Every policy, every claim payment, and every loss control visit at Enduris starts in the same place: with our members. That is not a slogan. It is how a risk pool is built. Unlike a commercial insurer, Enduris has no outside shareholders and no profit motive. Since 1987, it has been a member-owned pool, created by Washington public entities that chose to share risk with one another under the authority of RCW 48.62. Today that partnership includes over 480 special purpose districts across the state.
Here is why each of those members matters, and why the strength of the pool depends on all of them.
Members are the pool
A risk pool is not a vendor that members buy from. It is an agreement among members to protect one another. Each member signs the interlocal agreement, contributes to the pool’s funding, and shares in the self-insured retention. When a fire district has a vehicle loss or a water district faces a liability claim, the resources that respond come from the collective commitment of every participating entity.
Strong participation keeps the pool stable, which supports our mission of keeping member rates as stable as possible. A stable pool also keeps coverage available and affordable for everyone.
Members govern the pool
Enduris is overseen by a Board of Directors elected by and from its membership. The people setting direction for the pool are the same people who run fire districts, port districts, cemetery districts, and other local entities that rely on its coverage. Decisions about coverage, budgets, and priorities are made by those who understand the realities of local government service firsthand.
This structure keeps the pool accountable to the communities it serves rather than to outside investors.
Size and diversity create stability
One of the core advantages of pooling is scale. A single small district facing the commercial market alone can be exposed to sharp premium swings, limited coverage options, or difficulty obtaining coverage at all. Together, members bring the size and diversity that help the pool secure reinsurance, negotiate stronger terms, and soften the impact of volatile insurance markets.
Every member, regardless of size, adds to that collective strength. A small district in a rural county contributes to the same foundation that protects a larger port or utility district on the other side of the state.
Risk management is a shared effort
The most effective claim is the one that never happens. Members who invest in training, safety practices, contract review, and property upkeep reduce losses not only for themselves but for the entire pool. Lower overall losses help keep contributions stable for everyone.
Enduris supports that effort with loss control resources, training, and guidance, but the results depend on members putting those practices into action every day. When members share lessons learned, report concerns early, and take advantage of available resources, the whole pool benefits.
Members serve Washington communities
Behind every member is a community that depends on it. Fire districts respond to emergencies. Water and sewer districts keep essential services running. Ports support local economies. Parks and recreation districts provide spaces for families. Protecting these entities protects the services Washington residents count on.
Enduris exists so that members can focus on that mission with confidence that they are not facing risk alone.
Thank you
The pool is only as strong as the members who make it up. To every district, board member, and staff member who participates in Enduris: thank you for your commitment to one another and to the communities you serve. Your participation, your engagement, and your attention to risk management are what make this partnership work.
We encourage every member to stay engaged by attending training opportunities, connecting with Member Relations, and sharing feedback on how Enduris can better support your work.
Policy 114 attribution (AI system: Claude; reviewer: Holly Nelson, Executive Director)
