About Us

We are AFSCME Local 517. 

AFSCME Local 517 is the union of over 850 employees who keep Washington County, Minnesota running.

Washington County never stops needing its people. Someone has to keep the courthouse clean and the buildings running. Someone has to answer the phone when a resident has a question, process the permit, appraise the property, and keep the books straight. Someone has to walk a family through public assistance, sit with a child in a courtroom, and administer justice with care. 

Local 517 believes every one of those people deserves respect, a fair voice at the table, and a wage that reflects the work. Because every resident of Washington County counts on us.

We are AFSCME, sign up today via this link, or call our Member Action Center at: (651) 450-4990

Please fill out our contact form if you have questions or would like to learn more. You can also email us at afscmelocal517@gmail.com.

Your Executive Board:

Caption: Just a few members of your AFSCME Local 517 Executive Board at Day On The Hill in April 2025. From the left: Alexea Cheatem (Communications Liaison), Lisa Peterson (former President), Carrie Genereux (Chief Steward, Non-Exempt), Kaitlyn McCarthy (Recording Secretary), Benjamin Henry (President).