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Published on Dec 09, 2024

Federal budget deadline looms without significant progress on budget bills

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Recent articles

  • Broad coalition supports revising the outdated property tax cap

  • Gov. Inslee’s budget proposal includes a hit to the PWAA and reductions to law enforcement training

  • AWC Listening session: New transportation funding ideas

  • PFML job protections and concurrent PFML/FMLA leave may see changes in 2025

  • Tips for employee recognition during the holidays

  • Watch the 2025 legislative session preview webinar

  • Act by January 8 to help shape the Model Public Records Act Rules

  • Legislature poised to take up proposals from Task Force on Jail Standards

  • Key takeaways from AWC’s childcare access listening session

  • State transportation revenue forecast declines further, budget writers to face difficult decisions in 2025

  • Lower revenue forecast sets the stage for tough decisions in 2025-27 budgets

  • Secretary of State kicks off 2025-26 Local Records Grants

  • LCB has set the process for issuing social equity cannabis licenses

  • Pension policy committee recommends permanent PERS 1 COLA to the Legislature

  • Check out NLC’s City AI Governance Dashboard

  • I-2066 appears to pass, prohibits cities from disincentivizing natural gas use

  • Washington Supreme Court holds second indigent defense hearing where cities turned out

  • Update to model business license threshold set for adoption by January 1, 2026

  • I-2066 predicted to pass in close election and other three initiatives fail

  • Washington Supreme Court leaves clarification of police liability exception in place

  • Paid Family and Medical Leave premiums set to go up in 2025

  • Retail delivery fees as a transportation funding tool

  • Cities urged to comment on Financial Data Transparency Act federal rulemaking by October 21

  • Minimum wage to increase to $16.66 per hour in 2025

  • Congress passes funding extension ensuring no government shutdown through December 20

  • L&I proposes 2025 workers’ compensation rates, first responders to see large increases once again

  • Big changes to ambulance billing coming soon

  • AWC’s 2025 Legislative agenda taking shape

  • Deadline to participate in newest opioid settlement with Kroger extended to September 11

  • It’s budget season – Have you obligated your ARPA funds?

  • Pension Funding Council and LEOFF 2 Board adopt new contribution rates for 2025

  • OSHA sets public hearing dates for Emergency Response Standard rulemaking

  • OFM is looking for data on Public Service Loan Forgiveness borrowers and employers

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  • A path forward: Fife’s Jobs Program

  • Planning for deeply affordable housing

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  • What cities should know about the EPA’s new PFAS drinking water standards: Six takeaways

  • U.S. Supreme Court reverses public camping cases, Grants Pass and Martin

  • State population surpasses eight million – Cities see 66,000 new residents

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  • The top five things we learned at the 2024 LRI

  • Two more HR bills going into effect July 1

  • Deadline to establish different permit timelines under SB 5290 looms

  • Learn about proposed updates to AWC’s Statement of Policy

  • HR bills going into effect in June

  • Federal Trade Commission bans noncompete agreements nationwide

  • Expanded city authority to use automated traffic safety cameras takes effect in June

  • Prepare for new public works prompt payment requirements taking effect in June

  • Lodging tax reporting system is open – submit annual report by May 17

  • How can cities retain their men and women in blue?

  • Lots of elections reforms proposed, but none make the cut

  • For a short session, the Legislature makes significant progress on behavioral health

  • Legislature approves three emergency management bills in 2024

  • Status quo session means modest budget and financial impacts for cities

  • Preserving tax increment financing

  • Land use issues continue to strike the Legislature’s fancy

  • Another quiet year for open government legislation

  • Organics and packaging and water, oh my!

  • Affordable housing continues to get a lot of attention

  • Another light year for legislation tackling homelessness

  • With public safety a top concern in 2024, Legislature approves a handful of bills

  • HR, labor relations, and pensions had a fairly a quiet session

  • PWAA remains untouched, Legislature looks closely at prompt pay practices in public works

  • Project cost overruns and traffic safety loomed large over the 2024 short session

  • Legislature continues to prioritize decarbonization and energy assistance for low-income households

  • Washington state prepares for BEAD funding, but work remains to expand digital adoption and equity

  • Update to lead service line replacement funding issue: IRS fixes flaw in federal tax code

  • Sunshine Week 2024 highlights the importance of open government

  • Council on Public Defense proposed revised standards for indigent defense and caseload limits

  • Office of Public Defense grants for cities less than 200,000 for drug possession cases

  • L&I restarts rulemaking for “good faith and fair dealing” rules for self-insured cities

  • State tourism funding passes Legislature

  • Supplemental budgets pass with funding for city priorities in final days of session

  • Unemployment for striking workers stalls at the final legislative cutoff

  • LEOFF 2 bill makes it through the Legislature

  • Bill addressing impaired driving passes the Legislature

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  • New ground ambulance billing protections pass Legislature with minor impacts to cities

  • Legislature passes expansion of Equal Pay & Opportunity Act

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  • Temporary disability bill makes it through the Legislature

  • Direction to the State Building Code Council

  • It’s (still) not a condo!

  • Cities cannot ban beehives

  • Expanded eligibility for “1406” housing funds

  • Assistance to access federal grants soon to come to underserved communities, pending inclusion in state’s final operating budget

  • Legislature passes income tax initiative

  • Mandated organics collection bill passes

  • Legislature passes bill to send prompt payment proposal to CPARB for review

  • Bill to update electrical inspector requirements passes Legislature

  • CERB rural broadband program codification passes Legislature

  • Bill to increase early-adopter incentives for clean buildings compliance passes Legislature

  • Workforce Housing Accelerator Program passed, but not funded

  • Legislature passes vehicular pursuits initiative into law

  • Watch our end-of-session roundup

  • Senate passes first responder wellness and peer support bill

  • Cities eligible to receive support from proposed emergency infrastructure assistance program

  • Legislature incorporates benefits portability into WA Cares Fund

  • Tower crane safety bill passes Senate with amendments, returns to the House

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  • Bill clarifying tourism promotion fee exemptions passes the Legislature

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  • Paid sick leave bill passes the Legislature

  • Parking bill passes House with amendments

  • Stay-at-work bill passes the Senate and heads to the Governor

  • Middle housing fix-it bill passes Senate with one change

  • 911 operators arbitration bill passes the Legislature

  • Wildland Urban Interface bill passes the House

  • Flexibility for business license rate changes passes House

  • UGA land swap bill passes

  • Employer speech bill finds its way through the Legislature, heads to Governor’s desk

  • Congress passes fourth continuing resolution to prevent partial government shutdown

  • Behavioral health bills head to Governor’s desk

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  • Senate passes bill adding additional requirements for public comment periods

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  • Capital gains tax initiative not scheduled for hearing, likely headed for ballot

  • Updates to 2023 public works procurement law fail to pass; AWC determining next steps

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  • GMA update extension bill passes Legislature

  • Expansion of firefighter best practices grants passes the Legislature

  • Co-housing bill passes Senate

  • Learn more about the initiative to make the state long-term care program voluntary

  • Transit-oriented development bill is amended as it passes the next hurdle

  • Revived bill from 2023 looks to expand Stay-at-Work program access

  • A fix-it bill for last year’s housing SEPA exemption law continues to move

  • WA Cares bill gets amended on its way out of the Senate

  • Bill to allow neighborhood cafes advances

  • House of Representatives considers establishing a wildfire mitigation and resiliency workgroup

  • Bill proposing agency oversight of transitional housing siting changes course

  • Online ticket seller regulation does not shake off Rules Committee

  • Two childcare bills make it past house of origin cutoff

  • Senate passes crime victims and witnesses bill

  • TIF bill passes the Legislature, awaits Governor’s signature

  • Senate passes law enforcement training bill unanimously

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  • Personnel records bill dies at cutoff

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  • Legislature revives bill to allow AG investigations of police departments

  • AWC requests city feedback on proposed amendments to Washington’s Safe Dig law

  • Autonomous vehicle regulation the subject of two proposals considered by the Senate

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  • Automatic UGA boundary expansion proposed

  • Assault of an off-duty law enforcement officer felony under bill passed out of Senate last week

  • Bill creating a new diversion-type program, without prosecutor support, passed House policy committee

  • Bill giving cities the option to move to ranked choice voting scheduled for public hearing

  • Property owners owing municipalities for infrastructure upgrades may see adjusted contract terms

  • New bill makes small increase in funeral benefits for pre-LEOFF firefighters

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  • Electric utilities’ may see changes to state requirements for energy assistance programs for low-income households

  • An update on “good faith” rulemaking for self-insured cities

  • Check it out! JLARC releases 2022 public records data

  • State considers aerial imagery program

  • Five recent opioid settlements to make first payment

  • Meet your AWC lobbyists

  • Public utilities could make interest-free loans available for residential energy efficiency upgrades under updated bill

  • Bill to address towing a vehicle used as a residence returns

  • Two approaches proposed to improve Washington’s recycling – only one addresses the problem

  • Two bills attempting to lower administrative barriers for childcare are scheduled for hearings this week

  • WA House of Representatives schedules emergency management bill for hearing

  • PDC updates guidance on agency and grassroots lobbying

  • 2023 City Conditions Survey results for human resources

  • Workers’ Comp Advisory Committee hears updates on IME recordings, first responder PTSD, and ergonomic rules

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  • PFAS settlements – Important information for every city

  • ARPA obligation deadline is December 31, 2024 – Are you ready?

  • Check out the new JLARC report on Cannabis revenue spending

  • 2024-25 Local Records Grant cycle announced

  • Your city’s feedback requested! Adult entertainment bill likely back in 2024

  • Revisiting how to avoid holiday party pitfalls

  • U.S. Department of Justice releases new report on recruitment and retention for the modern law enforcement agency

  • B&O tax cities need to adopt technical update to B&O model ordinance for SB 5199

  • AWC proposes changes to the Wildland Urban Interface Code

  • PFML premium rates to come down in 2024

  • Ballot Initiatives for 2024 going to the legislature

  • Cities with a population of 200,000 or less can now apply for funding to help provide public defense services for individuals charged under SB 5536

  • End of year focus on state revenues and budgets

  • Motor vehicle theft and an update on litigation involving Kia and Hyundai vehicles

  • Information for cities on McKinsey class action opioid settlement

  • U.S. Dept. of Labor seeks comments on proposed federal overtime rules

  • Contact your U.S. Congress members now to oppose federal American Broadband Deployment Act

  • Proposed PFML rules implementing 2023 legislation nearing adoption

  • Self-insured cities have the chance to weigh in on new “good faith” rules

  • Washington minimum wage increases to $16.24 per hour in 2024

  • OIC publishes ground ambulance balance billing study, provides policy recommendations

  • Congress takes action to avert federal government shutdown

  • City input needed: New clean buildings performance rules in the making

  • Congress dodges government shutdown with last minute bipartisan agreement

  • Federal government shutdown appears imminent

  • Board of Directors adopts AWC’s 2024 legislative agenda

  • L&I proposes new workers’ comp rates for 2024, first responders to see large increases

  • Auditor announces 2024 audit billing rates

  • AWC’s 2024 Legislative agenda taking shape

  • Feedback requested from B&O tax cities on update to model ordinance

  • WA Supreme Court rules in public employee records case

  • Proposed rule for state and local governments – Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) website/app accessibility

  • $62.6 million from the Opioid Settlement with Walmart coming to Washington

  • Temporary restraining order extended for PRA requests by inmate

  • Comment period opens for the 2024 Reissuance of the Municipal Stormwater Permits & updates to stormwater management manuals

  • Climate planning grants available

  • Give the WA Health Care Authority feedback on community-based crisis teams on Sept. 18

  • Advocacy roundtable on Justice Department's ADA website and app accessibility proposed rule for state and local governments

  • Provide your feedback on potential updates to city model business license minimum threshold

  • Proposed fish passage rules expand state authority

  • AWC Celebrates 90 years of strong city advocacy

  • 2024 AWC legislative agenda in the works

  • Questions abound as cities implement recent housing legislation

  • City input needed for WSDOT’s highway rest stop strategic plan; submit your comments by Aug. 30

  • EMS and peer support highlighted at Tumwater Fire

  • The importance of employee handbooks and policy manuals

  • An update on this summer’s new outdoor heat and wildfire smoke rules

  • Around agency-land: Recent reports from agencies and committees

  • SCOTUS raises the bar for “undue hardship” in religious accommodations

  • New extreme heat law goes into effect July 23: Eight roundtable takeaways

  • State releases updated population numbers – Cities increase population by 1.3%

  • New funding available to help cities with costs of Blake refunds, public defense costs

  • Don’t forget to report your 2022 public records data - JLARC has extended the deadline to August 1

  • New cybersecurity plan released with best practices for cities

  • Missed it? Watch the recording of the joint AWC and WAPA webinar on the new drug possession legislation

  • Cities to see impacts from debt-limit legislation; ARPA funds protected from clawbacks

  • Opioid settlement update

  • Federal Communications Commission releases national broadband map 2.0, prepares to announce BEAD funding allocations by June 30

  • L&I looks to adopt permanent wildfire smoke rules for outdoor workers

  • New employer contribution rates adopted to reflect changes to unfunded liability surcharge

  • Five things we learned at the 2023 Labor Relations Institute

  • Join our June 16 extreme heat workshop and roundtable discussion

  • Contact your U.S. Congress members to oppose local wireless and cable preemption bill

  • WA Cares Fund payroll tax to start July 1

  • JLARC collecting 2022 public records data: Due July 1

  • Legislators take notice of small city challenges – Increase limits in two critical areas

  • Big year for tax bills being introduced but not much to show

  • A busy session for public safety legislation, clarifying police pursuit restrictions, adopting a “Blake fix” addressing drug possession, banning assault weapons, and more

  • Open government bills were debated in 2023 with little action taken

  • Behavioral health was a significant priority for the 2023 legislative session

  • General government bills were far ranging in topic and outcome, from advisory votes to adult entertainment

  • Cannabis social equity program moves forward again in 2023; other cannabis-related bills do not pass

  • Exciting pension changes this session

  • Busy session for HR & labor relations related bills

  • Legislation specific to homelessness was light

  • Land use & planning bills, non-housing edition

  • Environmental issues peaked early in session

  • Traffic safety, project delivery, and collaborative partnerships take center stage in transportation arena this session

  • The year of housing?

  • Infrastructure funding, equity, and standardization key outcomes for public works in 2023

  • Accessibility prioritized in this year’s utility and energy legislation

  • State support for broadband comes through as Washington prepares to receive millions in federal dollars

  • Blake fix bill passes Legislature during one-day special session

  • Legislators return to Olympia tomorrow for special session to address drug possession law

  • Governor signs police pursuits bill into law, law takes effect immediately

  • Complete AWC’s 2024 Legislative Priorities survey by May 30

  • Legislature meeting next week to debate drug possession law

  • Governor announces May 16 special session to pass drug possession bill

  • 2023-25 budget deal passes before Legislature adjourns – funds significant programs for cities

  • Taking stock of the AWC Housing Solutions Group Proposal

  • Washington Legislature fails to pass Blake fix before end of session

  • Doxing bill on Governor’s desk

  • Two behavioral health bills head to the Governor’s desk

  • Property tax cap fix doesn’t make the final plan

  • Legislature passes bills impacting PERS costs

  • Bill to create “good faith” standard for self-insured cities bounces back and forth in session’s final days

  • TIF fixes make it across the finish line

  • Cities to see higher contract bid limits and other positive changes to procurement standards thanks to final passage of public works bill

  • Apprenticeship utilization study provision shaped up to get bill shipped out by sine die

  • New peer-learning opportunity for engaging in local clean energy transitions

  • Support rail safety legislation moving through Congress and share your city’s rail story

  • Police pursuits bill heads to Governor’s desk

  • AWC lobbyists cover the 2023 legislative homestretch

  • New bill, new hope for property tax cap fix

  • The REET bill is on the move and needs your continued support!

  • Status of key affordable housing bills

  • Pension bills still working their way towards the finish line

  • Important HR bills still in play as Legislature enters final week

  • Two bills benefiting small cities survive cutoff, set to become law

  • President Biden ends COVID-19 health emergency – Impacts some uses of ARPA funds

  • House passes a vehicular pursuits bill with amendments; and a round up of other public safety bills

  • Blake bill passes House; AWC sends message to legislators on reconciling the Senate and House versions

  • Voting Rights Act expansion signed by the Governor, two open government bills fail to make it past cutoff

  • Future of transportation revenue forecast just around the bend

  • Prospects are high for a statewide small works roster, more equity in public works procurement

  • WA Cares Fund releases new employer toolkit ahead of July payroll tax

  • WA Supreme Court limits “public duty doctrine,” impacting city employee liability

  • House passes pursuits bill with amendments

  • AWC moves to support on the middle housing bill

  • Voting Rights Bill passes Senate; other bills face uncertain futures

  • State Auditor resources for May 30 annual report deadline – see who has already filed

  • Rural county development sales tax ready to move to Senate vote

  • Rumors abound that property tax fix may still be endgame option, with new bill revising state and local cap

  • Clean energy siting bill aligned with EFSEC expedited process under new amendments

  • Five things to remember about ARPA report due April 30

  • Blake bill faces another round of amendments as final deadlines near

  • Contact your legislators to urge support for vehicle pursuits bill

  • Act now to ask legislators to move the REET bill forward!

  • HR bills on the move as Legislative session heads down the home stretch

  • Bill to scale back unfunded liability surcharge passes House

  • Freight mobility, transportation revenue forecast and bond authority still in action

  • Broadband mapping proposal takes yet another turn, narrows intent and definitional language

  • Eligible cities have until April 18 to sign on to the Attorney General’s opioid settlement

  • New budget summary highlights best versions of budgets for cities

  • Senate and House Transportation budgets ain’t half bad, acknowledge city priorities

  • City perspective interview with Senate Majority Leader Andy Billig

  • Transit-oriented density bill gets restructured

  • Cities permitted to phase in apprenticeship utilization through 2028

  • Legislators hearing from cities that passing pursuits bill is a priority this session

  • Both ADU bills positioned for floor vote

  • Blake bill passes out of House committee with significant changes

  • Legislature prioritizes investments and policy changes to state’s behavioral health system

  • Bill that adds additional requirements to public comment periods acquires new amendments

  • AWC continues to work on improving union privilege bill

  • The continuing saga of “good faith” for self-insured cities

  • Senate plan for “glide path” away from unfunded liability surcharge gaining lift

  • Procurement standards bill amended to include policy review by CPARB

  • Lodging tax expenditure reporting due April 20

  • 2023-25 House budgets use bond and climate dollars to fund programs for cities

  • Act now! Add your name to letter to legislators urging the House to take action on pursuits

  • It’s budget season, starting with the Senate Operating and Capital budgets for 2023-25

  • AWC still working to refine apprenticeship utilization proposal as it nears its end goal

  • Middle housing density bill clears another hurdle

  • Washington may not see a state broadband map any time soon, given recent amendments to House broadband bill

  • Keep pace with the transportation bills rolling through the Legislature

  • L&I moving ahead with permanent ambient heat exposure rulemaking

  • Act now! Police pursuits bill scheduled for vote in House committee

  • HR & labor bills seeing action as second policy cutoff approaches

  • Blake bill scheduled for committee vote in the House

  • Senate moves forward on Voting Rights Act expansion without AWC amendments to protect cities

  • There’s still time: express your support for procurement standards bill in committee Tuesday

  • Prevailing wage bill rescheduled for hearing this week – express your concerns to legislators before it’s too late

  • State revenues show modest decrease in March forecast as budget season launches

  • Update on AWC’s Housing Solutions Group proposal

  • Talk to your U.S. Congressperson about the U.S. House Lower Energy Costs Act

  • Impact map for transit-oriented development bill released, reveals broad scope

  • Support bill prohibiting extreme heat utility shutoff in Committee this week

  • Monday’s state revenue forecast will kick off release of budget proposals

  • Share your concerns about prevailing wage bill heard in the House this week

  • Bill imposing undefined “good faith” standard on self-insured cities scheduled for vote

  • Bill on sharing employee info with unions rescheduled to this week

  • Eligible cities have one month left to sign on to the Attorney General’s Opioid Settlement with five companies

  • Street racing bill scheduled for hearing in the House

  • Blake bill scheduled for first hearing in the House

  • Cities, not Liquor and Cannabis Board, could soon be responsible for regulating cannabis retailer signs

  • Contact your legislators about the need to support vehicular pursuits legislation

  • Two behavioral health bills offer regional solutions

  • Public comment notice bill scheduled in the Senate

  • Washington could have an Office of Independent Prosecutions if bill passes Senate

  • Voting Rights Act expansion scheduled for vote in the Senate

  • Employer access to PFML data in the lineup this week for House labor

  • Retire/rehire bill heard in Senate

  • Union privilege bill scheduled for committee hearing

  • As we round the halfway point, where do the ancillary housing bills stand?

