Protecting Pierce County’s Interests in a Shifting Federal Landscape
Growing up, many of us learned about the three branches of our federal government: the Executive (President), the Legislative (Congress), and the Judiciary (Courts). As adults, we tend to pay closer attention to the other Washington come the mid-terms and presidential election years. Otherwise, our day-to-day focus remains on the issues that directly impact our lives and communities here at home.
In recent months, however, there has been a significant uptick in national attention directed toward the White House, largely because of the number of executive orders coming from the White House.
Executive orders are a common tool Presidents use to implement their policy objectives, but we normally don’t pay attention because their impact isn’t usually very direct. This time, though, some of them have hit locally, especially the freezing of up to $3 trillion in congressionally appropriated funding for projects and grants.
This action has created uncertainty, and some could have tangible impacts on our communities. In Pierce County’s 2024-25 Biennial Budget, federal funding accounts for $197.5 million—approximately 6% of the total $3.2 billion budget. Of that amount, $123.5 million is planned for 2025 expenditures.
Additionally, concerns have been raised around Veterans’ Benefits, causing stress for our fellow community members. Pierce County is home to more than 90,000 veterans alone, with many depending on Veterans’ Benefits. Our county veterans service officers are ready to support members with questions and concerns.
It’s hard to predict what will result from this. What we do know is this: Bipartisanship remains a cornerstone here on the Pierce County Council. At a time when political divisions dominate national headlines, your local county government continues to be a place where collaboration remains not just possible, but essential. Together with our colleagues on the County Council, we will work collaboratively to address issues that directly impact our neighbors—public safety, infrastructure, economic development, and social services.
Although we don’t always agree on the best path forward, we are committed to ensuring that our decisions reflect what is best for Pierce County as a whole.
As your elected representatives, we are committed to representing Pierce County’s interests and advocating for our individual districts while working collectively at the state and federal levels. While we may hold different perspectives, our shared responsibility is to bring forward thoughtful ideas and solutions that result in balanced policies and legislation.
With that in mind, we are closely monitoring developments in Washington, D.C. These past six weeks underscore the importance of stability in local governance. While national decisions can have ripple effects on our community, we remain committed to proactive leadership—assessing potential impacts, adapting as needed, and ensuring Pierce County residents continue to receive essential services.
In the meantime, we remain focused on advocating for Pierce County’s interests—at home, across the state, and with our federal partners.
If you need help accessing information or connecting with resources, don’t hesitate to contact your councilmember. You can find your district at https://matterhornwab.co.pierce.wa.us/infobyaddress/.
Jani Hitchen is Chair of the Pierce County Council and represents Pierce County Council District 6, which includes the communities of Anderson, Ketron, and McNeil islands, Parkland, Steilacoom, JBLM, and the cities of DuPont and Lakewood. Paul Herrera is Vice Chair of the Pierce County Council and represents Pierce County Council District 2, which includes the communities of Puyallup, South Hill, Summit View, Sumner, Edgewood, Milton, and Pacific.