My hope every day is that what we do matters. That our work somehow shortens the divide. I have to believe it matters.
Let’s do this.
Association News
- WSEMA Membership: Makes my little EM heart a bit sad, but for those of you who have not yet renewed your membership, you will be removed from the roster tomorrow. Please renew! And if you’ve decided not to continue, I’d genuinely welcome any feedback on why.
- WSEMA Conference: Don’t forget to save the date for the conference: September 21-24 at the Muckleshoot.
Not making an announcement on the theme, just yet, but it may have a tie to Tron, cassette tapes, Nestle Quick in a metal can, and Alf.
- Legislative Watch: Your WSEMA Legislative Committee continues to monitor bills and work with stakeholders as legislation moves through the process.
Although we are monitoring multiple bills, the ones below are the major ones we are watching closely. Please share your thoughts and opinions on any of these bills. A big thank you to those who have already shared your perspectives, we’ve read and discussed every single submission.
· HB 2089 (Supporting wildfire mitigation): Scheduled for executive session on February 4th
o https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?year=2025&BillNumber=2089
o Neutral
· HB 2183 (heat response plans): Referred to Appropriations.
o https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?year=2025&BillNumber=2183
o Opposed in current version. Creates unfunded mandate and responsibility could fall back to Emergency Management as plan facilitator.
o Sent letter to Representative.
· HB 2203 (Creating the offense of reckless interference with emergency operations): Referred to Rules review.
o https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=2203&Year=2025
o Support
· HB 2275 (wildfire prevention council and fund): Public hearing was on Jan. 21. No Executive Session scheduled yet.
o https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=2275&Year=2025&Initiative=False
o Opposed
· HB 2351 (protecting emergency responders): Passed out of committee
o https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary/?BillNumber=2351&Year=2025
o Support
· HB 2357 (Civil Air Patrol): Passed out of committee
o https://app.leg.wa.gov/BillSummary/?BillNumber=2357&Year=2025&Initiative=false
o Support
· HB 2379 (suspension of tolling in an emergency): Public hearing on Jan. 21. No Executive Session scheduled yet.
o https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=2379&Year=2025
o Support.
· SB 5853 (mass notification system for elected officials): Executive Session scheduled for Jan. 30.
o https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5853&Year=2025&Initiative=false
o Neutral
Survey link to provide input on bills: WSEMA Legislative Bill Survey
Emergency Management in Washington
- Emergency Management Day at the Capitol: February 26th is Emergency Management Day at the Capitol! This is our opportunity to meet directly with legislators, share the realities of our work, and advocate for the importance of emergency management across Washington. I expect to see a whole lot of logo gear and 511 tactical cargo pants!
- WA Employment Security Receives $1 Million Disaster Recovery Grant Funds: Employment Security receives $1 million in emergency funds to help dislocated workers affected by December’s record flooding.
- DOH Measles Dashboard: There are currently eight total confirmed measle cases in Clark, Kittitas, and Snohomish counties.
- WA State Healthcare Situational Awareness Brief: After peaking on January 6th, the number of hospitalized patients with influenza was trending down, however the past week those numbers have started trending up, albeit slowly. Hospitalized patients with RSV continue to be variable with numbers similar to previous weeks. Hospitalized COVID+ cases remain consistently low across the State. Adult ED visits remain elevated with normal variabilities shown. Pediatric ED visits are slightly higher this week. Hospital and ED boarder numbers are elevated across the state. Adult acute and ICU bed availability remains variable and consistent with previous trends. Pediatric ICU bed availability is trending up; pediatric acute bed availability has been trending down the past 14 days.
- Have something you’d like me to feature? Send it my way at president@wsema.org by 8:00 a.m. on Fridays. Trainings, news, shoutouts, or anything you think WSEMA should know about!
National EM Updates and Misc.
- FEMA Review Council Extended: President Trump has signed an executive order continuing the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Review Council, extending its operation through March 25, 2026.
The executive order makes two primary moves:
- The FEMA Review Council will remain active for roughly two additional months beyond its original timeline, now set to expire March 25, 2026.
- The order assigns the President’s functions under the Federal Advisory Committee Act, as they apply to the FEMA Review Council, to the Secretary of Homeland Security, in accordance with the regulations, guidelines, and procedures established by the Administrator of General Services.
- DHS Spending Bill Bolsters Staffing at CISA, FEMA, Secret Service: The DHS spending agreement would allow CISA to hire back some “critical” staff, put restrictions around FEMA cuts and boost the Secret Service’s hiring push.
- Column: Winter is Not a Surprise for EM Professionals: “Winter Is Not a Surprise” highlights that winter hazards are predictable, yet preparedness often lags. It’s a good reminder that our role isn’t just response, but helping people understand risks and take simple steps before conditions deteriorate.
- Supreme Court Information as of January 28: Highlights of what was happening with the Supreme Court this week.
- Emergency Management in GovTech: Multiple articles and information related to emergency management.
- Asotin County: Did you know that Asotin County’s name came to be because it had a lot of Pacific Lamprey, aka eels?! Named from the Nez Perce word for “eel creek,” it holds a rich history as a former winter campsite for the Nez Perce people. It was officially established in 1883 and is the last city along the Snake River route leading into Hells Canyon, which is the deepest river gorge in North America.
Closing Note
Our work isn’t simply about plans and logistics; it’s also about how we show up and how we ensure our decisions are guided by dignity and inclusion. Let’s keep leading with empathy, curiosity, and respect in our work, in our conversations, and in how we show up for one another. Be kind. That’s it.
Have a great weekend, WSEMA friends.
Kyle