  • Housing funding bills that need your support

  • Feedback needed by March 31 on federal Farm Bill

  • Express your support for procurement standards bill moving through the Senate this week

  • Utility connection waiver bill tweaked to align with current law

  • Don’t get duped – SAM.gov scams charge cities hundreds for free service

  • Sunshine Week 2023 highlights the importance of open government

  • Both major housing density bills receive an early hearing in opposite chamber

  • City confidentiality protected in latest updates to clean energy siting proposal

  • Rural county development sales tax scheduled in Senate

  • TSWIFT consumer protection bill on ticket sales still in the House

  • Property tax cap fix stuck in House, with hope it could become part of a budget deal

  • More HR bills on the week 10 hearing schedule

  • Police liability bills dead after mid-session cutoff

  • Two bills focused on requiring employers provide employee information up for hearings

  • PERS 1 changes back on the hearing schedule

  • One bill imposing “good faith” on self-insured cities survives cutoff

  • AWC wants to hear your city’s success stories when it comes to recruitment and retention

  • Union-member privilege bill survives cutoff

  • Bill exempting domestic violence survivors from the PRA passes House

  • New federal fact sheets highlight cities’ work with ARPA and BIL funds

  • Fixes to the Tax Increment Financing program pass through the House

  • Surprise Senate move keeps vehicular pursuits bill alive

  • Trueblood bill amended, removing costly provisions for cities

  • A bill establishing an Office of Independent Prosecutions in the Attorney General’s Office passes House

  • Bill expanding the Washington Voting Rights Act passes House, scheduled in the Senate

  • Extreme weather grants bill passes out of the House

  • Several lower profile bills continue to advance and receive hearings

  • A murky future for proposed Public Works Revolving Account

  • Catch up to speed with these key transportation bills traveling through the Senate

  • WA to see a statewide small works roster and greater equity in public works procurement in Senate bill now moving through the House

  • Legislative floor action update – 5 pm deadline

  • Blake fix passes Senate, needs your support to advance in the House

  • Watch as City Inside/Out unwraps the WRAP Act

  • Cities from Anacortes to Zillah sign on to support the Affordable Homes Act!

  • Vehicular pursuits bill only has until March 8 for House floor vote

  • Ask House members to support HB 1670, the property tax cap fix

  • Transit-oriented density bill passes the Senate

  • Bill implementing several AWC regulatory reform recommendations moves forward

  • Lot splitting bill passes chamber

  • Changes to prevailing wage law pass the Senate, head to the House, and may be on their way to cities

  • Bill increasing contract limits between cities and community service organizations passes through the House

  • New use for transportation impact fee revenue may be within cities’ sights

  • Extreme heat utility shutoff bill simplified, re-aligned with existing statute

  • Apprenticeship utilization expansion bill scaled back, loses subcontracts provision

  • Very prescriptive and overlapping ADU bills continue to move

  • Bill allowing cities to switch to even year elections up again this year

  • Adult entertainment bill limiting city regulations passes the Senate

  • Nearly unanimous support in Senate for bill to curb illegal street racing

  • Senate passes bill promoting social equity in cannabis

  • No advisory vote on your next ballot? Senate moves to abolish confusing advisory votes

  • Bill aimed at reducing impacts of redacting and releasing body worn camera footage passed out of House

  • HR & labor relations bills past the halfway point

  • Where do city liability bills stand at the mid-session cutoff?

  • Yee haw, it’s a pensions policy roundup: Cutoff edition

  • The end, for now: Prejudgment interest is dead for session

  • Legislative floor action means it's crunch time – your help is needed

  • Act now to add your name to a letter supporting HB 1628 – The Affordable Homes Act!

  • Bill on sharing personnel records with employees amended, voted out of committee

  • Eligible cities have April 18 deadline to join the five new opioid settlements for a portion of $217 million

  • Middle housing bill passes fiscal committee

  • Problematic and expensive police liability bill advances

  • Hold producers accountable for the packaging they send into our state

  • Homeownership assistance for those affected by racially restrictive covenants

  • Prevailing wage proposal fails to make cutoff in one bill, makes it past deadline in another

  • Blake bill passes out of fiscal committee with modifications

  • Support the annexation funding bill to pass out of the House

  • Bill limiting use of traffic stops for non-moving violations passes out of House Transportation Committee

  • Vehicular pursuits bill passes out of House Transportation Committee

  • This was a big week for behavioral health resources

  • Energy project siting legislation governs city participation

  • Phone support returning, new rules incoming, and annual reports due soon – Here’s your ARPA update

  • Autonomous vehicle proposal parked, for now

  • Bill banning hiring discrimination against cannabis users passes Senate

  • Apprenticeship utilization expansion amended, improved for cities

  • Jaywalking bill tempered somewhat to address safety concerns, passes out of committee

  • State broadband map proposal refined, expanded, passed out of committee on unanimous vote

  • Finance bills march on to next step of process before legislative deadline

  • Companion lot splitting bills amended and moving

  • Property tax cap fix passes out of committee

  • Attorney General investigative power over law enforcement misconduct

  • Keep contacting your legislators to oppose these expensive and problematic bills, HB 1025 & SB 5059

  • Utility connection waiver proposal fixed to save costs for ratepayers

  • Bills imposing “good faith” on self-insured cities and third-party administrators amended, voted out of committee

  • Pre-cutoff pensions roundup

  • Bill expanding victims’ services heard last week

  • Trueblood and a new potential role for local jails

  • Wait, what does this bill do...? Senate proposes restrictions on automated decision systems

  • Bill requiring new voter approval on local cannabis bans and impacting local regulatory authority passes out of committee

  • Cities spoke and legislators listened on vehicular pursuits reasonable suspicion standard

  • WA’s disposable wipes labeling law updated to align with federal requirements

  • Bill to expand the definition of public work not ready for “prime time”

  • Housing priority revenue bill is amended as it passes the first hurdle

  • A prescription for going to the park? Legislature considers funding pilot programs to get people outside

  • DOR begins implementing capital gains tax while awaiting decision by Washington State Supreme Court

  • Property tax cap fix gets holiday hearing in the House and needs city support to advance out of committee by this week’s deadline

  • House hears State Tax Structure Work Group proposal to replace state B&O tax with margin tax

  • Voluntary road usage charge program proposed by House Transportation Chair, up for hearing this week

  • Watch AWC's legislative update on public safety bills

  • Over 200 city leaders representing over 100 cities and towns urge the legislature to take action on police pursuit changes

  • Share your support for the city budget priorities in AWC’s letter to budget leaders

  • Ban on police qualified immunity advances out of committee

  • Union-privilege bill passes out of committee with new lineup of exceptions

  • Separate prevailing wage proposals reappear, combine in a new bill with major impacts for cities

  • Bill to authorize additional sales tax for police hiring steps up to the plate this week

  • Safety squeeze: Making pandemic-era COVID infections a presumptive occupational disease

  • Stakeholder input helps shape Freight Mobility Board’s new path

  • House version of personnel records bill takes a swing this week

  • Implementation of extreme heat utility shutoff proposal clarified and improved

  • Use of traffic safety and toll system cameras for other criminal investigations

  • Bills attempt to crack down on illegal street racing

  • State may study creating pool of law enforcement applicants for police departments

  • One Blake bill to move forward

  • House introduces their version of social equity in cannabis bill

  • House votes on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and People cold case investigations unit

  • Authorizing a second deferred prosecution for DUI

  • Legislators show their love for cities by scheduling Valentine’s Day hearing on property tax cap fix

  • Bill on conversion of buildings to housing passes House

  • Small city leaders – House looks to increase contract limits between cities and municipal officers

  • Rulemaking for online case management system for land use appeals

  • PFAS restrictions for land application of biosolids and clean up level guidance

  • What job candidates want: hiring & benefits edition

  • Legislature looking to rework employer information sharing with employees, unions

  • PFML program gets attention early in legislative session

  • Pensions policy roundup: COLAs, credits, and flexible work, oh my!

  • Act now! AWC asking city leaders to sign-on to letter to legislators urging action on vehicular pursuits

  • Priority housing revenue bill up for hearing

  • TSWIFT consumer protection act seeks to protect ticket buyers, but could impact local admissions tax

  • Washington sets rules of the road for fully autonomous vehicles

  • Washington may soon have a state broadband map showing high-speed internet coverage statewide

  • AWC calling on cities to oppose costly prejudgment interest bill this week

  • Learn how legislative cutoff dates work

  • Planning bills not aimed at housing? They still have those? And relief for small cities?

  • Tax amendment bills that support housing

  • Two more lengthy bills focused on permit processing

  • Senate proposal linking cap on property taxes to inflation and population

  • Rural county sales tax extension keeps moving through process

  • Bill raising the age of the juvenile court’s jurisdiction scheduled

  • Blake bills scheduled in Senate Law & Justice Committee

  • Changes to pedestrian crossing laws could reduce jaywalking infractions, increase safety risks

  • Senate hears bill authorizing criminal justice sales tax

  • House attempts to preempt local authority to prohibit cannabis businesses

  • More HR bills with hearings in week five

  • Bill to limit city liability for police dogs gets a hearing

  • Bill to link cap on property taxes to inflation and population introduced

  • Transit density bill joins the fray

  • $200 million request made for Capital Broadband Investment Acceleration Program

  • Three more bills aimed at streamlining housing permits

  • Opening land for housing is a theme in recent proposals

  • Help may be on the way to low-income households making energy efficiency upgrades

  • Apprenticeship utilization requirements see further changes in response to stakeholder input

  • Three local option housing incentive bills emerge

  • Court security task force recommendations seek funding for small rural courts

  • Trueblood bill defers responsibility to local governments without new funding

  • Psilocybin bill scheduled for public hearing

  • State infrastructure bank proposal scheduled for hearing

  • Bill requires new workers compensation standards for self-insured employers

  • Bills to prevent “doxing” scheduled for hearings in the Legislature

  • Childcare and adult dependent care could be allowed as travel expenses under new proposal

  • Bill allowing access to PFML claim info scheduled for hearing

  • House and Senate introduce bipartisan bills that limit frivolous public records request lawsuits

  • Public Works Assistance Account 2.0

  • New procurement standards aim to support local government needs

  • Right turns on red lights prohibited near schools, parks, and other community facilities

  • Woof! Bill clarifies authority to care for abused and neglected animals

  • Bills related to police vehicle pursuits up for hearing this week

  • Senate to consider fixes to Tax Increment Financing program

  • Learn how to sign in and testify

  • Three bills have been introduced addressing Blake

  • More proposals on promoting alternative housing types

  • A fence by any other name…

  • New option proposed for critical area ordinances

  • Housing bills more focused on process than style

  • Margin tax proposed to replace state B&O tax

  • New process for new settlements from opioid litigation

  • Bills revising police vehicular pursuits restrictions introduced

  • Property taxes on the agenda for Senate Ways & Means

  • Rural economic development sales tax credit reintroduced

  • New bill on flexible work hours for police

  • Public works procurement bill to remove barriers for small and minority owned businesses

  • PERS 1 COLAs on the schedule for week three

  • Bill would grant Attorney General greater authority to investigate law enforcement misconduct

  • Firearms are a major topic of discussion at 2023 session

  • Bill to repeal prohibition on ergonomic injury rules returns to the Senate

  • Bills on paying interns, providing info to unions, and employer political speech all up for hearings

  • Bill eliminates qualified immunity for police and increases liability for cities

  • Cities to oppose prejudgment interest bill for increasing city liability costs at hearing this week

  • Waivers for municipal utility connection charges would be allowed under new bill

  • Bill proposes to expand definition of “public work”

  • “Zach’s Law” reappears for consideration this year, aims to deter bridge jumping

  • Early action supports AWC’s Housing Solutions Group proposal elements

  • 11 hot advocacy tips and info for legislative session from the Mayors Exchange

  • Meet your AWC lobbyists

  • Bill proposes a housing benefit district grant pilot program

  • House to consider new ban on fentanyl manufacturing equipment

  • Several pension bills scheduled for hearings in week two

  • Bill creating a new “Union-member” legal privilege scheduled for action in the House

  • Bill on fixing PFML premiums gets a hearing in the Senate

  • Tax structure and transparency discussions in Senate Ways & Means

  • Producer responsibility for packaging—will Washington be next?

  • ADU preemption proposal emerges

  • Housing grab bag bill contains mostly positive provisions for cities

  • Municipal airport commission authority could expand to include operations, management, and enlargement

  • Clean energy siting coordinating council established in new bill – Contact AWC with your feedback

  • A potential new use for transportation impact fees emerges

  • Prevailing wage proposal with impacts for cities picks up its pace

  • Proposal to reshape the Freight Mobility Board to be heard in committee

  • Bill would allow cities to charge impact fees for law enforcement facilities

  • Workforce development a top priority for the Legislature as it eyes requirements to expand apprentice utilization in public works contracting

  • Office of Independent Investigations launches webpage

  • Check it out! JLARC releases 2021 public records data

  • Jury diversity bill amended to add $125 pay for low-income jurors

  • Feds okay additional allowable uses of ARPA Funds

  • State to consider increasing contract limits between cities and community service organizations

  • OPMA bill with new penalties for public comment deadlines

  • Middle housing mandate is back, with changes

  • Proposed state constitutional amendment aims to protect local government public works funding

  • Send us your feedback on public works contracting proposals

  • Proposal to reduce administrative burden of releasing body worn cameras recordings

  • Blake fixes are top of mind for Legislators as session begins

  • Attorney General clarifies law enforcement use of “physical force”

  • Attorney General announces five new opioid agreements with drug companies

  • Bill to amend the Washington Voting Rights Act scheduled for hearing

  • Extreme Weather Response Grant bill reintroduced this session

  • Water and electric utility shutoff during extreme heat prohibited under new bill

  • Finance Committee briefing on State Tax Structure Work Group recommendations

  • Governor’s 2023-25 budget proposals scheduled for hearings

  • Freight Mobility Board heads toward major bends in the road

  • Senate bills on employee records and discrimination in hiring for cannabis use up for hearings in week 1

  • House bills on recording independent medical exams and allowing “voluntary separations” access to unemployment benefits

  • Did your city provide direct financial support using ARPA funds? You may need to send out tax forms.

  • Conversion of buildings to residential uses

  • Critical housing bond proposals will be heard the first week of session

  • Bill would eliminate external design review boards

  • New requirement proposed for tree protection ordinances

  • Governor’s proposed budget for 2023-25 includes funding for several city priorities

  • Act now: Send your comments on FCC proposed rulemaking by Dec. 27

  • Happy holidays—but first, an election recap and final prepping for session

  • L&I hosts webinar series on new rules for job postings

  • Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant applications to open in January

  • HCA and DOH provide recommendations for State's portion of opioid settlement distribution

  • Spokane ordinance on collective bargaining in public held unconstitutional

  • State Tax Structure Work Group recommendations expected soon

  • Positive revenue forecast sets the stage for release of Governor’s proposed budget for 2023-25 this week

  • Update on HB 1220 – Significant new responsibilities around planning for housing

  • AWC Housing Solutions Group releases proposal

  • Land use appeals case management system going online

  • Middle housing grants for Puget Sound cities still available

  • L&I issues new guidance for preventing COVID-19 as emergency ends

  • Resources from across the AWC city-verse

  • L&I adopts new workers’ comp rates for 2023

  • PFML Premiums Task Force recommends proposal to fix program solvency issues

  • Payments for opioid settlement distribution beginning this month

  • Help improve Washington’s broadband access - invite your residents to review broadband speeds

  • Election season comes to a close – What does it mean for the legislative session?

  • Reductions to DOR business license service handling fees for online licensing and renewals proposed

  • Proposed rules would require replacement of city culverts

  • Work session to provide updates on revenue forecast and State Tax Structure Work Group

  • Select Committee on Pension Policy considers proposals on PERS 1 COLA, moving 911 operators to PSERS

  • Ecology resources on new organics management law

  • Two new grant opportunities for affordable housing

  • New state and federal resources aimed at climate action

  • Legislature to take up Blake discussion during Committee Days

  • Opioid settlement funds set to flow in December – Is your region’s OAC in place?

  • December 1 deadline: Submit use of force policy to Attorney General’s Office

  • Solvency surcharge added to PFML premiums starting January 1

  • AWC’s 2023 legislative agenda set & budget priorities shared

  • Liquor and Cannabis Board revises proposed cannabis equity legislation

  • Uncertainty drives drop in state’s revenue forecast

  • Update on AWC’s Housing Solutions Group

  • Supreme Court case offers seasonal reminder for recreational trails

  • Draft land use planning and permitting retention schedule out for comment

  • 2023 city-county assistance estimates released

  • Contact your U.S. Senators on proposed amendment mandating costly federal financial reporting

  • State Tax Structure Work Group set to narrow policy options in November

  • NLC 2022 City Fiscal Conditions report shows impact of federal assistance on pandemic recovery

  • Federal cybersecurity grant funds coming to Washington state

  • Opioid settlement funds set for distribution in December

  • National Culvert Removal, Replacement, and Restoration Grant Program now open

  • New rules adopted for domestic animal waste

  • Agency-land roundup: Tracking what agencies are up to

  • City Conditions Survey highlights some of the HR needs of Washington’s cities

  • L&I announces 2023 minimum wage increase

  • L&I proposes workers’ comp rate increases for 2023

  • Final Joint Transportation Committee State/Local split memo now available!

  • Cities invited to participate in state aerial imagery study

  • AWC’s 2023 legislative agenda comes into focus

  • AGO holds second opioid settlement call with city leaders – deadline September 23

  • Washington's COVID-19 state of emergency to end October 31

  • Updated COVID-19 booster shots are now available to protect against omicron

  • How student loan forgiveness may impact city employees

  • Treasury publishes ARPA spending reports – Here's how cities spent their funds

  • $1.9 million in grant funds available for city alternative response programs

  • Congratulations to the 2022-2023 Local Records Grant Program recipients!

  • City Transportation Equity Study under way

  • State Tax Structure Work Group continues evaluation of potential changes to tax structure

  • Condominium conversions or relocations reporting time

  • New Community Wildfire Defense Grants

  • Reporting reminder for Affordable Housing Sales Tax (HB 1406)

  • New law requires compost procurement ordinance

  • Comment on State Broadband Office funding process by Oct. 4

  • The top 10 things we learned at AWC’s 2022 budget workshop

  • No big wave, but still changes ahead for the November election

  • Feedback needed on proposed cannabis legislation

  • Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and People Task Force issues first report

  • SAO releases report of state spending of federal COVID-19 funds

  • AGO holds opioid settlement call with cities – agreement deadline September 23

  • Treasury expands eligible uses of ARPA funds for affordable housing

  • Is your city owed funds from the state’s unclaimed property program?

  • New statewide plan for electric vehicle infrastructure to expand Washington’s EV grid

  • Growth Management Act reform survey

  • WSBO working hard for the broadband money

  • L&I Director speaks out about this summer’s heat and wildfire smoke rules

  • Local government workers can count more student loan payments towards Public Service Loan Forgiveness until October 31

  • HR Field Notes: A conversation with Amy Heller, President of the Washington Public Employment Labor Relations Association

  • U.S. Supreme Court overrules test for restrictions on religious expression in Washington high school case

  • Learn more about the benefits to cities of “unretiring”

  • 2022 Salary and Benefit Survey results are in

  • Rulemaking roundup: Other agency actions you should know about

  • Pension rates to remain steady for 2023

  • ICMA releases results of study on local government DEI efforts

  • Register now: August 8 Washington opioid settlement meeting with AG's Office

  • Joint Transportation Committee Workgroup wraps up state/local split negotiations

  • Save the date: Aug. 8 meeting with AGO on Washington's opioid settlement

  • Celebrate parks & recreation during the month of July

  • Already looking ahead to 2023 with ideas for city legislative priorities

  • New housing and shelter grant opportunities now open!

  • More information on State’s opioid settlement with distributors and how cities can receive a portion of funds

  • Attorney General releases model use of force policy

  • Revenue forecast up again as state’s economic growth continues

  • No initiatives to the people on the November ballot

  • Curious about work on Blake? Check out the SURSA Committee

  • Lodging tax dashboard available

  • City authority to install traffic safety cameras significantly expanded July 1

  • New CETA rules governing public utilities take effect July 18

  • Seattle Times makes public records request for info related to public employee retirements

  • Take our Federal Infrastructure Funding Survey

  • Help AWC develop solutions for housing affordability and availability

  • OFM shares details on distribution of remaining ARPA funds

  • Strong city advocacy during the campaign season

  • Public records report due to JLARC, due date extended to August 31

  • Where’s our second tranche of ARPA funds?

