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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 Representative Andrew Barkis (R-Olympia) with a City Champion Award.

Barkis was recognized on January 23 at Yelm City Hall. He is one of eight legislators recognized for championing city issues during the 2017 legislative session. Specifically, Barkis is recognized for his advocacy for and efforts to increase the availability of affordable housing in a variety of situations and communities.

“Washington’s cities are proud to present this award to Representative Barkis for his work on ensuring local option tools for cities,” said AWC Chief Executive Officer Peter King. “We appreciate Representative Barkis’s commitment to ensuring that all communities around the state have a chance to address their own specific needs. He is a true champion for cities.”

“I thank AWC for this award. It is always nice to be recognized,” said Barkis. “This award reflects the relationships that are built to collaboratively work on the big issues and the willingness to have the tough conversations. I look forward to the continued work we will do together.”

“AWC is proud to recognize Representative Barkis for his work in the Legislature to help make communities in his district and across the state prosper,” said King. “Cities need champions in the Legislature, like Representative Barkis.”

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