On behalf of the 281 cities in Washington, the Association of Washington Cities (AWC) thanks U.S. Sen. Patty Murray for championing additional federal support for communities impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

At a recent virtual press conference with Sen. Murray, Soo Ing-Moody, Twisp Mayor and AWC President, expressed her gratitude for the senator’s work: “[Thank you] Sen. Murray for your unwavering support of cities and towns in our state and for your understanding of our plight. Your voice in [Washington] D.C. is incredibly important to all Washingtonians as we come together to overcome the impacts of this pandemic.” Vancouver Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle and Ferndale Mayor Greg Hansen also shared the challenges their cities face in responding to the pandemic. 

Throughout the past several months, Sen. Murray has taken bold action to support Washington cities through her strong support of the CARES Act and the proposed HEROES Act. The CARES Act provided Washington cities and counties with $300 million in indirect federal funding. The HEROES Act proposal seeks to provide an additional $375 billion in flexible, direct federal funding for local governments across the country.

During the same event, Sen. Murray called on federal leaders to support local governments: “Over the last few months, I have heard constantly from state and local leaders...that they need more federal help to stay on top of the coronavirus and provide their communities the services and support they desperately, desperately need during this pandemic. Now is not the time for Congress to shrink from its duty to support state and local and tribal governments on the forefront of this crisis and I am fighting to make sure this final federal assistance is included in the next relief bill.”

AWC echoes Sen. Murray’s call to action and urges Congress to step up to the challenge and provide critical and much-needed federal funding for all of America’s towns and cities. Americans depend on the essential public services that cities provide to communities. Without federal support, cities will continue to cut programs, cancel capital projects, and freeze hiring of critical positions. Direct, flexible federal funding will enable cities to continue providing access to critical public services and support for community members in need.

AWC partnered with the National League of Cities in May to launch the Cities Are Essential campaign, calling on the federal government to ensure flexible, direct funding relief provided to America’s municipalities in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.