  • AOC releases Blake reimbursement details

  • Department of Revenue hearings on leasehold excise and working families tax credit rules

  • The state settled with opioid distributors – Will cities get a share of the $518 million?

  • L&I adopts temporary smoke and heat rules

  • Highlights from LRI 2022’s featured speaker, Rev. Dr. Bryant Marks

  • DEI roundtable highlights – City of Renton’s DEI in hiring program

  • Never too early – DRS helping public employees with retirement readiness

  • PERC releases 2021 annual report

  • Is it a legitimate workplace injury?

  • An update on workplace COVID-19 proclamations

  • 2022 interim kicks off with preparation for the 2023 legislative session

  • Five things we learned at the 2022 Labor Relations Institute

  • Significant new planning grants for Central Puget Sound cities

  • Several important land use laws go into effect soon

  • SCOTUS decides sign code case in favor of city, clarifies Reed

  • HR-related rulemaking updates

  • Where do things stand on the opioid settlement(s)?

  • NLC survey on expanded Child Tax Credit and Earned Income Tax Credit

  • State Tax Structure Work Group begins evaluation of tax options

  • State Auditor annual report deadline May 30 – See who’s filed & find resources

  • CISA provides cybersecurity resources for cities

  • NTIA opens request for input on broadband grant programs application process

  • Submit session proposals for IACC’s annual conference by June 3

  • Utility customer assistance funding program now open

  • AOC hosting informational webinar on upcoming Blake grants

  • OPMA/PRA emergency proclamation to expire June 1

  • Treasury sends reminder – ARPA reports due April 30

  • Local Bridge Program at risk of losing federal funds, local jurisdictions encouraged to apply now

  • Learning about multi-factor authentication

  • Risk management tips for city volunteer programs

  • AWC answers frequently asked questions on PFML and FMLA

  • AWC returns to Yakima for Labor Relations Institute Conference, May 4-6

  • Don’t get scammed by fake SAM.gov emails

  • ARPA Treasury reporting portal now open – Reports due April 30

  • Recapping the 2022 session

  • Legislature continues making significant local broadband infrastructure investments in 2022

  • Good and bad news for city public works priorities this year

  • Historic legislative session for transportation in Washington

  • Pensions arena sees several important bills that impact cities

  • 2022 was light for HR legislation, but important policies still passed

  • Quiet year for economic development proposals

  • A slow session for open government bills, with one exception

  • Legislature clarifies police reform laws, restricts open carry in local government buildings

  • General government bills run the gamut during a short legislative session

  • Washington grapples with equity in cannabis industry; Also increases funds for local governments

  • Supplemental budgets take center stage in a time of record state revenues

  • GMA gets its day in the sun, but the heat is too much for the biggest proposals

  • Although light on policy, it was a big funding year for homelessness response

  • A new front in the fight against climate change dominated the environmental wins this year

  • Housing policy discussions get heated, but session ends with the biggest issue still smoldering

  • Reminder to non-entitlement cities: ARPA reporting due April 30

  • Sunshine Week 2022 highlights the importance of open government

  • Celebrating sine die after an intense session

  • Final supplemental budgets approved as Legislature adjourns

  • EPA State Revolving Fund implementation memo and upcoming webinar

  • Washington State Archives announce 2022-2023 local records grant program

  • Celebrating one year of ARPA Local Recovery Funds

  • Bill to address PFML solvency passes Legislature

  • Two bills targeting methane from solid waste cross the finish line

  • TNC bill passes with city clarification limiting preemption

  • County rural economic development sales tax credit dies

  • ADU preemption bill dies

  • Bill to integrate climate planning into the GMA dies in the final hours

  • Final Move Ahead WA plan sweeps PWAA, makes small investments in local preservation & maintenance

  • Public Works Board to see new, expanded broadband programs

  • Clean Fuels Program rulemaking meeting this Tuesday

  • City authority expanded to make traffic safety improvements on nonarterial highways

  • Solutions to right-of-way encampments garner support in the end

  • Use of force bill passes Legislature, concerning language removed

  • Redistricting bill changes how certain individuals are counted

  • UGA and permit reform bills get mixed results

  • Under the radar SEPA proposal passes Legislature

  • Read our letter to legislative leaders urging them to protect the Public Works Assistance Account

  • Final days of session feel like a rollercoaster

  • Budgets are some of the last pieces of the puzzle remaining

  • Broadband speeds in WA set to increase; digital equity divide may narrow

  • Prejudgment interest is dead

  • Pensions bills nearing the finish line in 2022 session

  • State indoor mask mandate to end March 12, earlier than expected

  • OPMA bill final makes it across the finish line

  • No changes this year to WVRA

  • Concerns remain for PWAA as Move Ahead WA negotiations continue

  • State capital gains tax unconstitutional

  • Reduction in required reporting to State Auditor

  • Remedial action grants bill passes Legislature

  • Second time is the charm for voluntary GMA coordination with tribal nations

  • Bill extending GMA update timeline is headed to the Governor’s desk

  • Act now! Oppose the proposed sweep of the PWAA

  • Transportation leaders announce devastating plan to sweep public works funds

  • SEPA exemption for temporary siting shelter for homeless bill is weakened

  • A pair of land use and permitting bills move along

  • AWC priority bill on TBDs not slowing down

  • Cities see investments for local preservation in House supplemental amendment as both chambers hammer out their transportation proposals

  • TNC bill preempting cities amended to regulatory fees instead of all taxes and fees

  • Lone bill to address law enforcement vehicular pursuits advances with amendments

  • HR bill roundup—opposite house edition

  • Use of force bill receives problematic, last-minute amendment

  • AWC nominated by WEDA for legislative work on TIF

  • Clarification on proposed new revenue source for law enforcement

  • Washington Voting Rights bill amended to address majority of city concerns

  • Oppose prejudgment interest costs for local governments

  • Bill providing stopgap measure for vacancies in single-judge courts still moving

  • Senate committee retools OPMA bill to specifically allow remote meetings

  • Two positive housing related bills still advancing

  • County rural economic development sales tax credit continues to move

  • Another housing preemption bill gains steam

  • Sales tax holiday linked to budget negotiations

  • Bills to reestablish tax exemption for nonprofits hosting farmers markets still moving

  • Public comment period begins for rulemaking on government fleets reporting

  • Broadband bill to increase internet speeds moves closer to finish line

  • Senate and House supplemental budget proposals released

  • Budgets steal the legislative spotlight

  • Surprise $1.45 billion revenue forecast increase sets stage for operating budget release

  • Senate-proposed supplemental capital budget includes housing, broadband, & water infrastructure investments

  • AWC seeks feedback from member cities on preemption of regulating TNCs

  • Broadband bills benefiting cities to be heard this week

  • Status update on public safety bills

  • Sunset on hydropower license fee extended

  • Prejudgment interest, fireworks ban, and extreme weather—Where are they now?

  • Act now to ensure extended TBD authority for cities

  • Senate passes Move Ahead Washington transportation package

  • House takes up bill to require wage and salary info on job postings

  • Bill to repeal 19-year ban on rules preventing ergonomic injuries going to the Senate

  • Governor to lift statewide indoor mask mandate March 21

  • Local option revenue bills did not meet floor action deadlines

  • Bucking cutoffs, tax incentive bill receives a late public hearing

  • Legislature considering a new approach to sharing cannabis revenues with local governments

  • It’s back, Jack: OPMA bill continues its 2021 journey towards passage in 2022

  • Urban Growth Area land swap bill passes Senate

  • Multiple GMA bills continue to move, some receive amendments

  • Ever heard of biochar? Legislation would require cities to use it

  • Energy code bill advances to the Senate

  • Governor’s bill advances to address homeless individuals living in state rights-of-way

  • Landfill emissions bill narrows in scope

  • HR & labor relations cutoff roundup: Your one-stop-bill-shop at the first committee cutoffs

  • WA Paid Family & Medical Leave program running short on cash

  • Pensions bills roundup: Post-committee cutoff edition

  • Focus turns to supplemental budget proposals—City engagement needed now more than ever

  • Project permit reform bill

  • Watch this space: new guidance on indoor masking and COVID-19 testing expected soon

  • Voting Rights Legislation advances, arbitrarily places 64 cities in pre-clearance

  • Lone Senate bill addressing police reform passes with mixed vote

  • Hold the line: Exclude public agencies from prejudgment interest

  • JLARC lodging tax system open for required reporting by cities and counties

  • Bill would help modernize the state’s 911 system

  • Extreme weather grant program makes it through the House

  • Senate proposal would conditionally exempt emergency shelter from SEPA

  • Reduction in state auditor reporting requirements scheduled for hearing

  • Bills to reestablish tax exemption for nonprofits hosting farmers markets advance

  • Sales tax holiday scheduled to pass out of committee

  • Extension of county authority for local rural economic development sales tax credit

  • Digital equity divide bill expands & pushes ahead

  • AWC priority bill on TBDs maintains momentum in Legislature

  • Three ways city HR professionals can use ARPA funds under the Final Rule

  • How ARPA dollars can be used for community equity

  • Transportation funding package released with mixed results for cities

  • Contact your legislators now about mandatory density legislation

  • Mid-session crunch time—Floor action begins

  • HR & labor relations cutoff roundup: Your one-stop-bill-shop at the first committee cutoffs

  • WA Paid Family & Medical Leave program running short on cash

  • Pensions bills roundup: Post-committee cutoff edition

  • Changes to “Zach’s law” clarify question of city liability

  • Police liability fails to advance ahead of cutoff

  • House looks to expand cities’ ability to partner with outside organizations

  • $30 car tab cap returns in new bill, eliminates local authority to impose vehicle license fees

  • Bill amendments largely preempt cities from regulating TNCs

  • Two police bills to further define ‘physical force’

  • Vehicular pursuits by law enforcement officers addressed in new bill

  • Washington’s first road usage charge program impacts city funding source

  • Law enforcement clarification bills head to opposite chamber

  • Bill allowing cities to prohibit open carry gains momentum

  • Grant money for body-worn cameras may be in store for cities

  • Organics mandate bill changes and improves in committee

  • Social equity cannabis licenses move forward with clarifications for cities

  • Local finance bills move out of fiscal committees ahead of Feb. 7 deadline

  • City leaders use their voices as session nears its first cutoff deadlines

  • Missing middle housing mandate amended

  • More cannabis revenues may be headed to cities

  • 2021 bill prohibiting certain traffic stops resurfaces

  • Senate attempts to adjust police pursuit and physical force language

  • Voting rights legislation advances without key amendments

  • Broader city authority for banning fireworks gains traction

  • Legislature looks to increase number of officers in communities

  • Two ADU bills pass out of committee, one with significant changes

  • Three GMA bills on the move

  • Transparency of local taxes on utilities

  • Pension bills round up: Updates ahead of cutoff

  • OSHA withdraws emergency vaccine-or-test rule, work on permanent rule continues

  • WA Cares long-term care program delay signed into law

  • AWC highlights cities’ state budget priorities

  • Local option parks and fire services bills move out of committees

  • September sales tax holiday proposed

  • State tax structure update and proposals impacting state revenues

  • New bill would require drive-up services to allow bikes and pedestrians

  • AWC priority bill on TBDs is on the move

  • Amended broadband infrastructure loan and grant program progresses

  • 10 steps for a successful legislative session

  • City leaders “converge” on Olympia for AWC City Action Days

  • City feedback requested: Bill to create social equity in the cannabis industry expands licensing and siting options

  • Drinking water fluoridation bill

  • Bill goes after unpermitted shoreline development

  • Proposal to extend GMA update timelines returns

  • Changes to impact fee deferral program proposed

  • Smaller cities could assess a tax on cannabis producers and processors

  • Bill to bring body camera footage in line with discovery

  • House looks to streamline process to adopt council-manager form of government

  • Use of traffic safety cameras to expand under proposed legislation

  • House bill attempts to redefine “use of force”

  • Law enforcement clarification bills advance

  • Broadband bill to increase internet speeds

  • Bill to address legal and fiscal fallout of Blake decision

  • Prejudgment interest bill passes off Senate floor with an amendment

  • Senate looks to create new requirements for automated decision systems

  • Support the creation of an extreme weather grant program

  • Workers’ comp bills up for hearings

  • New bill strikes sunset from hydropower license fee

  • Proposal allowing cities to impose fire benefit charges rescheduled for hearing

  • Bill to cut state taxes up for hearing this week

  • Tax exemption for nonprofit farmers markets

  • Grant program for fire protection capital projects in rural counties

  • HR bills roundup: other proposals of interest to cities

  • WA Cares Fund bills pass the House, head to Senate

  • “Essential services” would be exempt from state and local noise standards under new Senate bill

  • Action Alert: Oppose prejudgment interest costs for local governments

  • City leader voices needed in this legislative session

  • Organics mandate bill aims to reduce food and yard waste in landfills

  • Pensions bills round up: Several bills considered in week two

  • A big week for housing related bills

  • Proposal to allow cities to impose fire benefit charges

  • Bill to authorize cities more control over speed limits and automated enforcement

  • Two House bills focused on salmon recovery, one concerning to cities

  • Lane departure program proposed under new bill, total funding amount unclear

  • Bill directs State to adopt energy management and benchmarking requirements for tier 2 buildings

  • AWC priority bill on TBDs to be heard in the Senate

  • SCOTUS reinstates stay on federal vaccine-or-test rule

  • Workers’ comp bills scheduled for hearings this week

  • Legislation introduced to prevent employers from firing employees for cannabis use

  • Bill to require certification for public safety telecommunicators

  • Transparency of local taxes on utilities

  • Local option parks funding bill returns this year

  • Senate looks to make courts subject to the Public Records Act

  • State considers COVID-19 relief grants for convention businesses

  • Municipal airport commissions could see new flexibility and new requirements

  • Proposal seeks to provide cities with an option to prohibit open carry of firearms

  • Legislature considers grant money to fund body worn cameras for law enforcement

  • Feedback needed: Stopgap measure in consideration for vacancies in single-judge courts

  • New bill would limit city elections to even-numbered years

  • Change to energy building codes requested by the Governor

  • Don’t forget to register for our final Friday city action call! Here’s the link for March 4

  • Wishing you a happy new year and a productive virtual 2022 Legislative Session

  • Methane emissions from landfills targeted in new bill

  • Extensive housing policy preemption bill introduced

  • Digital equity divide addressed in newly proposed programs

  • “Microtrenching” bill would preempt local land use authority

  • New bill introduces emergency broadband infrastructure fund program and updates existing loan and grant program

  • WSDOT announces availability of National Highway Freight Program funds for eligible freight projects

  • Bill allows cities to extend water and sewer infrastructure beyond the UGA

  • Proposal to require climate resilience element in water system planning

  • Tribal engagement in local planning and state budgeting

  • New bill to allow recording of independent medical exams

  • Paid Family & Medical Leave benefits may expand for some grieving families

  • Legislature to hear long-term care bills in week one of session

  • Accessory dwelling unit debate continues

  • Bill to remove fee cap on NPDES permits

  • Bill to amend the Washington Voting Rights Act introduced

  • Bill impacting city tax authority on county water and sewer facilities introduced

  • Treasury publishes final rule for ARPA funds; reporting deadline approaches

  • Police liability bill is alive and moving

  • State Tax Structure Work Group releases interim report and extends survey deadline

  • Department of Revenue releases local business licensing partnership plan

  • AWC President supports changes to state hiring and contracting practices that promote diversity

  • Governor’s 2021-23 supplemental budget proposals scheduled for hearings

  • Extreme weather protection grants may be on the way for cities

  • Police reform clarification bills scheduled for hearing

  • House looks to allow cities to ban fireworks during fire season

  • Legislators try a new path to substantially increase tort claims payment costs

  • Governor releases proposed supplemental budgets for 2021-23

  • Federal large employer vaccine and testing mandate is back on for now

  • Long-term care update: WA Cares Fund payroll tax collection paused to give time for legislative fixes

  • Treasury announces ARPA reporting tool for NEUs

  • Recruiting in the “Great Resignation”

  • Washington likely to move ahead with employer vaccine mandate, and other COVID-19 updates

  • Long-term care update: WA Cares Fund may be delayed in 2022

  • State Auditor releases guidance on pensions reporting as more pension plans become fully funded

  • Three suggestions for your final preparations for the 2022 session

  • Statewide Youth Access to Counsel hotline available in January

  • Proposals to increase PERS 1 and LEOFF 2 pension benefits expected for 2022

  • Washington State Archives seeks feedback on proposed update to Law Enforcement Records Retention Schedule

  • IRS issues guidance regarding ARPA assistance to individual taxpayers

  • State Supreme Court accepts electoral maps completed by State Redistricting Commission

  • What’s included in the Build Back Better Act for cities?

  • Join us for a full-day training on maintaining compliance while using ARPA funds

  • OFM publishes revised April 1 population estimates

  • November state economic and revenue forecast shows continued growth of almost $900 million

  • New housing infrastructure grant program opens

  • State Auditor releases guidance on pensions reporting as more pension plans receive full funding

  • Preliminary draft of GMA rules released

  • Commerce looking for input on energy retrofits grant

  • Cities receive $3 million to establish therapeutic courts

  • Cities encouraged to prepare for vaccine and testing mandate, despite court challenges

  • Cities report compliance with state and local vaccine mandates, mixed feelings on federal mandate

  • Washington State Redistricting Commission fails to meet deadline for new district maps

  • OSHA releases federal COVID-19 vaccine and testing mandate

  • Historic Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act Passes House

  • How to be a strong city advocate

  • Density bonuses for affordable homeownership

  • Commerce to host discussions on draft GMA rules

  • JLARC releases preliminary 2020 public records data

  • Treasury issues clarification on ARPA spending under Interim Final Rule

  • Congratulations to the 2021-2022 Local Records Grant Program recipients!

  • Don’t miss out – Applications for SEEK summer funding due November 18

  • Are you using data sharing agreements? It’s now a requirement for cities

  • CISA issues advisory to US water and wastewater sector

  • PFML premium rates to rise in 2022

  • Plan for federal employer vaccine mandate nears completion

  • OFM taking comments on revisions to 2021 population estimates

  • Apply by Nov. 18 for SEEK funds for youth summer outdoor recreation

  • Cities prepare for 2022 while waiting on Congress for infrastructure funding

  • Washington State Broadband Office opens funding cycle for Infrastructure Acceleration Grants

  • Guidance released for recently passed HR laws – HELSA and law enforcement arbitrations

  • L&I announces increase in 2022 state minimum wage

  • A third of cites in AWC’s vaccine mandate survey are considering their own mandate

  • Join AWC for the latest installation of our municipal courts webinar series

  • Application period for youth summer outdoor recreation funding set to open Oct. 18

  • L&I publishes clean energy labor standards certification

  • September Economic and Revenue Forecast indicates strong economic recovery

  • Tax Structure Workgroup schedules tax town hall for city elected officials and staff

  • Should Washington use a state bank to fund basic infrastructure projects? AWC wants to hear your opinion

  • New funding opportunity for rapid housing development

  • Treasury extends deadlines for submitting 2021 ARPA reports

  • September Economic and Revenue Forecast indicates strong economic recovery

  • Treasury announces Capital Projects Fund guidance

  • Matching grants available for federal broadband infrastructure financing opportunities

  • President Biden’s vaccine mandate may impact city employees

  • Fall brings into focus three recommended 2022 City Legislative Priorities

  • New state program assessments to impact employer health plans

  • AWC seeks city input on local vaccine policies

  • New Commerce housing grants available

  • Gov. Inslee reaches deal with union on vaccine mandate

  • Shoreline Master Program and flood control grants available

  • State Tax Structure Workgroup to host Tax Town Hall sessions

  • Everything you need to know about the state’s Working Families Tax Credit

  • Reminder: COVID-19 public meeting requirements still in effect

  • Having trouble getting PPE? The State can help

  • Updated guidance released for applying state vaccine mandate to parks and recreation staff

  • Statewide utility late fee and shutoff moratorium ending September 30

  • AOC announces grant funding for therapeutic courts

  • State distributes remaining ARPA funds to NEUs

  • City impacts of Governor’s vaccine and mask mandates

  • Supreme Court ruling impacts parking enforcement of certain vehicles

  • Governor’s vaccine mandate covers some city emergency services employees

  • Blake decision causes cities to reevaluate municipal codes

  • Governor mandates vaccine for state employees and contractors

  • U.S. Senate passes historic $1 trillion infrastructure package

  • It’s time to celebrate and prepare for your fall advocacy efforts

  • Reminder: What cities can do above statewide minimums for cannabis

  • OSPI and AWC award $2 million for local summer youth programs

  • Grant funds available through EDA American Rescue Plan Programs

  • AWC’s next monthly Blake discussion set for August 11 – Register now

  • ARPA reports due August 31 for metropolitan cities, October 31 for smaller cities

  • Pension policy committee considers COLA recommendation for PERS 1

  • First laws on producer responsibility for packaging pass in the U.S.

