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OLYMPIA, WA – The Association of Washington Cities (AWC), an Olympia-based organization advocating on behalf of Washington’s 281 cities and towns, honored Senator Tim Sheldon (D-Potlatch) with a City Champion Award.

Sheldon was recognized on January 2 at Shelton City Hall. He is one of eight legislators recognized for championing city issues during the 2017 legislative session. Specifically, Sheldon is recognized for his leadership in advocating for the expansion of broadband to our state’s rural communities, and advocating for local control and responsible use of the public right-of-way when siting and regulating telecommunication facilities.

“AWC is honored to give this city champion award to Senator Sheldon,” said AWC Government Relations Director Dave Williams. “We appreciate his work on behalf of Washington’s cities. Senator Sheldon’s efforts to support local government authority make him stand out as a champion for cities.”

“Cities are the stewards of public rights-of-way,” said AWC Chief Executive Officer Peter King. “Cities across the state are ready and willing to work with telecommunications companies to expand broadband access in a way that protects public assets and taxpayers in Washington.”

“I’m honored by this recognition from the Association of Washington Cities for the work we started last session on expanding wireless broadband access around the state,” Sheldon said. “Lightning-fast 5G technology is right around the corner, and as we prepare for deployment, some broadband providers tell us we can get the job done faster if we abandon local rules and override court decisions that protect communities and consumers. But these rules are essential if we are to ensure that broadband providers bear the full cost of pole attachments and remain sensitive to local concerns about equipment placement and aesthetics. I’m sure we can build on the legislation I introduced last year to come up with a plan that will address local needs and bring a speedy rollout of new broadband technology statewide, especially in rural areas and small communities. Improved broadband service is essential no matter what zip code you live in, if we are to remain competitive as a state.”

“We are pleased to award Senator Sheldon for his efforts to ensure that cities maintain local control,” said King. “His work on this issue is very much appreciated, and we look forward to working with the Senator in the future.”

City Champion Awards are a component of AWC’s Strong Cities, Great State campaign that brings cities and towns together to achieve greater results and deliver stronger services. This is the fourth year the City Champion Awards have been presented to select legislators.

The Association of Washington Cities 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. Membership is voluntary. However, AWC consistently maintains 100 percent 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.

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