The Association of Washington Cities (AWC) is pleased to announce that one of its city elected officials was appointed to lead a National League of Cities (NLC) policy committee.

The City of Tukwila Councilmember Kate Kruller was appointed as Chair of NLC’s Transportation and Infrastructure Services Committee. The chair is responsible for developing policy positions and leading federal advocacy on transportation issues that focus on improving safety and connectivity and leveraging innovation. As committee chair, Councilmember Kruller will serve on the NLC Board of Directors.

“Our cities, towns, and villages throughout the United States have an important role as owners and operators of much of the country’s transportation infrastructure,” said Tukwila Councilmember Kate Kruller. “I’m thrilled and honored to bring my background to the committee and keep our cities moving forward.”

Kruller stepped into the new role at the 2022 NLC City Summit held November 16-19 in Kansas City, Missouri, attended by over 3,500 city officials and staff nationwide. University Place Councilmember Kent Keel was appointed as Chair of the Information Technology and Communications Committee. As committee Chairs, Kruller and Keel will be members of the NLC Board, joining other Washington city officials including Seattle Councilmember Teresa Mosqueda, Shoreline Councilmember Chris Roberts, Vancouver Mayor Pro Tem Ty Stober, Bellevue Councilmember Janice Zahn, and Tacoma Mayor Victoria Woodards, who was elected President of the NLC Board.

“I have had the honor of working with Councilmember Kruller for over a decade, and I am excited to see her take on this role on the national stage,” said AWC Chief Executive Officer Deanna Dawson. “She is an exceptionally well-informed and hard-working leader, and her expertise on transportation policy will make her an asset to cities across Washington, and the entire United States.”

“Councilmember Kruller is a through and through expert,” said AWC President and Port Orchard Mayor Rob Putaansuu. “She brings to the role an extensive background in public service, with a professional history that magnifies her strong understanding of the transportation sector. I know she will be an excellent leader for NLC.”

Kruller was first elected to the Tukwila City Council in 2011. She represents Tukwila on a variety of local, regional, and statewide committees including the Sound Cities Association (SCA) Public Issues Committee (PIC), the Puget Sound Regional Council (PSRC) Transportation Policy Board (TPB), and AWC’s Federal Legislative Priorities Committee.

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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. Membership is voluntary. However, AWC consistently maintains 100 percent participation from Washington’s 281 cities and towns.

NLC is the voice of America’s cities, towns, and villages, representing more than 200 million people across the country. NLC works to strengthen local leadership, influence federal policy, and drive innovative solutions.