  • COVID-19 Delta variant prompts return of masks – Cities should expect new public health measures

  • Have you heard? Cities receive $20 million to offset law enforcement and criminal justice costs

  • U.S. Senate poised to pass $1 trillion infrastructure package

  • UTC rail safety improvement grants now available

  • June’s “Heat Dome” leads to new emergency heat exposure rules for outdoor workers

  • L&I issues emergency wildfire smoke rule, continues work on permanent smoke rule

  • Rulemaking begins for oil handling and transfer

  • New resources for climate adaptation and resilience planning

  • Cities interested in opioid settlements invited to join a call with Attorney General

  • AGO affirms cities’ ability to participate in coordinated negotiations with opioid distributors

  • Cities to receive $20 million in assistance funds related to law enforcement and criminal justice legislation

  • Commute Trip Reduction Board seeking city feedback

  • New police use of force laws took effect July 25 – Training materials available from CJTC

  • Connecting your community: state and federal broadband financing programs now available

  • Capitol building reopens along with Washington

  • JLARC extends deadline for submitting public records request reports

  • How things look as the state reopens

  • Office of Public Defense opens Public Defense Improvement Program funding opportunity

  • Administrative Office of the Courts shares Blake disbursement plan informational sheet

  • Webinar: Learn about municipal court technology on July 21

  • Effective July 25, cities to implement data sharing agreements

  • Final behavioral health model ordinance and communications toolkit vow available

  • Department of Health makes PPE available to cities in need

  • Commerce opens grant program application for energy retrofits and solar grants

  • Double trouble? Dueling broadband bills finally resolved

  • Complete Streets grant nominations now open

  • AWC partners with Ogden Murphy Wallace for small cell siting and FCC updates webinar

  • City officials present transportation needs to Joint Transportation Committee

  • Governor issues final extension of utility shutoff and late fees moratorium

  • WSDOT releases quarterly report, transportation demand dashboards

  • Commerce seeking feedback on draft scope of GMA rulemaking

  • Ecology seeking input on new program to address potent greenhouse gas

  • ESD reinstates work search requirements for unemployment eligibility

  • Wildfire smoke emergency rule nearing adoption, permanent rulemaking continues

  • Apply to serve on EFSEC Transmission Corridor Work Group

  • Federal infrastructure plan to invest billions in critical infrastructure

  • Public meeting requirements as of June 30, 2021

  • Federal infrastructure plan receives bipartisan support

  • AWC to host monthly discussion on Blake legislation

  • Cities to receive disbursements of assistance funds by end of July

  • Tending your advocacy garden – What’s going on this interim and next session?

  • Where do things stand with OPMA?

  • Rulemaking and engagement opportunities with Clean Energy Transformation Act

  • State Treasurer’s LOCAL Program application cycle now open

  • Department of Transportation conducting equity baseline assessment

  • Tax Structure Work Group reconvenes after eventful legislative session

  • Fire insurance premium tax cities receive withheld distributions June 11

  • L&I to host stakeholder meeting on emergency wildfire smoke rule June 18

  • AWC launches HR Insights newsletter for coverage of human resources issues

  • Proposed rule change impacts indigent defense contract oversight

  • DRS adopts new pension contribution rates for 2021-23 biennium

  • New laws require review of your zoning ordinances

  • Don’t forget: JLARC public records request reports due July 1

  • State auditor sends Data Sharing Agreement to all Washington cities

  • Two new funding opportunities for affordable and transitional housing

  • State releases information to non-entitlement cities on how to receive ARPA funds

  • Treasury publishes guidance for non-entitlement cities

  • The pandemic created a unique and ambitious 2021 legislative session

  • Local government infrastructure investments spur hope for post-pandemic, climate-friendly economic recovery

  • State grants new broadband authority for local governments

  • Cities receive significant investments in local transportation infrastructure despite historical budget deficits

  • Signs of strong economic recovery bode well for state and local budgets

  • Legislature makes few moves to address city operations and open government

  • Busy year for land use issues, many proposals fall short

  • Washington takes steps to improve social equity in cannabis industry

  • 2021 a major year for police reform in Washington

  • Legislature passes major overhaul to public health system, other human services programs

  • Affordable housing work continues, some big wins and signals of a new approach

  • Big strides for economic development tools

  • Pandemic generates a variety of legislative proposals in HR arena

  • Legislature gets high marks on housing stability priority

  • Environmental issues capture legislative attention

  • Public Works Board now accepting applications for construction and pre-construction loans

  • JLARC opens public records reporting system

  • Treasury releases guidance for American Rescue Plan Act

  • Utility customers seeking financial help should contact their county assistance programs

  • Curtain call for the 2021 virtual session

  • Legislature wraps up session adopting 2021-2023 budgets—How did cities fare?

  • Transportation revenue package fails to cross finish line

  • Correction: Non-entitlement cities do not need to register with SAM database

  • Legislature agrees on approach to address Blake

  • Legislative changes to GMA housing element are optional

  • Governor updates high-risk worker proclamation to allow employer verification

  • “Just cause” eviction reform passes after years-long effort

  • Paid Family and Medical Leave eligibility about to expand under two new laws

  • Cities may soon see increased health emergency labor standards for employees

  • Targeted Urban Area property tax exemption on its way to all cities

  • New use of force standards for law enforcement set to become state law

  • Bill to restrict police tactics poised to become law in Washington

  • New law to ban open carry of firearms at public demonstrations and capitol campus

  • Law enforcement officers to see increased oversight and accountability

  • Police now have legal duty to intervene when fellow officers use excessive force

  • Update: Legislators share their plan for Blake

  • An age-old problem: So much work left for the Legislature, so little time

  • Future of a state transportation revenue package remains uncertain

  • A heavily amended Blake bill advances out of the Senate – More changes expected in the House

  • Bills granting property tax relief advance through opposite chambers

  • Housing bills continue to pass, some big ones still outstanding

  • Two land use bills head to the Governor’s desk

  • Felony bar defense receives update creating new requirement for law enforcement

  • Treasury provides pre-award requirements for cities to receive federal ARP funds

  • State to invest in forest health and wildfire management

  • Incarceration status will not impact Medicaid eligibility

  • Local jails required to conduct investigations into unexpected fatalities

  • State offers free data management webinar on April 29

  • Legislature approves changes to Main Street Tax Credit Program to accommodate COVID-19 challenges

  • Senate fails to act on OPMA updates

  • Deadline to opt-out of long-term care payroll taxes extended

  • Environmental bills that have passed

  • Legislation establishing Office of Independent Investigations awaits Governor’s signature

  • Survey: Have you restarted in-person public meetings?

  • A big question about a grand bargain on a statewide transportation package

  • House and Senate release transportation revenue and spending packages

  • Governor issues executive order regarding archeological and cultural resources

  • Inslee announces updates to Healthy Washington criteria for county phases

  • More than 100 city officials lend their voices to highlight city priorities in state budgets

  • Bill expanding broadband retail authority approaches finish line

  • House passes ADU owner occupancy bill

  • Bill to erase effect of COVID-19 shutdowns on public pensions enacted

  • Police grievance arbitration bill signed into law

  • Law enforcement officers have new legal duty to intervene

  • Law enforcement to see increased oversight and accountability

  • Social equity efforts to expand in cannabis industry

  • New restrictions on police tactics poised to become law in Washington

  • TIF on the brink of becoming law

  • Plenty of legislative action left with three weeks to go

  • Budget negotiations begin – Be sure to add your voice to the conversation

  • We need your help to assist our advocacy efforts and to build momentum for utility assistance funding

  • President Biden unveils $2 trillion infrastructure proposal

  • New use of force standards amended, head to rules committee

  • House transportation spending proposal renews hope for long-term investment package

  • Police oversight and accountability moves forward with striking amendment

  • House shows strong interest in state bank proposal

  • Support law enforcement training: Fully fund the CJTC

  • Quick update on GMA planning funding

  • Ecology seeking comments on water right policy

  • Housing density incentive bill makes a comeback

  • Ways & Means holds public hearing for democratic proposal in response to Blake ruling

  • Potentially costly pensions policies find their way into House budget

  • AWC working to push back opt-out deadline in long-term care program bill

  • Vaccines in the workplace: All adults eligible for COVID-19 vaccine April 15

  • March budget madness – Legislature releases budget proposals

  • Legislature releases biennial budgets in wake of strong economic forecast and federal relief

  • Court denies FCC request to pause franchise fee fight

  • Five things to consider as you plan to use your city’s ARP allocation

  • Shelter preemption bill improves, still concerning to some cities

  • ADU proposal moves ahead with new amendment

  • Growth Management Act bills continue to move

  • Flurry of bills look to amend state law in wake of Blake decision

  • Commerce launches the Office of Firearm Safety and Violence Prevention

  • Secretary of State provides records management advice, asks for feedback on new requirements

  • Health emergency labor standards bill amended, advances out of policy committee

  • House Transportation Committee to hear additive spending bill

  • Vaccines in the workplace: Vaccine eligibility expands again March 31

  • High-risk utility workers eligible for COVID-19 vaccine starting March 31

  • Police arbitrations reform bill heads to Governor’s desk

  • Statewide suicide prevention hotline in development

  • Police reform bills roundup

  • AWC supports proposed changes to police tactics bill

  • Bill aimed at plastic recycled content mandates continues to move

  • Governor’s Office publishes Phase 3 guidelines

  • Legislature releases transportation budget proposals: How do these budgets impact cities?

  • We’re two thirds of the way through session – How are cities faring?

  • City budget priorities

  • Governor extends disconnection and late fee moratorium for customer-owned utilities

  • Bleak projections for state transportation revenues

  • State revenue forecast shows strong signs of economic recovery

  • New amendment provides clarity to use of force standards

  • Amendment to police tactics bill jeopardizes AWC support

  • What to expect from the Legislature in the wake of the Blake decision

  • Lodging tax expenditure reporting system now open

  • Local public safety sales and use tax revenue may be expanded to include other services

  • State bank continues to gain interest amongst lawmakers

  • Hope on the horizon: fiscal flexibility bill receives support in Senate committee

  • We tip our cap to you! Cities show strong support for one percent property tax cap revisions

  • Cities may have until 2022 to redistrict

  • Initial unanimous support for community engagement bills

  • Public health system may soon see overhaul

  • Worth the wait – updates to OPMA closer to becoming law

  • Striking amendment limits Main Street tax credit program

  • Let’s get TIF over the finish line – Contact your senator today!

  • Paid Family & Medical Leave bills continue to advance

  • Pace keeps up in state Legislature as congressional action in D.C. shifts spotlight from Olympia

  • Legislators warm up to addressing urban heat islands

  • Broadband accessibility remains priority for Legislature

  • Climate and carbon related transportation bills heating up

  • Rail safety bill chugs along, receives amendments

  • Changes in approach to greenhouse gas emissions in design of public facilities

  • Property tax deferral bill drops provisions for local government, moves to Senate

  • Out with the old, in with the new: Comprehensive Annual Financial Report receives new name

  • State public bank reaches historic milestone as it passes Senate

  • Not dead yet: Bill to revise property tax cap finally scheduled for public hearing

  • No, our city fiscal flexibility bill would not defund the police – Ask your senator to support HB 1069

  • Promising new amendment on climate GMA bill

  • Lawmakers recognize and support benefits of city trees to climate and salmon

  • Racial deed restriction bill removes costly mandate to local governments

  • American Rescue Plan extends emergency paid leave tax credits, no renewal of emergency leave programs

  • Vaccines in the workplace: New vaccine eligibility coming soon

  • Working Families’ Tax Exemption bill scheduled for hearing

  • Senate bill exploring changes to PFML scheduled for hearing

  • Attend a hearing on workers’ comp self-insurance administrator certification rules

  • All cities eligible to use Targeted Urban Area property tax exemption under new bill

  • Felony bar defense sees significant change after adopted floor amendment

  • OPMA bills on track to enactment

  • Sunshine Week 2021 highlights the importance of open government

  • Governor Inslee announces Phase 3 and updated reopening plan - Public meetings allowed increased capacity

  • Senate to consider bill extending critical rural economic development funding source

  • Simple drug possession no longer a felony – What now?

  • Impeachment disclosure clears Senate, heads back to House for reconciliation

  • House OKs proposed changes to Washington’s public health system

  • Traffic ticket payment process to change under bill advancing to House

  • Cities may be given more time to redistrict due to late census data

  • $1.1 billion for Washington cities in American Rescue Plan Act

  • Senate and House pass the American Rescue Plan Act – Maintains $65.1 billion in funding for cities

  • March Madness in the Legislature – Advocacy isn’t a spectator sport

  • Gov. Inslee holds press conference urging Legislature to pass transportation revenue package

  • Senate passes the American Rescue Plan Act – Maintains $65.1 billion in funding for cities

  • New “Community Project Funding” revives federal earmarks

  • Broadband bills to be heard in opposite chambers this week

  • Far-reaching preemption on homeless shelter siting passes House

  • Major growth management bills pass the House

  • HR & labor bills after cutoff: where they stand now

  • Bill harmonizing protection order also creates costly required updates for courts

  • House and Senate move several police reform bills forward

  • Amended affordable housing bills swap chambers

  • Recycling bill aimed at incremental change passes Senate

  • Police grievance arbitration bill scheduled for hearing this week

  • Paid Family & Medical Leave bills clear their respective chambers

  • TIF picks up amendments on its way out of the House

  • Bills updating the Open Public Meetings Act now in the Senate

  • Are you talking to your legislators? Are they listening?

  • Concerning preemption on homeless shelter siting – Action needed!

  • House passes American Rescue Plan Act including billions in aid for cities

  • Reminder: In-person meetings permitted under Phase 2

  • Force majeure public works contracting bill gains traction

  • Legislature considers striking limitation on sales tax funding mechanisms for transportation benefit districts

  • State Supreme Court strikes down criminalization of simple drug possession

  • Update on housing stability, AWC priority

  • How are growth management and planning bills faring?

  • Status of environmental bills impacting cities

  • Housing incentive bills – where are they now?

  • Does your city need fiscal flexibility? Let your senators know now.

  • UTC extends disconnection and late fee moratorium for investor-owned utilities

  • AWC calling on members to engage on Paid Family & Medical Leave bills

  • Updates on COVID-19 vaccines in the workplace

  • Call your legislator now to oppose police liability bill that creates financial burden for cities

  • Substitute bill language restores cities’ share of traffic tickets

  • How is police reform shaping up this session?

  • Legislative floor action underway this week

  • Congress on verge of historic action to support cities – Contact needed!

  • Bill to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and decarbonization of residential and commercial buildings

  • House Transportation Committee holds public hearing with local government representatives

  • Housing planning bill advances, shelter mandate remains

  • Climate Commitment Act receives public hearing and work session

  • Qui tam bill update

  • Health emergency labor standards update

  • New proposal would exempt emergency shelter from SEPA

  • Expansions for Paid Family & Medical Leave await Senate vote

  • Cities would lose traffic ticket funds under new bill

  • Public health funding and governance discussions update

  • Discrimination against tenants with pandemic rental arrears prohibited by new bill

  • Police liability bill with negative implications for cities moves through the House

  • Substantial increase to tort claims payment costs seen in new bill

  • New use of force standards for law enforcement move through Legislature

  • Local government liability would expand under new House bill

  • Increased oversight and accountability for law enforcement proposed in Senate bill

  • Ranked choice voting bill makes it through Appropriations Committee

  • Two of three OPMA bills survive first cutoff

  • Tax increment finance bills pass out of respective finance committees

  • Legislature appropriates $2.2 billion in federal funds while session reaches first cutoff deadline

  • Electric vehicle bills to be heard in Senate Transportation Committee

  • Work sessions on small cell infrastructure to continue

  • Proposed changes to governmental accounting standards would increase complexity and costs for local governments

  • Status of housing incentive bills at first legislative cutoff

  • Utility lien bill gains traction in House

  • AWC seeking city feedback on property tax bill

  • Good news on Multifamily Tax Exemption proposal

  • State to prioritize second dose of COVID-19 vaccine the week of February 15

  • Growth Management Act bills continue to evolve as they move

  • Agency administrative rules roundup

  • House looks to establish technical assistance grants for cannabis businesses

  • HR & labor bills: Where are they now?

  • New bill would allow info from police oversight reports into discipline process

  • Three police reform bills pass out of the House

  • McKinsey settles for its role in opioid epidemic – Washington to receive $13.5 million

  • Cutoff deadlines coming soon – Time to make your city voice heard

  • Preliminary language for fish passage rulemaking out

  • Bill preempting city utility lien authority scheduled for hearing

  • Bill to amend fuel tax rate for border area jurisdictions

  • Priority broadband bills receive amendments, work session, and hearing

  • Bill proposes to lift property tax cap, tying rate to inflation and population growth

  • Bill to expand Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council authority scheduled for hearing

  • Capital gains tax and wealth tax bills receive hearings

  • Bill grants attorney general new powers to investigate law enforcement

  • OPMA bills make their way through House and Senate

  • Tax Increment Financing bill heads to Ways & Means with technical amendments in tow

  • Last minute House bill would result in recycling solution setback

  • Bill to address backlog of land use cases due to COVID-19

  • Police reform bills moving through Legislature

  • Bill to provide options for preservation of affordable housing

  • Building permit legislation attempts a “default complete” for applications

  • Paid Family Medical Leave expansion bill trimmed down, voted out of committee

  • Citizen oversight bill picks up several key amendments

  • FEMA to retroactively provide reimbursement for COVID-19 costs

  • Cities spent 98% of State Coronavirus Relief Funds. Click here to see how they used it.

  • Police discipline arbitrator bill amended, passes out of policy committee

  • New bills may impact retirement systems and public employee pensions

  • Another GMA bill addressing housing element up for a hearing

  • Ranked choice voting could be authorized in Washington

  • State auditor suffers data breach, includes local government information

  • Two regions move to Phase 2 – What does this mean for OPMA?

