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

Susan Landgraf was appointed poet laureate of Auburn, Washington, in 2018. Landgraf will serve a three-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 2022, Laura Da’ was appointed poet laureate of Redmond. Da’ will serve a two-year term.  

Seattle, Washington

In 2019, Jourdan Imani Keith was named poet laureate of Seattle, Washington. Keith will serve a two-year term.

Spokane, Washington 

In 2019, Chris Cook was named poet laureate of Spokane, Washington. Cook will serve a two-year term.

Tacoma, Washington 

In 2021, Lydia K. Valentine was named poet laureate of Tacoma. Valentine will serve a two-year term.
 

Vashon, Washington

In 2021, Sandra Noel was appointed poet laureate of Vashon. She will serve through 2023. 
 

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.