We’re closing out 2018 with our top ten AWC memories from this exceptional year. We look forward to working alongside 281 strong cities and towns again in 2019!
10. AWC launched a new & improved website
Based on your feedback, we renamed and relaunched the AWC website in 2018. If you haven’t done so already, check out the front page of wacities.org!
9. AWC Member Pooling Programs kept costs low for cities
In 2018, AWC’s Member Pooling Programs remained fiscally strong and continued to provide excellent prevention and safety services to members. Programs include AWC Employee Benefit Trust, AWC Risk Management Service Agency, AWC Workers’ Comp Retro, and the AWC Drug & Alcohol Consortium.
8. Cities came out strong in the 2018 legislative session
The Legislature adjourned in March for the first non-overtime session in many years. AWC achieved several legislative goals and our 2018 priorities were mostly addressed. The 2019 session starts January 14, check out AWC’s 2019 legislative priorities.
7. The Legislature funded the Public Works Trust Fund (PWTF) for the first time in four years
2018 was a good year for cities with a long-awaited public works infrastructure loan list finally being funded. It’s not over yet; cities are asking the 2019 Legislature to keep the PWTF in working order with ongoing investments.
6. AWC JobNet relaunched with enhanced benefits
We relaunched a new and improved AWC JobNet in early 2018. More than 11,000 employers and job searchers alike head to JobNet each month to find and place public service job announcements. Haven’t used your free job postings for 2018? Hurry to activate before December 31.
5. 34 elected officials awarded the Certificate of Municipal Leadership
AWC’s Certificate of Municipal Leadership (CML) recognizes mayors and councilmembers for accomplishing training in core areas. Congratulations to the 34 city elected officials who earned their CML in 2018. Get your CML in 2019!
4. AWC identified Advocacy All-Stars and City Champions
AWC named four city officials and others as Advocacy All-Stars for championing critical city issues during the 2018 legislative session. AWC also awarded City Champion honors to 16 legislators and five organizations for their support for cities during session. See all of our city awards in 2018!
3. City leaders converged on Yakima for AWC’s Annual Conference
More than 500 people from cities, towns, and other organizations gathered in Yakima in June to engage in discussions on city topics. Discover five things we learned this year. (Can you tell we like countdown lists?!)
2. We are looking ahead...strategically
The AWC Board of Directors and leaders from our Member Pooling Programs launched a relook at the AWC strategic plan with the goal of improving service to you, our members. With your help (remember that survey you got this summer?), we now have a draft plan of six key goals to tackle over the next three years. Have comments on the draft plan? Comment before December 31.
1. Our members kept Washington cities strong!
Our favorite spot goes to you, AWC member! Thank you for all the hard work you’ve done this year to keep cities moving forward. We literally couldn’t have done it without you. Let’s keep working in 2019 to ensure that everyone knows that strong cities make a great state!