  • Legislature finds its groove in week four of session

  • Cities seek transportation funding

  • Senate Democrats unveil transportation revenue package

  • Bill expanding broadband authority amended to clarify existing city authority

  • FMSIB releases annual report

  • Governor’s unemployment insurance bill advances through the Legislature

  • Bill to expand public works contracts, apprenticeship requirements

  • AWC fiscal flexibility bill moves out of House Finance Committee

  • Bill would change felony bar defense to allow people injured in the commission of a felony to sue

  • Duty to intervene, vascular neck restraints, and truth verification test bills considered

  • Effort to strengthen salmon recovery through critical area planning

  • Traffic ticket bill would divert funds away from cities and into state coffers

  • Pretrial release bill raises numerous concerns for courts

  • Noble yet costly mandate considered to address racial covenants on deeds

  • Juneteenth holiday proposal scheduled for public hearing and vote this week

  • Lawmakers take new approach on accessory dwelling units

  • Proposal introduced to extend comprehensive planning update cycle

  • Proposed recording requirement to be heard in committee

  • Bill to require LEOFF disability boards to provide coverage info to retirees

  • Bill to ban unjustified employee vehicle searches

  • Police oversight bills move through committee with new amendments

  • Proposed law mandates certain cities to provide overnight shelter

  • Police data reporting bill receives amendments, Senate Republicans propose competing bill

  • State task force recommends policies to support affordable child care

  • Legislators look to extend 2020 Main Street tax credits an additional two years

  • Busier than ever, the Legislature moves into week three

  • Bill expanding authority for public entities to provide telecommunication services receives hearing

  • AWC presents city transportation priorities to House and Senate Transportation Committees

  • House Democrats unveil transportation revenue package

  • Bill addressing greenhouse gas emissions in design of public facilities slated for hearing

  • Bill expanding public contracting opportunities for women and minority owned businesses scheduled for hearing

  • Bill granting property tax deferral scheduled for public hearing

  • AWC priority fiscal flexibility bill receives second hearing

  • State public bank bill scheduled for hearing

  • Under a new bill, cities and police will be liable for injuries

  • Legislature looks to integrate 988 and 911 call systems

  • COVID-19 vaccines in the workplace update

  • Building code changes go into effect February 1

  • Homelessness response bills on the move, including AWC priority bill

  • House considers new use of force standards and model policies

  • Establishing the Office of Independent Investigations to be heard by the House

  • Senate looks to establish task force on jail standards

  • Bill on employee PPE use to be heard this week

  • Substitute plastic packaging bill receives a hearing

  • Bill on temporary worker safety scheduled for hearing this week

  • Housing-related bills arriving fast and furious

  • House bill proposes establishing community oversight boards

  • Tax Increment Financing bill receives a hearing in the House

  • Two additional bills look to address virtual public meetings

  • Recognizing Martin Luther King Jr. Day while legislative work continues

  • Legislature enacts concurrent resolution extending emergency orders including OPMA proclamation

  • Health Emergency Labor Standards Act to receive hearing

  • Municipal finance bills scheduled for committee hearings

  • Bill limiting city authority of telecommunications infrastructure scheduled for hearing

  • Workplace whistleblowers’ private right-of-action returns for legislative consideration in 2021

  • Workers’ compensation bills up for hearings this week

  • New bill erases COVID-19 impacts on public employee retirements

  • Alternative public works contracting bill scheduled for hearing

  • OFM and WSDOT temporarily delay new transportation projects

  • Ecology releases draft offer list for water quality funding

  • CERB broadband financing bill slated for hearing

  • L&I updates COVID-19 emergency rules for businesses

  • Police discipline arbitration bill heard in the Senate

  • Lawmakers propose bills addressing growth management

  • Legislators introduce number of carbon related bills

  • More bills encouraging affordable housing introduced

  • Legislature addresses housing stability, an AWC priority

  • House to hold hearings for law enforcement grant program proposals

  • Bills impacting behavioral health and opioid addiction up for public hearing

  • President Biden announces $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan

  • Tax Increment Financing bill receives a hearing in the Senate

  • House considers changes to managing sexual assault cases and juvenile access to attorneys

  • Legislature to hold public hearings on several police reform bills

  • Learn how to sign up to testify remotely

  • Hear the lobbyists give their legislative hot takes

  • Kicking off the 2021 legislative session

  • Congress passes new COVID-19 stimulus bill

  • Police discipline arbitration bills in hearings this week

  • AWC priority bill slated for committee hearing

  • Tax Structure Work Group releases preliminary report

  • Governor releases biennial and supplemental budget proposals

  • State Active Transportation Plan open for comments and review

  • COVID-19 vaccines in the workplace

  • New bill significantly expands paid family and medical leave eligibility

  • Governor’s unemployment insurance bill introduced, scheduled for hearing

  • Federal COVID relief extends emergency paid leave credits, but not emergency paid leave programs

  • Permitting outdoor dining can support restaurants during the pandemic

  • Bill to adjust time period for redistricting

  • Bill proposes to restrict police tactics and equipment

  • Priority police accountability bill to be heard in opening week

  • Bill will codify virtual public meetings during a declared emergency

  • JLARC publishes preliminary 2019 public records performance metrics and data

  • Two bills propose more accountability for law enforcement

  • Growth management reform update and an early bill

  • Update to Wetland Program Plan for review

  • Public comment period extended for affordable housing standard

  • Legislature bursts out of the gate with several housing bills

  • Early action for several climate change bills

  • Bill proposes to expand air quality complaints to public spaces

  • Governor releases 2021-2023 budget proposals

  • Congress passes new COVID-19 stimulus bill

  • The results are in – Washington parks and recreation survey

  • OPMA and PRA emergency proclamation extended until January 19

  • Wrapping up 2020 and looking ahead to a brighter 2021

  • AWC’s 2020 Tax and User Fee Report now available

  • AWC joins coalition advocating for Tax Increment Financing in Washington state

  • Senate Transportation Committee reviews transportation revenue threats, COVID-19 impacts

  • OFM releases November transportation revenue forecast

  • November Revenue Review now available

  • Grade Crossing Protective Fund now accepting applications for funding

  • Department of Commerce releases Electric & Natural Gas Utilities Economic Impact Survey Analysis report

  • Commerce soliciting comments on 2021 State Energy Strategy

  • State launches COVID-19 exposure notification tool

  • 2021 L&I workers compensation rates finalized

  • Proposed bill would change worker safety standards during health emergencies

  • 2021 Legislative session to see ambitious police reform agenda

  • Expect OPMA proclamation extension with further in-person restrictions

  • State announces new funding round for small businesses

  • December 15 deadline for COVID relief reimbursement requests

  • Cities report over 130,000 public record requests in 2019

  • Update to affordable housing building standard out for comment

  • Request for feedback on early GMA reform bills

  • PDC publishes links and trainings for elected officials filing annual F-1 reports

  • Expect a new and improved OPMA proclamation this week

  • New Eviction Resolution Program established by Washington courts

  • Preparing for 2021 with election results pending

  • Meet your AWC Government Relations Team!

  • UW Growth Management Framework draft released

  • State releases quarterly economic review

  • Dept. of Ecology reports to the Legislature on water rights

  • Draft PFAS Chemical Action Plan out for comment

  • Seeing delays of federal permits for maintenance and repair projects?

  • Plastic packaging waste recommendations report released

  • AWC’s Tax and User Fee Survey data now available

  • Transportation revenue outlook improves in wake of I-976 decision, new packages under development

  • SAO FIT tool adds ability to project data into the future

  • Public Works Board approves nearly $18 million for broadband construction

  • Certificate of compliance for new cannabis businesses in rulemaking

  • L&I to develop wildfire smoke worker-safety rules

  • Behavioral health grants fund new beds and services across the state

  • 2019 public records data now available

  • Commerce seeks participants for behavioral health facilities model ordinance discussion

  • Don’t wait to use your city’s CRF allocation

  • Washington State Supreme Court rules I-976 is unconstitutional

  • CDC and BJA seek participants for virtual roundtables on harm reduction

  • Commerce issues updated guidance and direction for CARES CRF usage

  • AWC adopts 2021 City Legislative Priorities

  • Quarterly state transportation revenue forecast now available

  • Washington State Tax Structure Work Group to convene in early October

  • State Legislature hears broadband and digital inclusion issues during committee work session

  • September Economic and Revenue Forecast isn’t as bad as June

  • SAO hourly billing rates remain the same for 2021

  • 2020 Census deadline now October 31

  • OPMA & PRA emergency proclamation extended

  • Treasury retracts conflicting CRF reporting requirements

  • 2021 minimum wage increases to $13.69

  • 2021 L&I rates announced

  • Updated OPMA proclamation allows in-person meetings for areas impacted by wildfires

  • OPMA & PRA emergency proclamation extended to October 1

  • Fall brings focus on cities’ 2021 legislative priorities

  • AWC offers central contact list for Eastern WA city leaders

  • Public comment period for oil transport rulemaking now open

  • Feds impose eviction moratorium

  • Secretary of State issues emergency rule increasing 2020 general election costs

  • Treasury issues conflicting guidance for CARES Act CRF funds

  • ESD rejects AWC's call to repeal new PFML rule requiring employers to cover medical benefits

  • IRS issues guidance on Social Security tax deferral

  • PERC launches the Negotiation Project

  • JLARC extends public records reporting deadline

  • Proposed court rules change presence of a defendant requirements

  • State provides additional CARES Act CRF allocations

  • Quarterly State Economic Review now available

  • Joint Transportation Committee hosts Statewide Transportation Needs Assessment Advisory Panel

  • Take the state’s new broadband speed test

  • IRS issues guidance on Social Security tax deferral

  • Update from your AWC government relations director

  • Primaries, federal action, & 2021 prep – Things aren’t slowing down in August!

  • Action Alert: Contact your members of Congress – Direct federal funding for cities!

  • Updates to Prevailing Wage Program

  • Payroll factor guidance under Stay-at-Home orders

  • Lodging tax expenditure reporting due soon

  • New low impact development guide

  • Joint Transportation Committee releases Statewide Transportation Needs Assessment

  • Housing Trust Fund announces new grant opportunities

  • Governor extends eviction moratorium

  • Access to broadband has become increasingly important during the COVID pandemic

  • Pension Funding Council recommends lower pension rates

  • Public records reporting deadline September 1

  • New public records exemptions for visitor and employee logs

  • Commerce issues additional guidance for CARES CRF reimbursements

  • 2020 Census to end one month early

  • OPMA & PRA emergency proclamation update

  • Senate introduces coronavirus relief proposal

  • Six takeaways from the CARES Act update from Commerce and the Auditor’s Office

  • 5 takeaways from the Governor’s briefing with city and county leaders

  • 10 tips for working with your legislators

  • Economic impact of the COVID-19 emergency hit home for cities and the state

  • OPMA & PRA emergency waivers and suspension extended for one week

  • Food insecurity ongoing challenge for Washington residents

  • Webinar to discuss new FCC order on wireless communication facilities

  • Governor’s Office releases updated proclamation on utility ratepayer assistance and disconnects

  • Governor Inslee extends Transportation Improvement Program annual update deadlines

  • Upcoming Public Work Board workshops

  • OFM releases quarterly transportation revenue forecast

  • Changes in Washington overtime rules effective July 1

  • New guidance and audit advice issued for use of CARES funds

  • Emergency changes to shared work program benefit employers and employees

  • Update on wetland mitigation guidance

  • Yet another report proposing to transform Washington’s waste system

  • New grant program for homeless shelters

  • Housing Action Plan guidance now available

  • Partnership opportunity for affordable housing and early learning facilities

  • Reminder: HB 1406 deadline at the end of the month

  • 2020 Census moves forward despite COVID-19

  • COVID-19 survey finds big financial impact on Washington cities

  • New Statement of Policy to be voted on by AWC membership

  • Cities balance reopening, protecting public health, and conversations about racial equity and policing

  • State Public Works Board announces June broadband infrastructure webinars

  • WSDOT Local Programs Biannual 2020 Report

  • Changes to utility tax disclosures taking effect this month

  • New PFML rule takes effect soon – AWC advocates for repeal

  • New public records exemptions begin soon

  • Additional data breach reporting requirements

  • OPMA & PRA emergency waivers and suspension extended through June 17

  • New law impacts state & federal law enforcement actions at court facilities

  • New sexual assault kit storage requirements

  • Ecology requests reviewers for updated wetland mitigation guidance

  • First reports on statewide plastic packaging study released

  • Grants for affordable multifamily rental housing

  • Rulemaking to standardize climate impacts assessment for projects begins

  • Climate change planning grants available

  • Important HB 1406 deadline approaching

  • Two federal funding bills propose fiscal relief for cities

  • Take action: Support flexible, long-term federal funding for cities for COVID-19 response

  • COVID-19 may result in special session – Talk to your legislators now

  • PERS 1 one-time benefit increase takes effect July 1

  • JLARC extends 2019 public records reporting deadline to September

  • Comments due May 6 for Paid Family & Medical Leave proposed rule changes

  • Recently released recycling reports highlight producers’ role

  • New standards for faith organization hosting of homeless

  • Supreme Court rules that Clean Water Act covers discharges to groundwater

  • Budget and finance bills going into effect soon

  • State CARES funds to be shared with Washington cities

  • Lodging tax expenditure reporting deadline extended

  • State Auditor’s Office financial reporting deadline extension

  • Current status of Basic Law Enforcement Academy training

  • Supreme Court upholds I-976 injunction through appeal

  • Ask legislators to extend OPMA and PRA waivers beyond May 4

  • See who signed on to AWC’s letter to the Governor & read the good outcome

  • Senate approves $484 billion coronavirus funding package

  • Paid Family & Medical Leave proposed rules could drive up city medical benefit costs

  • Two housing bills vetoed, including an AWC priority

  • Governor vetoes $450 million in spending as the state’s budget outlook rapidly changes

  • Cities need direct and flexible funding to respond to the COVID-19 crisis

  • COVID-19 fiscal impact survey from NLC – April 3 deadline!

  • Injunction on I-976 remains in place for now until Supreme Court can rule on stay pending appeal

  • 2020 session begins on an optimistic note and ends on a downbeat

  • Legislature funds study to expand MAT services in jails

  • The shadow of Ruckelshaus study on land use policy continues

  • The year of “net ecological gain”

  • Homelessness was a budget focus this year

  • Session started with strong economic forecast, but overshadowed by COVID-19 impacts

  • Social equity program moves forward, other cannabis bills fail to pass

  • Progress made on comprehensive culvert approach

  • Few major infrastructure policies pass while Public Works Trust Fund remains funded

  • State transportation leaders reckon with cuts due to car tab initiative

  • Busy and successful session for our housing priority

  • Bills mostly favorable for supporting general city operations

  • Exemptions for public employees pass, other PRA bills fail

  • Short session sees a variety of employee-focused bills

  • Cities bring attention to tax increment financing, but more work is needed

  • Public safety summary – Compromise is key

  • Congress enacts Family First Coronavirus Response Act

  • Rapid COVID-19 Housing Grant information

  • COVID-19: OPMA guidance from Attorney General & other resources

  • Legislature wraps up its work amid COVID-19 emergency

  • Legislature adopts final supplemental budgets

  • City officials in D.C. – COVID-19 and more

  • Trial court affirms I-976 decision and lifts injunction

  • Transportation budget contains numerous important studies and workgroups

  • Comprehensive plan timelines bill rescued from the grave

  • Net ecological gain proviso adopted

  • Watershed culvert approach gets a major boost

  • PERS 1 COLA heads to the Governor’s desk for signature

  • Several bills bring changes to criminal sentencing and protections

  • Legislature passes bill providing relief and resources for sexually exploited children

  • Affordable housing bills finalized

  • Bills impacting human resources make it through the Legislature

  • Several bills impact general government operations for cities

  • New training & certification requirements established for corrections officers

  • Bills increase access to substance use treatments

  • Administrative Office of the Courts to conduct study and pilot project for vacating convictions

  • Marijuana Social Equity Program heads for the Governor’s desk

  • “Block the box” bill passes both Senate and House

  • Autonomous vehicle testing bill heads to Governor’s desk

  • Legislature passes bill to help cities dependent on Streamlined Sales Tax mitigation funds

  • Bill that remits Boeing’s B&O tax preferences passes both chambers

  • Proposal that increases tourism fee awaits Governor’s signature

  • Final days of the 2020 session – Sine Die is March 12

  • Consumer data bill amended to retain preemption and report on city data

  • House passes amended facial recognition bill with private right of action added

  • Councilmanic authority to pass sales tax for affordable housing one step closer to law

  • Bill that would expand tribal property tax exemption passes House and Senate

  • Two density bills pass the Legislature

  • C-PACER bill advances through House and Senate

  • Compost use mandate passes Legislature

  • Voice your support for the “HB 1406 fix” bill

  • Proposal authorizing King County to adopt payroll taxes for housing and homelessness is dead

  • Annexation by interlocal agreement coming soon!

  • ADU preemption bill approaches floor vote

  • Legislature advances proposal for dig law updates

  • LOCAL Program funding cycle now open

  • Legislation requiring labeling of disposable wipe products passes House & Senate

  • Faith organization homeless hosting bill passes

  • Public records employee information exemption makes it through both chambers

  • Senate adopts amendments adjusting sexual assault kit storage requirements

  • Adopted amendment brings reasonable change for workers compensation self-insured employers

  • Bill limiting law enforcement actions at court facilities passes both chambers

  • Bill allowing for mobile gas operators passes both chambers

  • Governor ensures workers’ compensation coverage for quarantined health workers and first responders

  • Second Circuit Court rules that federal government can withhold grant funding

  • Action Alert: Ask your senators to pass HB 2804 to give cities more economic development tools

  • Action Alert: Contact your legislators now to pass HB 1590

  • We are in the homestretch for the 2020 session

  • Supplemental budget updates with some twists and turns

  • Short-term solutions used in both Senate and House transportation budget proposals

  • Bill allocating state resources for sexually exploited children advances

  • Urban density options bill adds more options!

  • Bill requires greater transparency for subcontractors on public works projects

  • Ask your senators to pass HB 1590 to give cities tools to address the housing crisis

  • Changes to facial recognition legislation require suspension of existing programs

  • The bill to amend HB 1406 continues to move

  • Amended bill adjusts rollout of program to vacate criminal convictions

  • Local Revitalization Financing remains alive in the House – Talking points for city officials

  • Senate amends PFML bill

  • State to help pay for elections, potential new costs for cities

  • Amended workers’ comp bills target employers with additional penalties and requirements

  • Unrelated home occupants bill is amended and moving

  • Bill modifies storage requirements allowing police to prioritize sexual assault kits

  • Bills creating employee personal information exemptions still moving

  • House and Senate include PERS Plan 1 COLA in budgets

  • Bill to address chemicals in drinking water

  • ADU preemption bill changes in committee

  • Changes to SEPA exemption bill for homeless sheltering

  • House & Senate release 2020 supplemental budget proposals

  • Budgets are here!

  • ADU bills video

  • Bill establishes pilot program for vacating 8.4 million criminal convictions

  • Transportation budgets to be released early this week

  • Revenue forecast predicts additional $606 million this biennium

  • Bill authorizes King County to adopt payroll taxes for housing and homelessness

  • Net ecological gain standard is back as a budget proviso

  • Two bills take different approaches for utility tax disclosure requirements

  • Bills to ban foam packaging and plastic bags advance

  • Police performance evaluation preemption bill moves to the House

  • Senate bill impacting independent medical examinations undergoes significant changes

  • Exemptions for records requests for employee data move forward

  • COLA for PERS Plan 1 participants sails through House and Senate

  • Senate passes bills on closed captioning, form of government elections, & data breach notices

  • Bill adjusts conflict of interest rules for small cities

  • Additional changes to onerous facial recognition bill adopted

  • Cities have a seat at the table to discuss opioid penalties expenditures

  • Several bills impacting the criminal justice system voted to move to the Senate

  • Program promoting social equity among cannabis retailers moves forward

  • Bill providing resources and relief for sexually exploited children moves forward

  • Bill adds minor changes to resiliency analysis of CETA

  • New annexation method for code cities moves forward

  • Bill prohibiting limits of unrelated home occupants passes Senate

  • GMA climate goal advances

  • Good housing bills advance, preemption bills lose momentum, but MFTE bill appears dead

  • Economic development legislation continues to advance

  • Action Alert! Contact your legislators now to pass Multifamily Tax Exemption

  • Kicking off the second half of the legislative session

  • Trial court upholds constitutionality of I-976 on all but two legal challenges

  • Bill authorizing King County payroll taxes for housing and homelessness in negotiations

  • Cities encouraged to complete survey on vehicle fleets

  • DRS and some cities receive large records requests for employee information

  • Key takeaways from economic and revenue forecast presentation at Mayors Exchange

  • Bike signal bill passes House

  • AWC priority bill on local transportation revenue options to be heard

  • Bill proposes to revise the 1% property tax cap

  • A bill to amend HB 1406 is advancing

  • Annexation alternative bill passes House

  • See why a comprehensive culvert approach makes sense

  • Wide range of bills impacting public safety and criminal justice advance

  • Public Works Board announces new workshop and grant opportunities

  • Electrification of Transportation Systems grants now open for application

  • Bill returns to regulate how cities allow homeless encampments hosted by religious organizations

  • New rules proposed for Paid Family Medical Leave program

  • Ecology’s drought response bill returns

  • Several human resources related bills advance

  • SEPA exemption bill for homeless sheltering

  • Plastic bag ban is back

  • Legislative session reaches midpoint—action now moves to floor votes

  • NLC “fly-in” and a voice for cities in D.C.

