January 3, 2024
Elected Officials Essentials: Your first 100 days
Congratulations to all the new mayors and councilmembers. Welcome to the city family! Through our trainings, resources, and publications, AWC is here to help you grow as a municipal leader. Over the course of your first 100 days, we’ll highlight key AWC resources here in CityVoice. To start, check out our elected officials road map for tips on navigating your new role, advocating for your city, engaging your community, and more.
Don’t miss the nearly sold-out City Action Days 
February 7-8 | Lacey
If you plan to attend City Action Days, now is the time to act! Registration is already 75% full. Interact with colleagues as you educate statewide decision-makers about city legislative priorities. This year, City Action Days will be at a different venue where space is more limited, and the event is already on track to sell out. Wondering why you should attend? Watch this video and register now.
Supporting youth, building community: SEEK funding boosts local recreation and future leaders
Over the summers of 2021 and 2022, the Washington Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction partnered with the Washington Recreation & Park Association and AWC to create and administer a $12 million funding program for local parks and recreation initiatives designed to help children and youth reengage with nature, learning, and peers after the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Read this Cityvision story—or listen on the go. More
An interview with NW Women’s Leadership Academy
AWC’s CityVoice Podcast recently sat down with Stephanie Lucash, Deputy City Manager of Kenmore, and Kristi Rowland, Deputy Chief Administrative Officer of Renton, to talk about the NW Women's Leadership Academy—a professional training program that aims to train the next generation of women and non-binary city leaders. Listen to the podcast to hear about their experience in the program, how the Academy works, and how city employees can apply.
Get involved! Apply to serve on a state board or advisory committee
AWC is currently recruiting city officials and select staff to serve on several state boards and advisory committees. View all opportunities or click on individual committees below for details. Apply by January 25.
- Citizens Committee on Pipeline Safety (city elected official)
- Community Economic Revitalization Board (city elected official)
- Public Health Advisory Board (city representative)
- Sentencing Guidelines Commission (city elected official)
- Shorelines Hearings Board (city elected officials and senior staff)
- Washington State Board of Health (city elected official who is a member of a local Board of Health)
- Washington State Enhanced 911 Advisory Committee (city representatives from Eastern and Western Washington)
- Washington Traffic Safety Commission (city elected official)
Other news & resources
Spotlight civic-minded youth from your city with a Center for Quality Communities scholarship—nominate a student by February 8. (Note: Deadline is January 10 for students to also be considered for the University of Washington’s Presidential Scholarship.) More
Nominate recent retirees from your city for the AWC Civic Service Recognition, which honors those retiring after 20 or more years of service to cities. More
Federal single-audit issues involving wage rate requirements are on the rise. Here's what you need to know. More
Interested in downtown revitalization? Read MRSC’s overview of financing tools to support your city’s efforts. More
Review Ecology's guidance for implementing new changes to the State Environmental Policy Act. These go into effect after your next comprehensive plan update. More
NLC explores how innovation creates dynamic, resilient cities. More
American Trails launches 2024 Trails Capacity Grant Program for local trail research, stewardship, and maintenance projects. Apply by January 15. More
Applications open February 1 for the 2024-25 Washington State Archives’ Local Records Grants—offering funding to improve your city’s public records organization, digitization, and technology tools. More
Welcome the new year with a focus on wellness
In honor of Mental Wellness Month, here are a few ideas on how to boost mental wellness for you and your city staff:
- Watch this video for three easy ways to support your well-being and build resiliency.
- Read this article from NLC on building better mental health in the workplace.
- Get ready to register for the 2024 Healthy Worksite Summit, the Northwest’s premier training event dedicated to making workplaces healthy places. Registration opens January 17.
AWC trainings & events
AWC: City Action Days | February 7-8 | Lacey
AWC: Mayors Exchange | February 22 | Olympia
Other trainings & events
MRSC: Digging into public works fundamentals (Free)
MRSC: PRA case law highlights 2024 | January 17 | Online
State Archives: Records management workshops | Multiple dates | Online
NLC: Congressional City Conference | March 9-13 | Washington, D.C.
Looking to fill a key position? JobNet is a great place to recruit new talent. Post your job openings on AWC JobNet today.
Featured jobs:
City of Lakewood | Community & Economic Development Director
City of Mount Vernon | Special Projects Manager
City of Tumwater | Assistant City Attorney
AWC’s mission is to serve our members through advocacy, education, and services.
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