Our History
The Northwest Regional Council (NWRC) was created as a “grassroots” organization. Our roots go deep into our local region, building on the ideas, values, and strengths of our people. The local elected officials of Island, San Juan, Skagit, and Whatcom Counties created the NWRC in 1971. They were committed to the needs and concerns of the people in their own county and at the same time saw that a regional approach could achieve a mutually beneficial, cost effective way to provide services.
In thirty-plus years we have grown and changed, while our core values of responsiveness to community needs, broad community involvement, and cooperative, regional decision-making remain strong.
The NWRC was originally formed to meet the need for regional planning, management, and delivery of services in law enforcement, criminal justice and delinquency prevention. Our role has evolved over time. Currently, most of our efforts are concentrated in planning and implementing services for seniors and adults with disabilities who need assistance caring for themselves, as Northwest Washington’s Area Agency on Aging (AAA.)