  • Your legislators need to hear from you to oppose state mandates of local land use decisions

  • Thank you for your support for Tax Increment Financing

  • Update on priority legislation to expand the Multifamily Tax Exemption program

  • Public records bill amended with adjusted employee information protections

  • LRF bill moves forward with amendments

  • Several bills impacting human relations move out of committee

  • Three problematic workers’ comp bills advance out committee

  • AWC priority bill on local transportation revenue options heard this week

  • Legislators amend program promoting social equity among cannabis retailers

  • Governor’s sheltering bill gets a complete rewrite in committee

  • Privacy bills move forward with changes

  • Amended legislation creates real-time verification system for courts

  • Census Bill of Rights progresses in the House

  • Changes to facial recognition fails to bring relief for local government

  • New process proposed for handling sexual assault kits

  • New amendments to seizure and forfeiture bill

  • Amended bill reinstitutes polygraph requirement for police

  • Legislation allowing for immediate fireworks bans is on the move

  • Sales tax reinvestment program for workforce housing bill

  • Proposed new SEPA exemptions for infill development

  • Proposal prohibits rail crews from blocking emergency vehicles

  • “Net ecological gain” bill improves significantly in committee

  • NLC released electric scooter and micromobility report with recommendations

  • Freight Mobility Strategic Investment Board releases annual report

  • Bill to align GMA and SMA planning gets amended in committee

  • GMA climate goal bill passes out of committee

  • Week 4 of session with cutoff deadlines looming

  • Proposal to require cities to disclose utility taxes on billing statements

  • House bill and joint resolution pave the way for TIF in Washington

  • Bills modify public records requirements

  • Bills propose changes to several employee-related programs

  • New transportation revenue proposal to be heard

  • Sign up for the introduction to CETA webinar

  • Increases proposed for business license applications

  • Legislature considers limiting steel used for public works

  • Landscape maintenance rulemaking updates

  • Another bill proposes to change permit application timelines

  • 2020 city B&O tax rates update

  • Updates to motorcycle parking requirements

  • Bill adds permanent affordable housing as eligible project for LRF programs

  • House bill provides greater funding for LRF projects

  • Streamlined process for changing form of government under consideration

  • Proposal would increase tourism fee but threaten tourism promotion funding

  • Compost use mandate amendment needs feedback

  • Bill requires additional protection of archaeological and cultural sites

  • JLARC’s lodging tax reporting system open for 2019 reporting

  • Senate to hear three bills reimposing Initiative 976

  • Proposal expands exemption to competitive bidding for community service organizations

  • Several bills propose changes to the criminal justice system

  • New process for handling sexual assaults kits

  • Growth Management Hearings Board reform bills diverge

  • Bill addresses police procedures relating to missing person cases

  • Legislators consider program promoting social equity among cannabis retailers

  • New requirements proposed for police seizing contraband from minors

  • Legislators look to tie county jail funding to MAT requirements

  • Mobile on-demand gas providers seek state standardization for permitting

  • New regulations seek to limit cannabis and vapor advertising

  • Bill seeks to address donation of utility property for affordable housing

  • Priority bill to expand the Multifamily Tax Exemption program

  • Shared housing bill up for hearing

  • Strong city voices filled City Action Days this week

  • Hoping to make an anonymous land use violation tip? Not so fast

  • Multiple gun regulation bills considered in the House

  • Bill allows city-owned utilities to donate low-value surplus property

  • Bill threatens to preempt cities’ utility lien authority

  • JLARC’s lodging tax reporting system is officially open for 2019 reporting

  • New bill modifies marijuana testing protocols during hiring process

  • Bill restricts ability to consider traffic citation information in officer performance evaluations

  • Several bills adjust workers’ compensation in Washington

  • Bill allows for waiving or modifying safety violation penalties incurred during an emergency

  • New bills clarify municipal authority to set minimum labor standards at airports

  • Greater access to opioid medication the focus of bills

  • Senate looks to alleviate burden on indigent defense

  • House and Senate consider differing facial recognition bills

  • Bill authorizes electric utilities and PUDs to encourage customer electrification

  • Bills authorize use of bicycle traffic control signals

  • Bill requires additional protection of archaeological and cultural sites

  • Bill authorizes cities to provide passenger-only ferry service

  • Senate bill proposes to institute per-mile charges on electric and hybrid vehicles

  • Bill expands use for city traffic safety cameras

  • LOCAL Program webinar recording and slides now available

  • Clean air, green streets, carbon sinks…oh my!

  • House bill outlines new protections and procedures at Washington court facilities

  • Changes proposed to make it easier for nonprofits providing affordable housing

  • Bill on local ballot measure committee membership scheduled for a vote

  • New requirements for fire and smoke control systems testing

  • Bill encourages pet adoptions over retail pet sales

  • Converting state environmental policies from “no net loss” to “net ecological gain”

  • Bill delays implementation of state energy code for two years

  • Comprehensive climate companion bill will be heard

  • Mandatory ADU bill back for round two

  • Three bills look address sexual assault and sexual exploitation among children and youth

  • Bill expands access to jail records for medical purposes

  • Governor’s homeless sheltering proposal has first hearing

  • Multiple bills impacting law enforcement will be heard on the Hill

  • Proposed state pilot program provides intervention and treatment funding to counties

  • Bill sets forth new reporting requirements for elected city attorneys

  • New approach to protecting consumer data

  • Bill to limit elections in odd-numbered years receives a hearing

  • Several cannabis bills receive hearings

  • Bill increases seizure and forfeiture reporting requirements

  • Proposal to create a home-sharing grant program

  • Bill to reduce unnecessary SEPA reviews

  • Three bills affect how impact fees are set

  • Phasing out single-use plastic food service products

  • First week of session kicks off with lots of action

  • Bill establishing facial recognition regulations receives a hearing

  • I-940 trainings available to law enforcement agencies

  • Bill proposes major changes to impaired driving statutes

  • Proposed changes to critical areas for salmon recovery

  • GMA bill reduces environmental review for density projects

  • Bill proposes modifications to permit application timelines

  • Legislators propose new methods to fund needed academy classes

  • House bill establishes centralized background check system

  • A new bill aims to modify city election dates

  • Bill proposes impact fee to fund opioid impact program

  • Legislators propose changes to police officer hiring process

  • Senate bill proposes sweeping changes to privacy regulations in Washington

  • Bill creates additional funding opportunities for local parks

  • Changes to securing vehicle loads law proposed

  • Bill codifies how large vehicles use roundabouts

  • Legislators propose protections for residents during 2020 Census

  • WSP Crime Lab develops new process for public records requests

  • Broadband ReConnect Program workshop in Seattle area

  • Bill proposes C-PACER financing option

  • Landscape maintenance rulemaking updates

  • Minor change proposed to resiliency analysis of CETA

  • New legislation requires labeling disposable wipe products

  • HB 2145 proposes to remove property tax cap

  • Bill threatens to preempt cities’ utility lien authority

  • Department of Revenue releases Local Business Licensing Partnership plan & report

  • JLARC’s lodging tax reporting system is officially open for 2019 reporting

  • Hearing on I-976’s constitutionality scheduled for early February

  • Proposal to align planning updates of GMA and SMA

  • Bill proposes to limit membership on ballot measure statement committees

  • Bill proposes to integrate salmon recovery efforts with growth management

  • Bill proposes increased data breach reporting requirements

  • Bills propose changes to the state transportation systems policy goals

  • Proposal to waive utility connection charges for shelters

  • Bills propose to address climate change through the Growth Management Act

  • Appointed municipal court judges may be eligible for PERS retirement benefits

  • State-funded reports highlight benefits of trails

  • Bill prohibits limits on unrelated occupants living together

  • Bill requires cities to address illicit discharges from RVs

  • Accessory dwelling unit bill proponents reaching out to city officials

  • The 2020 session is finally here!

  • New density bill will be heard in committee

  • PERS Plan 1 cost-of-living increase proposed

  • Proposed bill would restrict city authority to impose business taxes

  • New bill would expand tribal property tax exemption

  • Governor’s proposed transportation budget to be heard this week

  • AWC creates Clean Energy Transformation Act municipal working group

  • LOCAL Program webinar on financing options for local governments

  • Two bills propose changes and exemptions to Public Records Act

  • JLARC publishes 2018 public records request data

  • Is your city facing litigation related to public records?

  • WASPC announces RFP for Arrest and Jail Alternatives Grant Program

  • Restrictions on breed-specific ordinances take effect

  • 2020 Census funds still available for cities

  • Governor proposes significant new homelessness investments

  • Rulemaking begins for oil transport

  • Commerce awards $91.6 million for affordable housing projects

  • Supreme Court declines to consider Martin v. Boise case

  • Commerce extends deadline for housing planning grant opportunity

  • Commerce seeks comments on draft rule for affordable and supportive housing

  • Do you have a new Complete Streets policy?

  • Washington still leads as #1 “bike friendly state”

  • Governor proposes multipronged climate change package

  • Governor releases supplemental budget proposals

  • 2019 is a wrap – Looking ahead to 2020

  • OFM offers limited Census 2020 funds for cities

  • New minimum wage & overtime rules for 2020

  • Paid Family & Medical Leave benefits available Jan. 1

  • DRS receives large records request for employee information

  • National League of Cities announces 2020 advocacy agenda

  • New guidance in on accounting & reporting for leases

  • CERB approves over $5 million for community & economic development

  • NLC releases guide on opportunity zones

  • Public Works Board approves broadband study grants – See which jurisdictions received funds

  • Clean Energy Transformation Act rulemaking continues

  • New safe passing distance law for bicycles & others starts Jan. 1

  • Recycling Development Center launches

  • Housing Affordability Breakthrough Challenge

  • State’s Road Usage Charge recommendations move forward

  • Washington Supreme Court overturns years of takings law precedent

  • Commerce awards $1.7 million to help homeless students and families

  • Grant program to address local culverts accepting proposals

  • State revenue quarterly forecast updated

  • Court stays implementation of I-976

  • AWC responds to I-976 and resources for cities

  • Last chance to register for Wednesday’s PFML webinar

  • 2019 election results will have far-reaching impacts

  • Year-end deadline for 46 B&O tax cities to make mandatory tax ordinance updates

  • CERB funding available

  • New guidance in accounting for and reporting leases

  • Sunshine Committee releases 2019 annual report

  • State affirmative action measure R-88 narrowly defeated

  • Where does cannabis revenue go?

  • Clean Energy Transformation Act proposed rules

  • Final report of Dig Law workgroup released

  • Public Works Board November meeting review

  • Order your city materials for the 2020 Census

  • Make it count! 2020 Census webinar on December 13

  • Public Works Board schedules public workshops on new broadband service access law

  • Grant funding offered for fish passage projects

  • New changes to recently updated Homelessness & Housing Toolkit

  • WSDOT City Safety Program call for projects

  • Housing Trust Fund accepting applications for multifamily housing preservation

  • Grants under HB 1923 awarded to 52 cities

  • AWC 2020 Legislative Priorities – Now is the time for your city to adopt its legislative agenda

  • New recommendations for Orca recovery

  • DOR Releases WA Sales Tax Rate Lookup mobile app

  • Public Works Board accepting grant applications for broadband project studies

  • Key takeaways from rural broadband workshop

  • CERB funding available

  • AWC webinar on 2019 B&O tax model ordinance

  • Coming soon: Paid Family Medical Leave benefits begin January 1

  • Department of Retirement Systems adopts new employer responsibility rules

  • 2020 Census kicks off in less than six months

  • New NLC report: What cities should know about cybersecurity

  • Decision deadlines approaching for cities not partnered with FileLocal or state’s Business Licensing Service

  • Basic Law Enforcement Academy (BLEA) update

  • Washington Highway User Federation opens registration for annual transportation briefing

  • Autonomous Vehicle Work Group meets for final time this year

  • Check out AWC’s resources on the transportation-related Initiative 976

  • Funding available for new modular, homeless housing projects

  • Salmon Recovery Act rule changes being considered

  • Federal transit-oriented planning grants now available

  • Funding now available for new Defense Community Compatibility grants

  • Newly revised water system resources for review

  • Updated guidance on ‘piggybacking’

  • Preview the 2020 City Legislative Priorities

  • FCC cable order effective date set

  • Applications open for Drinking Water State Revolving Fund

  • Clean Energy Transition Act webinar

  • State Auditor’s Office hosting free local training

  • City B&O tax model ordinance update almost finalized

  • JLARC extends law enforcement mapping survey

  • AWC launches 2020 Census resource page

  • $2 million in mental health field response grants awarded to local law enforcement

  • L&I extends public comment period on new overtime rules

  • AWC needs your input on draft cannabis legislation

  • Auditor rolls out tips to help local governments #BeCyberSmart

  • Personal delivery devices can now be licensed

  • Grants for HB 1923 close soon

  • New online resource for affordable housing planning

  • Update on statewide Drug Take-back Program implementation

  • Rulemaking proposed for Oil Spill Contingency Rule – New hearing scheduled

  • Seeking feedback on cannabis related draft bills

  • Congratulations to the new Speaker of the House

  • Register for two free webinars covering FCC Order on cable franchising

  • Initiative 976 headed to voters with potential impacts to state and local transportation funding

  • Public Works Board approves $85 million in infrastructure loans

  • Space available at free rural broadband workshops

  • State Auditor announces hourly billing rate adjustment

  • Incentivizing the development of commercial office space

  • New state law incentivizes increased residential building capacity and density

  • Draft city B&O tax model ordinance sent out for review

  • L&I seeking feedback on proposed sick leave FAQ

  • JLARC reporting system reopened until August 28

  • Measure to repeal affirmative action initiative makes November ballot

  • The 2020 Census is hiring!

  • Law enforcement mapping system survey is now open

  • States & cities clash over potential opioid settlements

  • Public hearings coming up for proposed building code changes

  • Drinking Water Consolidation Study grants open

  • Reminder: Housing Trust Fund soliciting applications for affordable housing projects

  • Fish Consumption Rule in flux

  • JLARC recommends modification of the Multifamily Housing Tax Exemption program

  • Grant application period opens for freight rail capital projects

  • Guidebook on civilian-military land use now available to community planners

  • Rulemaking proposed for Oil Spill Contingency Rule

  • Learn how to advocate for your city during the legislative interim

  • Updates to City B&O tax model ordinance underway

  • Setting the stage for 2020

  • Public defense improvement grant applications open now

  • Washington Nonprofits and OFM releases 2020 Census resources

  • Law enforcement grant program due July 19!

  • PFML premium remittance & reporting due by July 31

  • Proposed overtime rules scheduled for a series of public hearings

  • Agency rulemaking begins on prevailing wage for landscape maintenance

  • NLC Housing Task Force releases report

  • Ecology releases 2020 water quality project funding list

  • Joint Transportation Committee hears report on city transportation funding needs

  • Feds seeking comments on changes to reporting blocked railroad crossings

  • Housing Trust Fund soliciting applications for affordable housing projects

  • Ruckelshaus Center releases report of new GMA vision & planning framework

  • Update on Ecology’s water resource policies

  • AWC files amicus in support of city rights-of-way in FCC legal challenge

  • Celebrating our 2019 City Champions and kicking off 2020

  • National League of Cities releases Micromobility Guide

  • Statewide initiatives and referenda update

  • “Keep Washington Working” bill signed into law; amends policy for when law enforcement can provide information to federal immigration authorities

  • Law enforcement training rulemaking adopted

  • Governor’s Smart Communities Award winners announced

  • L&I proposes new overtime rule

  • JLARC public records reporting now open

  • HB 1087 establishes new, long-term care insurance program funded by employee premiums

  • I-1000 to take effect July 28 – no mandates for local government

  • DRS announces new employer pension contribution rates

  • PFML premium remittance and reporting begins July 1

  • B&O tax surcharge on services

  • Nonresident sales tax changes take effect July 1, 2019

  • City B&O tax model ordinance update

  • Attorney General adopts new tribal consent and consultation policy

  • Ecology launches statewide recycling education campaign – Recycle Right

  • Rulemaking announced for railroad oil spill planning

  • New resource to identify project grant and loan funding

  • Newly passed affordable housing bills require city action on tight timelines

  • 2019 was a solid session for cities – now we look ahead to 2020

  • Infrastructure funding takes a hit again, but some good news for public works contracting

  • A busy year for Washington transportation policy

  • Addressing the behavioral health system: improvements made, more work to be done

  • Tough budget decisions amid new revenue

  • Non-housing land use and planning bills

  • Many open government bills introduced, few become law

  • Economic development wins and losses

  • General government grab bag

  • Plastics, recycling, and orcas drive environmental policy changes for cities

  • A few major energy policy bills enacted this year

  • Key public safety and cannabis issues addressed this session

  • 2019 Legislature passes an array of personnel bills

  • Progress made towards a systems approach to correct fish-blocking culverts

  • Late breaking proposal stabilizes and strengthens toxic cleanup and prevention systems

  • Affordable housing takes center stage; slower year on homelessness

  • Initiative 976 headed to voters; potential impacts to state and local transportation funding

  • 2019 session adjourns on time – a solid session for cities

  • Legislature reaches deal on final state budget in last days of session

  • Graduated REET and state service B&O tax bills pass as part of state operating budget revenue package

  • Late-breaking MTCA bill a big win for cities, but it is not without risk

  • AWC priority housing bill passes during budget negotiations

  • Final status of recycling-related bills

  • Affirmative action initiative passed by Legislature, will become law

  • New law requires a searchable database of land use decisions

  • Legislature passed bills heard by Finance Committee on Friday

  • AWC’s public records reporting fix bill passes Legislature

  • May 15 is the deadline for submitting 2018 lodging tax reports

  • Legislature passes Governor’s broadband bill

  • Sunshine Committee recommendation bill passes Legislature

  • State passes transportation budget over weekend, heads to Governor

  • Amended public works bid limit bill passes Legislature

  • SR-167, I-405 tolling and bonding bill passes Legislature

  • First-responder occupational disease compromise bill signed by Governor

  • AWC requests veto on $300 million LEOFF 2 transfer bill

  • Bill proposing new requirements for state-paid stormwater fees passes Legislature

  • Firefighters’ pension levy bill passes with modifications

  • Paint stewardship bill returns from the dead, passes Legislature

  • Last minute fix made in key density bill

  • Opioid treatment bill advances to Governor for signature

  • Trueblood settlement bill unanimously passes Legislature

  • Hate crimes bill passes Legislature

  • Legislature passes bill related to informant and eyewitness evidence

  • Animal fighting bill delivered to Governor

  • Final week of session is here!

  • Data tool explores Transportation Benefit District revenues threatened by I-976

  • Trueblood bill passes House

  • Tax bills related to operating budget move out of committees

  • Senate refuses to concur on changes to firefighters’ pension levy bill

  • $300 million LEOFF 2 transfer bill advances to the Senate

  • City pavement data reporting reform bill signed into law

  • Firefighter safety best practices bill signed into law

  • Bill concerning the electrification of transportation signed into law

  • Union dues bill passes Legislature

  • Robot delivery device bill passes Legislature

  • Motorized foot scooter bill passes Legislature

  • Affirmative action initiative gets joint hearing in the Legislature

  • House amends and passes public works bid limit bill

  • Bill establishing new law enforcement grant program passes Senate

  • Behavioral health community facilities bill passes House

  • New legal framework for short-term rentals passes the Legislature

  • Self-help housing bill passes House without REET exemption

  • Pollinator habitat protection bill passes Legislature

  • Parks deannexation bill passes Legislature

  • House passes Governor’s broadband bill

  • City support needed to keep AWC’s public records bill alive

  • Opioid treatment bill passes House

  • Voluntary site cleanup for housing bill passes Legislature

  • Drug Take-Back Program rules released for comment

  • Chemical Action Plan bill passes Legislature

  • Amended version of 911 local tax option bill passes House

  • Smoke alarm bill passes House

  • Domestic violence reform bill passes Legislature

  • Firearm removal and protection orders bill passes Legislature

  • House amends and passes bill dealing with property in impounded vehicles

  • Legislature passes marijuana convictions vacations bill

  • Wrongful death bill passes Legislature

  • Final cutoff looms while budget negotiations are ongoing

  • Help needed to pass public works bid limit bill

  • Opportunity to join coalition letter of support for AWC priority housing bill

  • Key density bill passes Senate and retains local authority

  • Action needed to support MTCA reforms

  • Bill changing firefighters’ pension levy spending options passes House

  • Affordable housing development by religious organizations bill amended

  • Trueblood bill advances in House

  • Bill sets new state goal for food waste reduction

  • Broadband access gains momentum in both Washingtons

  • House committee moves public records availability bill

  • Opioid treatment bill advances in House

  • Bill establishing new law enforcement grant program advances

  • Delivery robot bill passes Senate

  • Senate amends and passes union dues bill

  • First-responder occupational disease compromise bill passes Senate

  • Tiny house communities bill passes Legislature

  • Priority REET bill passes Legislature

  • Self-help housing companion bills diverge

  • Department of Revenue Partnership meetings

  • Bill addressing impaired driving amended in Senate

  • 2018 lodging tax report deadline approaching

  • On-site sewage systems bill passes Legislature

  • B&O tax annual filer and apportionment bills pass

  • House B&O surcharge proposal potential impacts on city utilities

  • Bill addressing sexual assault kits passes the Legislature

  • Three budget messages to deliver to legislators

  • The home stretch – three weeks left to make an impact

  • Public works bid limit bill amendments impact small works roster

  • Bill to increase local option tax to fund 911 services

  • Status of recycling and plastics reduction bills

  • Wrongful death bill advances

  • House PERS 1 COLA bill moves out of fiscal committee

  • First-responder occupational disease bill passes committee

  • State Treasurer introduces new online directory of state grant and loan programs

