While it still feels like summer, it really is October and the 2023 legislative session is less than three months away! Last month AWC’s Board adopted our 2023 City Legislative Priorities based on the recommendations of the Legislative Priorities Committee.
The five adopted priorities are:
Respond to the Blake decision
Support clarification around the crime of possessing a controlled substance so that individuals, law enforcement, and treatment providers can respond appropriately. Revise the current system of two referrals prior to criminal charges, so it can be more
effectively administered across the state.
Support additional investments to help cities with the costs stemming from the Blake decision on how possession of controlled substances is handled by the criminal justice system. This includes:
- Funding to help offset the costs of vacating criminal convictions, repaying legal financial obligations, administering diversion programs, and mitigating municipal court impacts.
- Investment in alternative response teams; treatment facilities for adults and juveniles; treatment in jails; and social workers, treatment providers, and system navigators to help direct people to treatment.
Read the fact sheet.
Address vehicle pursuits for
public safety
Clarify the ability for law enforcement to conduct vehicle pursuits using a reasonable suspicion standard in specific circumstances. This is essential to allow for effective and safe pursuit of suspects when there is an immediate threat to public safety.
Cities will continue to support safety standards and training for officers who engage in vehicle pursuits.
Read the fact sheet.
Ensure basic infrastructure funding
Fully fund the Public Works Assistance Account (PWAA), allow the current revenue diversions to sunset at the end of fiscal year 2023, and refrain from further fund transfers or diversions to other infrastructure programs or non-infrastructure accounts.
Expand state funding opportunities to assist with maintenance and operations of local infrastructure.
Read the fact sheet.
Increase housing affordability & availability
Support a proactive approach that creates new tools, incentives, and revenues that cities can use to help increase housing supply and address affordability. Cities need resources to encourage development of housing at all income levels—especially
for our lowest-income residents.
Read the fact sheet.
Provide behavioral health
resources
Create greater access to community-based behavioral health services to include substance use disorder treatment and dual diagnosis treatment facilities. Support continued state funding to help communities establish alternative response programs like co-responder
programs, diversion programs, and others that provide options beyond law enforcement for responding to situations that involve individuals suffering from behavioral health issues.
Read the fact sheet.
As cities develop their own legislative agendas for 2023, we encourage you to include these items identified by AWC as priorities and significant issues. Here’s a refresher on developing your city’s agenda.
What will be in the next state biennial budget?
While we don’t really know yet, state agencies had to submit their budget requests to the
Governor’s Office in early September. The Governor will release his proposed 2023-2025 budgets in December per statutory requirements. AWC weighed in with the Governor to highlight cities’ priorities for state spending with a letter highlighting the following spending priorities:
- Full funding for the Public Works Assistance Account
- Funding for cities in response to the Blake decision
- GMA and comprehensive planning support
- Funding for repairing or replacing city-owned fish-blocking culverts
- More funding for city transportation needs
- Public safety funding and funding for Criminal Justice Training Commission training
- Increased funding for the Municipal Research and Services Center (MRSC)
Unlike the supplemental budget process where the state had record new revenue, the next biennium may not be so robust. The recent revenue forecast was down nearly $500 million for 2023-2025 and inflation is driving up costs at both the state and local
levels. Right now, we may be enjoying sunny October weather, but the budget outlook is cloudy.
What’s on tap for cities? Don’t miss your chance to join us for Cities on Tap!
AWC is hosting three more annual Cities on Tap meetings around the state. These fun and informative sessions are an opportunity to learn more about what is going on at AWC as well as what is in store for the 2023 legislative session. They are also a great
opportunity to network with your fellow city officials.
We are thrilled to offer these sessions in person again this year alongside one online option for those who aren’t able to make it in person. There are only a few events left! Find out when and where we are hosting Cities on Tap and register now.