Every year 40 people across Iowa are selected to be in Leadership Iowa and Washington’s mayor is on the roster for the 2019-2020 class. Mayor Jaron Rosien announced at the recent council meeting that he will be taking part in the issues awareness and civic-minded program, “Iowa Falls, Perry, Fort Dodge, Des Moines, Muscatine, it covers ag, education, government, manufacturing, economic development, healthcare, and I believe graduation is in Cedar Rapids this year. I know as much as this says, but I’ve heard really wonderful things. And in fact a couple years ago, Brent (Hinson – City Administrator) and I talked about what opportunities there would be for me to learn more and this is that.”

The program runs October through June with the group spending two days each month in various towns across the state. The council approved paying the $2,500 tuition fees, which covers program materials and meals. Each participant is responsible for lodging and travel expenses.