Last week more than 150 city leaders from around the state joined us for our annual City Action Days legislative conference! We were so excited and grateful to see the engagement, interest, and dedication of city officials using their voices to influence key legislative proposals.

City Action Days featured a terrific panel discussion of the four legislative caucus leaders. We were so appreciative to have all four leaders make time in their busy schedules to speak to cities about their priorities, proposals impacting cities, and civility. Thank you to Speaker of the House Representative Laurie Jinkins, House Minority Leader Representative J.T. Wilcox, Senate Majority Leader Senator Andy Billig, and Senate Minority Leader Senator John Braun. The discussion was thoughtful and insightful. If you’d like to hear this impactful session, listen now.

In form with long standing tradition, Gov. Jay Inslee also addressed the audience and discussed the state’s COVID-19 response, his approach on housing proposals, and the importance of responding to climate change. We also want to thank the Governor for joining us and sharing his perspective and appreciation for the work of cities.

First cutoff deadlines begin this week

Right now as a city leader, you need to use your voice as bills face the first set of session cutoff deadlines. This is a key point when the fate of many bills will be decided.

Take time this week to reach out to legislators and let them know about bills that you want to advance out of committee (continue on the path to become law) or stay in committee (i.e., “die,” meaning they will no longer be considered this year). Some bills have already been voted on in committee, but this week—many more will be voted on. To find out the specific status of a bill, you can look it up on the legislative website bill information page.

Make sure to also use the AWC weekly bill Hot Sheet for a quick overview of bills important to cities and where they stand in the process.

Upcoming cutoff deadlines*:

• February 3 – Deadline for bills to pass out of policy committees.
• February 7 – Deadline for bills to pass out of fiscal committees.
• February 15 – Deadline for bills to pass out of their house of origin.

*Remember there are exceptions to these deadlines, including any bill deemed necessary to implement the budget (NTIB).

Friday city action calls

Looking for more frequent updates on hot legislative topics? Register for our weekly city action calls every Friday at 12:30 pm via Zoom.

Thank you again to everyone who participated in City Action Days. City leaders have a powerful voice and it is important that legislators hear your input. We appreciate your engagement during session.

If you have questions about the legislative process or issues going before the Legislature, always reach out to the Government Relations team. There is no such thing as a silly question, and we are always happy to help!