Mayor Dee Roberts of Raymond, Washington was recently appointed to the Board of Directors of the Association of Washington Cities (AWC). Mayor Roberts will represent small cities and towns in Western Washington.
“I understand the struggles that small cities face, from failing infrastructure to unfunded mandates,” says Roberts. “I am passionate about finding solutions to these challenges, and I know that AWC is a great partner to small cities in our efforts.”
Roberts notes that the educational and networking opportunities AWC offers local elected officials gives them access to the knowledge and wisdom of their peers. “As mayor you face challenges that many people don't understand. Talking to others in the same position helps you realize that you are not alone and it allows you to learn from your common experience,” she remarked.
Roberts bring over 25 years of municipal service to the AWC Board, having served as clerk/treasurer for the City of South Bend for 24 years, combined with 14 years on the Raymond City Council before being elected mayor in 2022.
She has also been an active member of AWC, serving on the organization’s Small Cities Advisory Committee and Risk Management Service Agency Board of Directors, among others. Roberts holds AWC’s Advanced Certificate of Municipal Leadership.
“Mayor Roberts brings years of experience and a fresh perspective to the AWC Board,” said AWC President Betsy Wilkerson. “I look forward to working with her in the coming year to achieve great things for our 281 cities across Washington state.”
“Mayor Roberts will do an outstanding job of ensuring that the perspectives of small cities in Western Washington are brought to the table and well understood,” said AWC CEO Deanna Dawson. “Dee brings a passion for service and a strong knowledge of the issues facing small cities to the table, and I know she will be an outstanding addition to the AWC Board.”
In addition to many years of city service, Roberts serves the larger community by chairing the Pacific County Emergency Management Council and serving on the Pacific County Transit Board, Pacific County Council of Governments, and Pacific County Economic Development Council.
Founded in 1933, AWC is a private, nonprofit, nonpartisan corporation that represents Washington's cities and towns before the state legislature, the state executive branch, and with regulatory agencies. Membership is voluntary. However, AWC consistently maintains 100% participation from Washington’s 281 cities and towns.
AWC also provides training, data and publications, and programs such as the AWC Employee Benefit Trust, AWC Risk Management Service Agency, AWC Workers’ Comp Retro, AWC Drug and Alcohol Consortium, and AWC GIS Consortium.
A complete list of AWC Board of Directors is available on the association’s website.