State Poet Laureate

In 2007, Washington established a state poet laureate position, which is currently held by Arianne True who was appointed to a three-year term in 2023.  A member of the Choctaw and Chickasaw nations, True is the second Indigenous poet to assume the role, following Rena Priest. 

City and County Poets Laureate 

Auburn, Washington

Mateo Acuña was appointed poet laureate of Auburn, Washington, in 2024. Acuña will serve a two-year term.

Lacey, Washington

In 2022, Cynthia Pratt was named Lacey's inaugural poet laureate. 

Ellensburg, Washington

In 2022, Marie Marchand was appointed the inaugural poet laureate of Ellensburg. 

Redmond, Washington

In 2024, Ching-In Chen was appointed poet laureate of Redmond. Chen will serve a two-year term.  

Seattle, Washington

In 2025, Derek Sheffield was named poet laureate of Seattle, Washington. Sheffield will serve a two-year term.

Spokane, Washington 

In 2024, Mery Noel Smith was named poet laureate of Spokane, Washington. Smith will serve a two-year term.

Tacoma, Washington 

In 2023, Christian Page was named poet laureate of Tacoma. Page will serve a two-year term.
 

Vashon, Washington

In 2023, Margaret Roncone was appointed  poet laureate of Vashon. Roncone will serve through 2025. 
 

Clallam County, Washington

Jaiden Dokken is the inaugural poet laureate of Clallam County from 2023-2025. 
 

Olympia, Washington

Kathleen Byrd will serve as poet laureate of Olympia from 2023-2025.