  • Save the date: Public Records Act University

  • Broadband bills divert PWTF dollars

  • Transportation budgets pass both chambers, head to negotiations

  • Marijuana convictions vacations bill amended in the House

  • Tiny house communities bill amended to allow student builders

  • Ecology requests timely changes to drought response

  • Lone condo liability reform bill retains key elements after passing House

  • Transparency of local utility taxes bill in House Rules Committee

  • B&O apportionment bill in Rules Committee

  • Annual B&O tax filing deadline bill awaiting further action in Senate Rules Committee

  • Hearing on new tax bills for Senate operating budget

  • Budgets, budgets, budgets

  • Senate proposed budgets released & House-proposed budget floor action

  • Senate budget proposal includes restructuring MTCA

  • House and Senate transportation budget proposals released last week

  • House and Senate use PWTF dollars to support broadband efforts

  • AWC’s economic priority bill scheduled for Ways & Means hearing

  • House delivery robot bill scheduled for Senate hearing

  • $300 million LEOFF 2 transfer bills scheduled for executive action

  • House Transportation Committee to hear bill on state aviation coordination commission

  • Bill updates multidisciplinary approach to child abuse investigations

  • Housing issues come into focus in the home stretch

  • Bill makes changes to hate crimes and creates a workgroup

  • Bill aims to standardize firearm removal associated with protection orders

  • Bill defines and establishes requirements for school resource officers

  • Bill addresses personal belongings in impounded vehicles

  • Hearing scheduled for bills implementing new House budget taxes & extending tax structure study

  • House–proposed budgets released

  • House releases proposed budgets this week

  • Mobile home park home siting bill improves out of the House

  • Public works bid limit bill moves to House for public hearing

  • Public contracting “piggybacking” bill moves to house for hearing

  • Design-build bidding bill scheduled for Senate committee hearing

  • Facial recognition and data privacy bill heard in House

  • Public disclosure exemption bill heard in Senate last week

  • Cities’ economic development bill needs your help

  • Property tax cap bill introduced but not yet heard

  • Annual B&O tax filing deadline bill advances

  • B&O apportionment bill scheduled to move out of committee

  • Industrial insurance claim confidentiality bill moves to Senate for public hearing

  • Bill prohibiting employers from seeking salary history scheduled for Senate hearing

  • Emergency work zone bill scheduled in Senate Transportation Committee

  • First-responder occupational disease bill scheduled for hearing

  • Plastic bag ban and stewardship bills on the move in the House

  • Bill to count inmates and custodial patients for redistricting purposes

  • Bill addressing cyber crimes will be heard in Senate

  • Grandfathering ADU bill will be heard in the House

  • Bill allows tribal documents to be automatically admissible in court

  • Bill to address law enforcement coordinated response to missing Native American women

  • Record number of bills introduced and budget release expected next week

  • Bump stock buy-back program bill passes and goes into effect immediately

  • Bill proposes changes to firefighters’ pension levy

  • Changes to State Auditor reporting requirements

  • Motorized scooter bill passes House and gets scheduled for Senate public hearing

  • AWC-supported pavement data reporting bill set for Senate hearing

  • New LEOFF 2 pension bills introduced

  • Bill proposing new requirement on state paid stormwater fees scheduled for House hearing

  • First-responder occupational disease compromise bill set for Senate hearing

  • First quarter PFML payment and reporting changed to July 31

  • Sunshine Committee bill scheduled for Senate public hearing

  • AWC’s public records reporting improvement bill scheduled for Senate hearing

  • Bill that would eliminate advisory votes on tax increases set for committee vote

  • Public records exemption bill scheduled for Senate public hearing

  • Hearing scheduled for B&O apportionment bill

  • Status of affordable housing bills at cutoff

  • Change to B&O tax deadline for annual filers passes House

  • ADU bills continue to improve for cities

  • Bill requiring smoke detection devices advances to the House

  • Round up of land use bills after cutoff

  • Opioid treatment bill moves to the House

  • Summary of environmental bills at cutoff

  • Transparency of local utility taxing districts bill amended

  • Bill to encourage pollinator habitat passes Senate

  • Density bill improves for cities

  • Enhanced State Treasurer services moving forward with a change

  • Vacating cannabis misdemeanor convictions bill advances

  • Watch legislator profile videos on TVW

  • Bills addressing protection orders advance

  • Bill to provide immunity from prostitution charges in limited circumstances advances

  • Bill that requires actions by officers in response to domestic violence continues to move

  • Bill that helps fire departments recover cleanup costs passes House

  • Bill concerning criminal penalties for licensed marijuana retailers moves to Senate

  • Bill addressing impaired driving statutes moves to the Senate

  • New prevailing wage rates for landscape maintenance

  • 2019 Session passes the halfway mark

  • Wayfair implementation increases city sales tax collections

  • Bill to expand alternatives to arrest, creates grant program, advances to Senate

  • Ecology’s recycling market response bill passes the House

  • Plastic product stewardship bill passes Senate in very different form

  • Narrowed version of SEPA exemption bill for homeless housing passes Senate

  • Public works contracting modernization bill passes out of Senate

  • PFML technical fix moves to Senate

  • Community forest bill passes out of Senate as a pilot program

  • Trueblood settlement bill advances

  • New transportation package, Forward Washington, moves out of committee

  • Senate passes privacy bill limiting use of facial recognition technology

  • Public records exemption bill passes House

  • Progress made on AWC’s public records reporting bill

  • Update on our BLEA priority

  • Bill clarifies role of municipal courts to enter temporary protection orders

  • Open public meeting expansion bill waiting for vote

  • House passes expansion of volunteer firefighter pension benefits

  • House passes rural development and opportunity zone bill

  • Bill to provide for a continuum of care for behavioral health patients advances

  • Wrongful death bill passes Senate

  • Proposal to allow tiny house communities passes Senate

  • Animal fighting bill advances

  • Public works bills passed House and heading to Senate

  • Plastic bag and straw bills pass Senate

  • On-site sewage systems bill passes Senate

  • Two condo liability reform bills switch to other chamber

  • Found property bill passes House

  • House heard proposed changes to Voting Rights Act

  • Focus is on floor action, while budget challenges continue to loom

  • Proposed changes to Voting Rights Act pass Senate

  • Density bill gets worse for cities coming out of the Appropriations Committee

  • Status of bills on homelessness at cutoff

  • Status of affordable housing bills at cutoff

  • Summary of environmental bills after first cutoff deadlines

  • Status of public safety and criminal justice bills

  • Union dues bills progress in Legislature

  • Delivery robot bills move out of House and Senate transportation committees

  • Motorized foot scooter regulation bills move forward

  • Wrongful death bills advance

  • Cannabis bills that have died

  • L&I responds to AWC petition for emergency prevailing wage rulemaking

  • Some cannabis bills advance

  • SEPA exemption bill for temporary shelters and encampments continues to move

  • Round up of land use bills after cutoff

  • Governor’s broadband bills on the move

  • Local government records reporting bill advances

  • Wayfair implementation increases city sales tax collections

  • Bill reauthorizes tax structure work group and adds city voice

  • First cutoff passes – Now it’s time to start talking about the budget

  • AWC testifies in opposition to pension bill

  • State bank proposal introduced, but fails to advance

  • Legislature to hold hearings on I-976, limiting state and local taxes, fees, and TBDs

  • New 10-year transportation funding package proposed in the Senate

  • U.S. Supreme Court decides excessive fines forfeiture case against state

  • Pavement condition data reporting bill set for public hearing

  • Senate transportation network company bill set for hearing has preemptive provisions

  • Modernization of government procurement update

  • Call to action on AWC’s economic development bill

  • Legislative records bill dies in committee, but several others move forward

  • Clarifying “piggybacking” requirements

  • ADU bills diverge in the House and the Senate

  • House substitute version of density bill passes first hurdle

  • Fiscal committees begin hearing housing priority bills

  • Bill aims to codify Boise case on rights of homeless to survive

  • Bill addressing impaired driving continues to move

  • Bill that proposes to modernize business crimes passes House

  • Bill to help survivors of trafficking and prostitution passes out of House

  • Legislature approaches first cutoff deadline as Olympia thaws out

  • New “livability” density bill introduced, will be heard this week

  • AWC priority housing investment bills continue to move and need your support!

  • Another graduated REET for housing bill

  • Another set of ADU bills

  • Bill incentivizes cities to establish housing affordability zones

  • Bill would create community forest grant program

  • After a snow delay, Multifamily Tax Exemption bills will be heard

  • Substitute version of HPA and bulkheads bill moves forward

  • Senate version of plastic packaging stewardship bill on the move

  • Updates on public disclosure exemption bills

  • House committee to hear bill on local government ranked choice voting

  • Public hearing held on legislative records bill

  • Opioid treatment bills advance, adds requirements for jails

  • Bill to address placement of sexually violent predators scheduled for hearing

  • PERS 1 COLA bill gets public hearing rescheduled

  • Bills to address hate crimes and add criteria for protection orders

  • Legislation to protect minors from sexual exploitation

  • Bills to protect animals scheduled for public hearings

  • Bill makes changes to driving with a suspended license laws

  • Motorized foot scooter companion bill

  • Utility lien bill gets new title and bill number

  • Hauler recycling bill up for a hearing in the Senate

  • State considers opportunities to reinvest in critical infrastructure challenges

  • Bill to allow municipal cannabis retail gets a hearing

  • Snow closes the Capitol

  • Motorized foot scooter bill to be heard this week

  • Watch testimony on one of AWC’s priorities – culvert funding

  • Bill to regulate religious homeless encampments returns

  • Bill would create a new legal framework for short-term rentals

  • Bill restricts annexation covenants for utility services

  • Companion short plat bill will be heard

  • B&O tax filer deadline to align with federal tax day

  • Bill expanding uses for city traffic safety cameras set for hearing

  • Bill to require public fleets to become electric by late 2020s

  • Bill would turn Public Works Trust Fund into State Infrastructure Bank

  • Public records inspection availability bill set for hearing

  • House to hear bill on restricting weapons in libraries and parks

  • AWC’s economic development bill amended and voted out of committee

  • Hearing set for legislative public records bill

  • Bill makes changes to Growth Management Hearings Board

  • Local tax flexibility

  • Proposed changes to public works bidding process

  • Public works contracting bill updates

  • Companion Park Benefit District bill gets a hearing

  • Bills to restore Public Works Trust Fund for infrastructure receive hearings

  • Small city Multifamily Tax Exemption bill to be heard in Ways & Means

  • Basic Law Enforcement Academy wait times reduction bill moves

  • Paid Family & Medical Leave technical fix bill gets second hearing

  • First-responder occupational disease bills get hearings

  • Committee to hear bill on PERS 1 COLA

  • House’s version of a housing and density bill is introduced

  • Bill would help fire departments recover cleanup costs

  • Firearm seizure and restricted access related to domestic violence and protection orders

  • Preemption of cities ability to impose employee-based taxes

  • Bill proposing community service for litterers advances

  • AGO request bill would consolidate traffic LFOs

  • New bills would restore PWTF resources

  • Recycling market response bills offer a mix of solutions

  • Open meetings bill scheduled for public hearing

  • Bill proposes new requirement on state paid stormwater fees

  • Municipal electric utilities planning efforts for transportation electrification

  • Proposal to increase fines for violators of High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes

  • Bills to secure funding for the Transportation Improvement Board

  • Proposed changes to city pavement conditions reports

  • Cities banned from attaching some utility liens

  • Bills related to union dues collection and union security scheduled for hearings

  • Bill prohibiting employers from seeking salary history scheduled for hearing

  • Survey for elected officials on experiences with Target Zero

  • Proposal to change GMA urban services definition

  • GMA housing element expansion bill

  • Tiny homes bill receives a hearing

  • AWC-supported public records bill scheduled for hearing

  • New local housing revenue ideas emerge

  • Bills affecting public works contracting thresholds

  • A new minimum density bill, with implications for Sound Transit

  • Bill to authorize financing for local government infrastructure

  • Two Sunshine Committee bills scheduled for Friday hearing

  • Legislature to hear bills restricting government use of new technologies

  • Law enforcement behavioral health grant bill gets public hearing

  • Bill creating efficiencies in adoption of council-manager government scheduled for hearing

  • Cities testify in support of AWC’s economic development priority bill

  • Nonprofit homeownership development companion bill will be heard

  • Senate version of wrongful death bill advances

  • Bill regulates use of automated license plate recognition systems

  • Bill authorizes creation of a municipal police district

  • Bill allows local governments to receive a cannabis retail license

  • Call before you dig bill

  • 2018 Lodging tax expenditure data reporting site now open

  • I-940 “fix” bill passes Legislature

  • Simplification of B&O tax apportionment

  • More than 1,400 bills have been introduced so far in 2019

  • Three bills address barriers to building condos

  • Governor’s request energy efficiency bill up for a hearing

  • Smoke alarm bill may create unfunded mandate

  • Orca task force recommendation bill on HPA and bulkheads

  • Self-help housing bill has House companion

  • REET bill introduced in the House

  • The House adds more bills expanding property tax exemption for affordable housing

  • Bills addressing affordable housing development by religious organizations

  • AWC priority bill encouraging investments in affordable & supportive housing

  • Bill streamlines annexations of unincorporated islands

  • “Best available science” for critical area planning bill is heard

  • Bill proposes changes to mobile home park home siting

  • Cannabis home grow and delivery bills to be heard

  • Food truck bill gets a hearing

  • I-940 “fix” bill passes the House

  • Bill authorizes regulation of the open carrying of firearms in public meetings

  • Senate version of wrongful death bill advances

  • Two pension bills scheduled for public hearings

  • Legislators introduce Governor’s behavioral health bills

  • Rural development and opportunity zone act scheduled for hearing

  • Committee will hold hearing on broadband expansion bill

  • AWC economic development priority bill set for public hearing

  • AWC seeking city feedback on facial recognition privacy bill

  • Treasurer’s proposal to provide enhanced investment services

  • Bills address voluntary cleanup of contaminated properties

  • Prohibition on local governments’ toll authority

  • Military surplus vehicle bill to be heard

  • Creation of parks benefit districts provides new revenue options

  • Hearings on sidewalk delivery devices

  • Bill allows certain cities to directly impose lodging tax

  • Work underway to address “unintended consequences” of prevailing wage changes

  • 2019 Legislative Session starts off with a fast pace

  • Bill creates a private right of action for motorcycle profiling

  • Chemical Action Plans bill scheduled for Thursday

  • Foreclosure protection efforts continue this session

  • Several bills address the proliferation of plastics

  • Proposed changes to the Voting Rights Act

  • Several bills expand property tax exemption for affordable housing

  • Self-help housing sales tax and REET exemption bill up for a hearing

  • Bill proposes to extend city authority to use REET for housing and homelessness

  • Wrongful death bills are back this year

  • Bill proposes to raise the burden of proof in forfeiture hearings

  • Bill proposing community service for litterers gets a hearing

  • Senate version of public defense funding bill will be heard

  • A flurry of Growth Management Act bills in the Senate

  • Bill to reduce wait time for basic law enforcement training gets a hearing

  • Public works small works roster bill to be heard

  • FMSIB annual report

  • Transportation cameras bill allows use in prosecution of crimes

  • Senate Remote Testimony Pilot Program expanded to public

  • Bill restricting cannabis business siting is scheduled for a committee vote

  • Cannabis home grows bill gets a hearing

  • I-940 “fix” bills are on the fast track

  • Senate work session on draft transportation package

  • Washington infrastructure receives a “C” grade

  • Adult family home bill gets a public hearing

  • New legislation requires prepaid postage for all elections

  • NLC comments on Opportunity Zones tax breaks

  • Hearing held on Sunshine Committee recommendations bill

  • Injured worker benefit payment bill set for hearing

  • Firefighter safety bill scheduled for hearing

  • Bill would allow state to invest pension assets of first-class cities

  • Secretary of State certifies I-976, car tab initiative, to Legislature

  • Bill creates a pilot for cities to hire homeless

  • Sign on to support funding for homelessness prevention

  • 2019 Legislative Session is here!

  • Settlement approved in Trueblood case

  • Study bill to create a disaster planning work group

  • Hearing scheduled for public defense services funding bill

  • Governor announces initiative to pardon marijuana misdemeanors

  • Initiative 940 "fix" bills scheduled for a hearing

  • Bill restricting cannabis business siting gets a hearing

  • Transparency of local taxing districts

  • DRS releases annual financial report on state pension systems

  • DRS announces 2019 retirement planning seminars for public employees

  • JLARC releases public records data brief

  • AWC will file amicus supporting city rights-of-way

  • I-976 aims to reduce motor vehicle fees & limit Transportations Benefit Districts

  • Local governments are eligible for Automated Driving System demonstration grants

  • Premiums have begun – Cities have unanswered PFML implementation questions

  • A mixed review of the Governor’s proposed budget

  • Governor releases 2019 budget proposals

  • Orca Task Force’s recommendations highlighted in Governor’s budget

  • State Auditor’s Office updates

  • Governor announces proposal on clean energy and reducing greenhouse gases

  • Sixteen rural cities receive 2018 CDBG awards

  • Labor & Industries proposing updated rules that could double overtime exemption threshold

  • Prefiled bill proposes additional restrictions to cannabis business siting

  • New year, new leave law: PFML premium collection begins in 2019!

  • Governor announces plan to significantly increase community-based behavioral health treatment system

  • WFOA announces 2019 class schedule

  • Prevailing Wage Agency system updates

  • City transportation needs discussed at recent Joint Transportation Committee

  • Commerce releases new buildable lands report guidelines

  • Round two of Behavioral Health Facilities grant program opens

  • The mid-term elections and Washington cities

  • WSDOT survey for users of Interstate 5 in Thurston County

  • AWC response to FCC franchise rule making

  • Eyman submits initiative to reduce car tabs

  • Archives offers free public records trainings

  • Public Records Task Force hears from local government leaders

  • Opportunity Zones provide investment incentive for low-income areas

  • ESD releases PFML toolkit to assist employers

  • New law may require your agency to send child support payments electronically

  • Select Committee on Pension Policy votes in support of Plan 1 COLA

  • Online tool shows local student homelessness data

  • Provide feedback to Ecology on update to Critical Aquifer Recharge Area Guidance

  • Initiative 940 – What happens next?

  • Commerce hosts final workshops on civilian-military compatibility planning

  • Deadline approaches for cities to adopt the model license threshold

  • House Finance Committee briefing on B&O tax apportionment workgroup report

  • New FCC rules preempt cities on small cell deployment

  • FCC proposes new rules on cable franchise fees

  • Senate Republicans propose behavioral health package

  • AWC fights for local decision-making in new amicus brief

  • Streamflow restoration grant application closes October 31

  • Bothell and AWC advocate for new economic development tools

  • EAP overtime exemption rulemaking underway

  • Select Committee on Pension Policy discusses potential Plan 1 COLA

  • Public records task force holds second meeting

  • Feeling overwhelmed by cybersecurity? Check these resources

  • Do you have ash trees in your parks or streetscapes? Read this

  • Statewide inventory of untested sexual assault kits complete

  • Spots available at SAO BARS Roundtable events

  • Commerce hosting civilian-military compatibility planning workshops

  • B&O tax apportionment workgroup report completed

  • AWC collecting information on city adoption of the model license threshold

  • Final weeks to comment on Western WA stormwater manual

  • Reminder: Draft stormwater permits workshops & webinars

  • Innovations and Partnerships in Transportation Conference

  • AWC finalizes 2019 Legislative Priorities

  • Budget and campaign season are in full swing

  • New prevailing wage rates creating sticker shock for cities

  • Public records task force holds first meeting

  • The Puget Sound Action Agenda is open for public comment

  • B&O tax apportionment workgroup nearing final recommendations

  • Planning for small cell wireless infrastructure

  • CERB rural broadband program accepting loan grant applications

  • Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation information session

  • Deadline approaching for BLS partner cities to adopt model license provisions

  • Drug take-back program in rulemaking

  • Ninth Circuit decision on criminalizing homelessness

  • ESD is seeking city feedback on PFML Phase 3 rules

  • I-940 will go to the ballot

  • Municipal stormwater permits out for comment

  • Limited grant opportunity – Quality indigent defense assessments

  • Tips for using the legislature’s website for bill information

  • Welcome to View from the Hill!

  • Paid family and medical leave is coming to Washington – is your city ready?

