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 University Place Councilmember Kent Keel was appointed as Chair of NLC’s Information Technology and Communications Committee. As committee chair, Keel will serve on the NLC Board of Directors.

The chair is responsible for developing policy positions and leading federal advocacy on issues involving broadband access and affordability, net neutrality, cable TV, phone services, spectrum issues, wireless facilities siting, smart cities, and cybersecurity. The committee also works to defend against federal preemption of wireless facilities siting authority, close the digital divide, and provide broadband consumer protections for city residents.

“I am dedicated to making sure that the cities, towns, and villages across the country continue to thrive,” said University Place Councilmember Kent Keel. “It has been my honor and pleasure to serve on AWC’s Board of Directors to contribute to the valuable work done there. I look forward to leveraging that experience to help strengthen cities’ voice at the national level, along with our partners.”

Keel 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. At the same meeting, NLC elected Tacoma’s Mayor Victoria Woodards as its Board President and Tukwila Councilmember Kate Kruller was appointed as Chair of the Transportation and Infrastructure Services Committee. They join other Washington city officials including Seattle Councilmember Teresa Mosqueda, Shoreline Councilmember Chris Roberts, Vancouver Mayor Pro Tem Ty Stober, and Bellevue Councilmember Janice Zahn.

“It has been an honor to work with Councilmember Keel in his role as Past President of AWC,” said AWC Chief Executive Officer Deanna Dawson. “He is an extremely well-respected leader here in Washington, and I am thrilled that he will be taking his outstanding leadership to the national stage in this new role.”

“I have had the distinct privilege of working with Councilmember Keel for many years,” said AWC President and Port Orchard Mayor Rob Putaansuu. “He is passionate about cities, a dedicated public servant, and an absolute pleasure to work with. I know he will be a huge asset to NLC.”

Keel has served on the AWC Board of Directors since 2014 and was elected to the University Place City Council in 2012. He’ll serve a one-year term on the NLC policy 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.