Mid-July is typically the time for enjoying Washington’s best summer weather, without pondering next winter when the Legislature will reconvene for the 2023 session. But, that is exactly what a group of dedicated city officials are doing this week when the Legislative Priorities Committee meets again to deliberate on issues for AWC’s 2023 legislative agenda.

Committee members have been reviewing dozens of ideas and issues that cities submitted for consideration for the 2023 agenda. They fine-tune policy statements and prioritize which are most critical for 2023. The work will continue into September when the committee makes its set of recommendations to the full AWC Board of Directors.

While the committee has been reviewing a myriad of issues, a few have risen to the top for the most discussion. Those include:

• Infrastructure funding, including the need to restore funding to the Public Works Assistance Account;
• Addressing the impacts of the Blake decision legislation that changed how the crime of drug possession is handled. Cities have experienced new costs for implementing these changes and reported challenges with the requirement to provide referrals during the first two law enforcement contacts with individuals possessing drugs;
• Continued focus on the development of new proposals to help create more housing availability and affordability; and
• Further clarification about when and how law enforcement can conduct vehicular pursuits.

Additionally, there are continued conversations about issues like additional funding for culverts, revising the 1% property tax cap, ongoing transportation funding, and many others. We will continue to provide updates on the committee’s work through September.

Survey says…

During the interim, AWC conducts a variety of surveys of our members to collect data, information, and feedback on a wide range of topics. We know that this can create survey fatigue, but the information you provide is really important. So please keep an eye out for those surveys and take a few minutes to fill them out.

Right now, we are seeking responses to our biennial Tax and User Fees Survey. Later this week we will be sending out our annual City Conditions Survey so please look for it and take a few minutes to respond. Both surveys are sent to specific people in each city for responses given the specific data that we are requesting.

Thanks in advance for your help with our surveys!