Olympia, WA – The Association of Washington Cities (AWC), an Olympia-based organization advocating on behalf of Washington’s 281 cities and towns, announced the recipients of its third annual Advocacy All-Star Award. Nine individuals and two groups will receive the award on Wednesday, June 21, at the AWC Annual Conference in Vancouver, Wash.

“Washington cities contain 65 percent of the state’s population and most of the business activity. Cities also drive the state’s economy and contribute significantly to the state’s revenue pool,” said Jim Restucci, AWC President and mayor of Sunnyside. “It’s important that city officials share the message with legislators that we must keep all 281 cities and towns vibrant. As a result of these efforts, legislators better understand that strong cities make a great state.”

The award acknowledges city officials who publicly advocate for cities and towns in Washington state. Award recipients conducted advocacy efforts before and during the 2017 legislative session that included legislative testimony, city coalition building, and working with legislators, community members, local media, businesses, and other stakeholders.

“This year’s Advocacy All-Star Awards honor and recognize the hard work that city officials devoted to help all cities,” stated AWC CEO Peter B. King. “These individuals chose an issue that they were passionate about, and worked tirelessly to affect change that benefits all of us.”

2017 Advocacy All-Star Award winners:
Kirkland Councilmember Dave Asher is recognized for his efforts to advance the city agenda related to homelessness and housing through advocacy and legislative testimony.

Kent City Attorney Tom Brubaker is recognized for his expertise and the incredible time and effort he put forth on telecommunications legislation.

Bellingham Deputy Administrator Brian Heinrich is recognized for his great work in engaging with AWC on funding issues and for ensuring strategic outreach to legislators.

Rosalia Mayor Nanette Konishi is recognized for her continuous efforts to convey issues important to her town and other smaller communities to her legislators, community members and media outlets.

Renton Emergency Management Director Deborah Needham is recognized for her work on legislation that helps non-English language residents respond to emergencies.

Ridgefield Mayor Ron Onslow is recognized for his ongoing engagement with area legislators on city issues, and his presence on the ground in Olympia.

Shoreline Mayor Chris Roberts is recognized for his advocacy of city issues on the ground in Olympia and in Washington D.C., and as a member of AWC’s Legislative Committee.

Vancouver Councilmember Alishia Topper is recognized for her efforts to advance the city agenda related to homelessness and housing, her efforts in developing key stakeholder networks, and her participation in AWC events and activities.

Longview Mayor Pro Tem Mike Wallin is recognized for his outstanding advocacy work not only for Longview's legislative agenda, but also for the broader city agenda, including protecting shared revenues and the Public Works Assistance Account.

The following city officials are recognized for their work on the Local Business Tax & Licensing Simplification Task Force and ensuring cities maintain local control while helping businesses thrive:

Burien Finance Director Kim Krause
Seattle Finance Director Glen Lee
Tacoma Finance Director Andrew Cherullo

The following recipients are recognized for their extraordinary efforts in advocating for cities and helping to secure the passage of bills that improved Washington’s Public Records Act:
Quincy Mayor Jim Hemberry
San Juan County Councilmember Jamie Stephens
Seattle Police Department Director of Transparency and Privacy Mary Perry
Snohomish County Public Records Deputy Prosecutor Sara Di Vittorio
Former Snohomish County Public Records Officer Whitney Stevens

AWC serves its members through advocacy, education and services. 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. 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 the AWC GIS Consortium.

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Media contact:
Emma Shepard
Communications Coordinator
emmas@awcnet.org
(360) 753-4137