Deputy Mayor John Hines of Tacoma was recently appointed to the Board of Directors of the Association of Washington Cities (AWC). Hines was appointed to represent District 10, a single-city district held by the City of Tacoma as one of the three most populous cities in the state.

“I am deeply honored and excited to serve on the board of the Association of Washington Cities,” said Deputy Mayor John Hines. “Cities are the front lines for change in our state. City leaders are addressing the challenging issues facing many of our residents and building communities that serve and benefit all of them. I am looking forward to continuing to be part of this organization to further the work of our cities and the issues of our residents in the years ahead. I share AWC’s belief that strong cities create a great state.”

Hines, who has served on the Tacoma City Council since 2019, was appointed to serve as Tacoma’s Deputy Mayor in 2024. He has been an integral leader driving the City of Tacoma’s efforts to increase affordable housing, address homelessness, and bolster community safety.

“I am excited about the fresh perspective and new ideas that Deputy Mayor Hines will bring to the AWC Board,” said AWC President Betsy Wilkerson. “I look forward to working with him in the coming year to achieve great things for our 281 cities across Washington state.”

“Deputy Mayor Hines is an experienced, collaborative leader, and we are thrilled that he is joining the AWC Board,” said AWC CEO Deanna Dawson. “John will be a strong voice for Tacoma, and for all 281 cities in Washington.”

With a passion for solving tough problems, Deputy Mayor Hines has served in leadership roles at the national, regional, and state levels, including on the National League of Cities’ Finance, Administration and Intergovernmental Relations (FAIR) Federal Advocacy Committee, the AWC Legislative Priorities Committee, and as a Pierce Transit Commissioner.

In 2023 deputy Mayor Hines earned AWC’s Advanced Certificate of Municipal Leadership, which recognizes elected officials in towns and cities who have continued to strive for excellence by attending conferences and trainings, serving their community, and developing leadership skills.

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% 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.

A complete list of AWC Board of Directors is available on the association’ website.