  • AWC participates in Autonomous Vehicle Work Group subcommittees

  • Settlement reached in Trueblood case

  • Bellevue resolution honors Chinese-American veterans

  • Reports submitted to the Legislature on domestic violence reforms

  • USDA public works funding for rural communities

  • Public Works Board accepting loan applications

  • New rulemaking and guidance under the Streamflow Restoration Act

  • Business license cities must adopt a mandatory model threshold by Jan. 1

  • B&O tax apportionment workgroup needs feedback from B&O cities

  • Additional city corrections employees now eligible for PSERS

  • Employee retirement contribution rates to increase

  • Cities successfully report public record data under new mandate

  • Grid modernization bidders’ conference

  • Net metering update

  • Public Works Board loan approvals

  • Summer brings opportunity to dive into legislative issues

  • Lodging tax update

  • Visualizing housing costs in Washington

  • City B&O tax apportionment workgroup

  • Supreme Court ruling in Janus v. AFSCME will impact city labor relations

  • JLARC records reporting reopened until July 27

  • Phase two Paid Family and Medical Leave rulemaking is underway

  • Take the survey to help strengthen rural businesses in our state

  • Ecology releases water resources guidance

  • New AGO resources for human trafficking survivors

  • City transportation task forces begin their work

  • Updated Critical Areas Handbook now available

  • Commerce kicks off civilian-military compatibility planning project

  • WSDOT’s Consolidated Grant Program accepting applications

  • Review & comment on Ecology draft stormwater manuals

  • National workshop explores automated vehicles

  • Select Committee on Pension Policy recommends rate change

  • Final city business license model threshold

  • Federal legislation preempting the rights of cities

  • I-1639: Gun violence prevention

  • I-1631: Clean air clean energy

  • I-1634: Taxation of groceries

  • U.S. Supreme Court issues long-awaited opinion on collecting remote sales tax

  • Special message from the AWC CEO

  • AWC’s legislative priorities process underway

  • Join state officials in discussion on Trueblood proposed agreement

  • Learn more about the Pacific Northwest Regional Economics Conference

  • Equal Pay Opportunity Act takes effect

  • Drinking Water State Revolving Fund intended use plan

  • U.S. Attorneys highlight black market cannabis in OR & WA

  • Workgroup considers expanding Don’t Drip and Drive program statewide

  • Supreme Court will hear I-940 case

  • Nutrient forum update

  • New draft guidance for riparian ecosystems may present concerns

  • U.S. Supreme Court deadlock on culverts case: Ninth Circuit decision remains the law

  • July 1 deadline for new JLARC public records reporting

  • I-940: Law enforcement training and community safety

  • Statewide initiatives and referenda

  • Saying thanks & getting ready for the long 2019 legislative session

  • Puget Sound Nutrient Forum begins their work

  • See the results of most comprehensive municipal stormwater survey ever

  • Business license threshold input from business community

  • Next phase of work on water issues begin

  • Governor’s staff convenes broadband discussion

  • The Attorney General’s Office updates public disclosure model rules

  • Local Records Grant Program applications open soon

  • Local government public records consultation

  • JLARC public records reporting system open

  • Minimum wage exemption rulemaking in progress

  • ESD updates on Paid Family and Medical Leave rulemaking

  • AWC participates in state behavioral health reform discussions

  • House Rural Democratic Caucus meets with local rural stakeholders

  • FCC presentation on challenging mobile data availability

  • Housing affordability concerns reaching a boiling point

  • Alternative fuels for fleet vehicles mandate begins in June

  • Deadline for reporting lodging tax fast approaching

  • AWC highlights city infrastructure needs during Infrastructure Week

  • Register now! BUILD Transportation Grants webinars

  • Solid waste handling rule delayed

  • Improving recycling in response to China’s ban

  • Department of Revenue Partnership Meetings

  • Five things you can expect from AWC

  • Voting Rights Act resources now available

  • Culverts case heard in U.S. Supreme Court

  • Court of Appeals upholds county’s cannabis ban

  • Legislature’s action on police initiative ruled unconstitutional

  • Favorable court decision on recreational immunity

  • City B&O tax service apportionment workgroup

  • Business license threshold feedback from cities & business community

  • USDOT replaces TIGER grant program

  • Road-rail study work continues

  • Streamlined Sales Tax (SST) Advisory Committee

  • CERB introduces new rural broadband program

  • L&I taking input on new minimum wage exemption rules

  • JLARC updates public records data reporting

  • AG releases two new workplace rights guides

  • Archives offering free records management trainings

  • Poulsbo hosts Co-Responder Summit

  • Infrastructure week is May 14-21

  • 2017 Lodging tax expenditure data due soon

  • Local government partnership meetings

  • Governor approves Opportunity Zones

  • Register for AWC’s Voting Rights Act webinar

  • Recreation and Conservation Funding Board (RCFB) grant application deadline

  • Soliciting Legislative Priorities Committee members

  • Cities come out strong in 2018

  • About the 2018 Session Recap

  • Federal Legislative Priorities update

  • Two dozen energy & utility bills fail to advance

  • City priorities found key support in budget, yet some issues remain

  • A surprise ending to small cell technology discussions

  • Mixed bag on land use & environmental issues

  • Housing, homelessness, & human services successes & frustrations

  • Session outcomes for Voting Rights Act & wrongful death statutes

  • PERS 1 COLA passes, but few other pension changes

  • Transportation legislative summary

  • Economic development gains legislative attention

  • Public works benefit from capital budget passage

  • Body camera bill passes, but no others

  • No significant change for state cannabis laws

  • After years of stymied progress, many HR & labor bills pass

  • Some key public safety issues tackled this session

  • Marijuana excise tax distribution increasing

  • Applications for tax incentive Opportunity Zones now available

  • Cities come out strong 2018 session

  • 2018 Capital budget supplemental highlights

  • Last-minute activity on energy bills unsuccessful

  • Legislature passes operating budget

  • AWC letter to the Legislature regarding task force on legislative public record disclosure reform

  • Broadband bill fails to pass the Legislature

  • Behavioral health investments from the 2018 regular legislative session

  • Wrongful death bill that would have expanded city tort liability died

  • Joint legislative task force on sexual assault exams extended one more year

  • Attorney General’s Office updates Public Records Act Model Rules

  • First-responder occupational disease bill fails to make it through the Legislature

  • Initiative 940, concerning the use of deadly force by law enforcement, and a bill amending it pass the Legislature

  • Bill buys time for dealing with yard waste in apple maggot areas

  • Impact fees waived for homeless shelters

  • LIFT bill passes Legislature

  • Tourism bill gets big appropriation boost

  • Sound Transit “fix” will have to wait

  • Transportation budget passes Legislature

  • PERS 1 COLA headed to Governor’s desk

  • Session ends on March 8 – How are city priorities doing?

  • Legislature agrees to convene a task force for recommendations on legislative public record disclosure reform in 2019

  • A surprising turn of events for small cell bill

  • PERS 1 cost of living increase takes another step forward

  • Apportionment workgroup

  • "Ban the Box" bill passes the Legislature but must be included in the budget to become law

  • Lodging tax 2017 expenditure data collection begins

  • AWC-supported body worn cameras bill passes the Legislature

  • First responder PTSD bill passes the Legislature

  • Bill expanding search warrant jurisdiction of specific municipal courts passes Legislature

  • LFO bill passes the Senate

  • Bill establishes prevailing wage rate based on collective bargaining contracts

  • Unit priced bill passes Legislature

  • State routes bill headed to Governor's desk

  • Aviation loan bill needs your help

  • Drug take-back collection program going statewide

  • Homeless housing bill moves out of Senate

  • Washington Voting Rights Act passes Legislature

  • Submit your project for a planning award by March 16

  • Washington Voting Rights Act is a step closer to becoming law

  • Senate and House pass supplemental budgets off the floor

  • Bills & budget items in focus as adjournment nears March 8.

  • Second draft of rules for Paid Family & Medical Leave now available for comment

  • Small cell bill deemed necessary to implement the budget

  • Voting Rights Act awaits floor vote in the House.

  • ICC proposed building code changes to expand the use of mass timber for tall wood buildings

  • Human services data story

  • Key homelessness bills move

  • Senate and House both release supplemental capital budgets

  • City option to extend state property tax exemption to local levy lid lift

  • Wrongful death bill that expands city tort liability passes House committee

  • Proposed budget summary of criminal justice training funding

  • Initiative 940, concerning the use of deadly force by law enforcement, receives hearing

  • House and Senate introduce transportation budgets

  • Costly first responder occupational disease bills pass out of House committee.

  • Tourism bill still moving, gets big appropriation boost

  • Get involved in Ecology’s toxic cleanup rule update

  • Supplemental budget proposals released

  • A week that really matters

  • Sales and use tax flexibility bill continues to roll through the Legislature

  • Shared revenue interactive tool

  • Voting Rights Act on its way to enactment - Critical city improvements not included

  • Carryover bill that affects a convicted defendant's legal financial obligations continues to move this session

  • Broadband and Small Cell Networks

  • Changes to aquatic lease terms

  • AWC-supported body worn cameras bill passes out of Senate

  • Business license threshold workgroup

  • Request a Public Record Consultation from the Attorney General's Office

  • Bill limiting city authority to ban marijuana businesses is dead for now

  • Updates regarding JLARC's public record performance metrics now available

  • Wrongful death bill that expands city tort liability is still alive and moving

  • Costly first responder occupational disease bills continue to move

  • Local taxing districts transparency bill moves forward

  • COLA increase for PERS 1 and TRS 1 moves out of the Senate

  • Ride share bill fails to advance after crucial cutoff

  • Bill addressing state route population threshold requirements on the move

  • Checking in on electric utility bills

  • New building code requirements for areas prone to wildfire

  • Bill to expand multifamily property tax exemptions moves to House

  • Pilot program to help cities control the spread of apple maggots

  • New funding source for small airport infrastructure

  • Bill seeks to reduce environmental impacts of firefighting foam

  • 2018 Supplemental budgets and revenue

  • Housing, homelessness, and human services update after cutoff

  • Opioid use disorder prevention and treatment

  • AWC & partners’ infrastructure report gains traction

  • The time is right to remind legislators that new policy initiatives have local costs

  • Bills to simplify annexation of “islands” move forward, with some changes

  • City priority House Bill 1570 passes major milestone

  • Bill requiring cities to itemize taxes on utility bills moves to rules

  • Three bills supporting individuals suffering from mental health pass out of the House

  • State approved for $112.7 million in VW lawsuit

  • Building business ecosystems bill likely dead

  • Unit price contracting bill passes Senate, onto the House

  • House and Senate pass bills addressing Sound Transit 3 costs

  • Only one rideshare bill survives cutoff

  • Numerous labor relations bills continue to move

  • Bill limiting city authority to ban marijuana businesses survived committee cutoff dates

  • First responder occupational disease bills awaiting floor action

  • State Actuary projects pension contribution rates to be lower in 2021-23

  • Bill clarifying use of evidence of law enforcement officer misconduct survives committee cutoff

  • Voting Rights Act bill rescheduled for committee action on Thursday

  • City priorities and issues of concern at the halfway point

  • Voting Rights Act bill scheduled for committee action on Wednesday

  • Bill changes how law enforcement may seize property in civil asset forfeiture cases

  • Bill that encourages disclosure of sexual harassment in the workplace passes out of committee

  • Bill giving cities greater flexibility with sales tax and levy lid lifts in House Rules Committee

  • Bill to create study on state and local property taxes heard

  • Bill would set disclosure requirements for utility bills

  • First responder occupational disease bills pass out of committee

  • AWC-supported body worn cameras bill passes out of committee

  • Local Records Grant Program accepting applications until February 28

  • Public defense funding bill has passed first hurdle

  • Bill limiting city authority to ban marijuana businesses passes out of committee

  • Mandatory minimum density bill appears to die

  • Prescription drug take-back bill poised for action in the House

  • Bills to provide funding for mental health first responders pass out of committee

  • Military land use compatibility bill hits snag in House, moves in Senate

  • Senate local option levy lid lift exemption bill moves

  • Housing, homelessness and behavioral health bill status updates

  • Both wrongful death bills expanding city tort liability pass out of committee

  • Bill would increase population threshold for enhanced state route maintenance responsibilities

  • Bill seeking to incentivize commercial office space development on the move

  • Bill seeks to address disposal costs of abandoned recreational vehicles on public property

  • What city officials heard in Olympia

  • Senate’s Voting Rights Act bill being considered in House committee

  • House proposes state B&O tax reform for small businesses

  • Bill clarifying use of evidence of law enforcement officer misconduct has hearing in the Senate

  • Bills address definition of veteran when determining eligibility for plan membership

  • Bill would allow for sewer extensions in rural areas for economic development

  • Hearings scheduled for bills to provide funding for mental health and law enforcement co-response programs

  • AWC-supported body cameras bill has a hearing this week

  • Records management training calendar now posted

  • AWC supports bills that would “codify” revenues for important transportation funding programs

  • Bill would establish Lend Washington program to facilitate local infrastructure investment

  • Paid Family & Medical Leave public meeting on draft rules

  • Resolution on capital budget and water issues finally happens

  • City officials express their support for local infrastructure financing bill

  • Dueling Lyft and Uber bills make first public appearance in 2018

  • Housing and homelessness bill updates

  • Ways & Means to hear local housing option to exempt property tax

  • Legislators need to hear from you!

  • Both chambers have heard and are considering expansion of wrongful death liability proposals

  • Legislature takes action on capital budget, funds Public Works Trust Fund

  • Senate passes substitute version of Voting Rights Act bill; House considering its own substitute

  • Affordable housing and homelessness bills on the move

  • Bill would authorize fees to cover long-range planning

  • Annexation bill of concern to get hearing in House committee

  • Bill on body worn cameras introduced last week

  • Companion bills that would simplify island annexations up for hearing this week

  • Two marijuana bills that impact cities have hearing

  • Bill would require cities to develop ADA on-street parking plans

  • Hearing scheduled for public defense funding bill

  • Cities support bill that would allow greater certainty in selling off-street parking

  • Bill would align LIFT program with LRF

  • Cities support revived tourism bill

  • Local Records Grant Program now accepting applications

  • Senate Ways & Means to hear three bills on PERS 1 COLA increases

  • City priority: Homelessness, housing, & human services

  • Short Session - Little time to solve big issues

  • AWC supports bill aimed at improving participation by minority and women-owned businesses in public works contracts

  • Two bills related to small cells to get hearings this week

  • Voting Rights Act bills heard – Senate committee passes a substitute bill

  • Bills to address the opioid crisis set for hearing

  • Document recording fee bill gets public hearing

  • Impact fee deferrals for low-income housing

  • A trio of marijuana bills that impact cities will be heard in the House

  • Elimination of the statutory limit for net metering

  • Bill would provide multifamily tax exemption for unincorporated UGAs

  • Senate version of wrongful death bill will be heard on Thursday

  • New affordable housing proposals get hearings

  • First responder presumptive disease bills to be heard in the House and Senate

  • Religious property zoning bill comes back

  • Extending and amending transit-oriented SEPA tool

  • Bill to allow cities to utilize unit-priced contracts up for public hearing

  • Bill requires railroads to give notice to communities when planning actions

  • Bill would increase, but limit access to Main Street Program

  • Cities oppose bill that would add new reporting requirements on public works projects

  • Paid Family & Medical Leave draft rules available for comment

  • 2018 session likely to be brief and concise – Cities hope for help to prosper and care for those less fortunate

  • Hearings on Governor’s proposed state budget

  • Bill limiting city authority to ban marijuana businesses has early hearing

  • U.S. Attorney General withdraws federal government’s non-enforcement stance against states with legalized marijuana

  • Governor’s proposed water bill scheduled for Senate hearing

  • Sunshine Committee recommendations bill on Public Records Act is set for an early hearing

  • New wrongful death bill to be heard in House this week

  • Bill to prohibit employers from asking about arrests or convictions will be heard in the House

  • Bill to address gender pay equity scheduled for hearing

  • Military land use compatibility proposal returns

  • Low-income housing property tax bill heard again

  • Bill seeks to specify compliance with apprenticeship utilization requirements

  • Public Depository Task Force finishes work – Treasurer’s Office & OFM make recommendations

  • Hearings scheduled for Voting Rights Act bills that could impact how city councilmembers get elected

  • Legislators return in 2018 with different expectations and challenges – what might it mean for cities?

  • NLC: Net neutrality is just the tip of the preemption iceberg

  • AWC board finalizes legislative priority to address behavioral health challenges

  • Governor’s 2018 budget includes increased law enforcement training

  • Streamlined sales tax mitigation advisory committee meeting

  • Another bill seeks to implement a Washington Voting Rights Act

  • Liquor and Cannabis Board releases marijuana home grow report

  • PERS/TRS 1 COLA recommended by the Select Committee on Pension Policy

  • Paid Family and Medical Leave rulemaking begins this month

  • Joint Transportation Committee hears assessment on Transportation Commission

  • AWC works to develop its economic development priority

  • Governor releases 2018 supplemental budget proposal

  • Apportionment workgroup

  • Business license workgroup

  • 2018 City Legislative Priorities

  • Control of the state Senate shifts –
    How might it impact cities?

  • Workgroup reviewing Washington’s civil asset forfeiture laws

  • Capital budget remains locked up

  • Public records performance metrics in HB 1594 - Guidance expected soon

  • Business license workgroup

  • Business license portal participation

  • Apportionment workgroup

  • Streamlined sales tax studies

  • City leaders present at rural jobs summit

  • "State bank" task force to produce report by the end of the year

  • Innovations and Partnerships in Transportation Conference is December 5 in Tacoma

  • Early action on state Voting Rights Act legislation expected in 2018 session

  • Webinar on new paid sick leave law taking effect January 2018

  • DRS releases updated guidance on the new LEOFF 2 "third party contract rule"

  • Washington State Supreme Court hearing to review state’s McCleary case progress scheduled for Oct. 24

  • City-County Assistance Account 2018 estimates released

  • B&O tax apportionment task force meeting update

  • Streamlined sales tax (SST) mitigation committee input needed

  • Tax reform heats up in the other Washington – SALT on the table

  • AWC participates in APWA conference

  • Ecology seeking input on municipal stormwater permits

  • State releases draft freight system plan

  • Joint policy summit on gang prevention and intervention in Tacoma on Nov. 1

  • Liquor & Cannabis Board studying legalized marijuana home grows – Comments due by Oct. 11

  • Police body camera task force continues to meet, report due by end of year

  • LCB studying options for recreational marijuana home grow

  • WSDOT soliciting feedback on Freight System Plan

  • AWC will be active participant in Ruckelhaus Center’s Roadmap to the Future

  • Ways to engage as AWC prepares 2018 Legislative Priorities

  • State agency engaging in new rulemaking on occupational lead exposure

  • Register for joint summit on gang prevention and intervention, co-hosted by AWC

  • Rulemaking continues on new I-1433 paid sick leave requirement

  • AGO proposes changes to public records Model Rules, deadline for initial comment September 29

  • Task forces on business licenses and B&O tax apportionment begin work

  • Capital budget update

  • AWC participates in housing tools conversation

  • Road mile usage charge study underway

  • New LEOFF 2 contribution change for third party contracts, timeline update from DRS

  • Rulemaking continues on new I-1433 paid sick leave requirement – public comment deadline 9/1

  • New LEOFF 2 contribution change for third party contracts, new policy under scrutiny

  • Small cell facilities were a hot topic this session

  • Unexpected excitement in the transportation world

  • Big issues talked about in public safety & criminal justice

  • Significant developments in personnel and pensions in 2017

  • Marijuana highlights from the 2017 session

  • Big win for AWC, priority public records laws pass this year

  • Public Works Trust Fund lives on

  • Some progress made on affordable housing and homelessness

  • School siting, buildable lands and GMA review addressed during 2017 session

  • Some positive steps forward on the economic development front

  • Several city priorities addressed in 2017-19 operating budget & revenue package, including internet sales tax, but disappointing outcome on property tax cap

  • How to use the 2017 legislative session recap

  • 2017 session recap: It took a record-breaking 193 days to finish, there’s still no capital budget, but overall, city issues were mostly addressed

  • Third special session ends without passage of a capital budget

  • New law may require you to update responsible bidder forms

  • New distracted driving bill now in effect

  • Liquor and Cannabis Board releases 2017 legislative fact sheets

  • Preliminary guidance on new public records reporting requirements

  • Budget includes new LEOFF 2 state/employer contribution shift under special circumstances

  • Webinar on new public records laws now available

  • Implementation of business license bill

  • Marketplace fairness and streamlined sales tax mitigation estimates updated

  • JLARC lodging tax report

  • Capital budget and water deal eludes Legislature

  • Capital budget stalemate intensifies

  • Long-standing AWC priority marketplace fairness act passes as part of budget revenue package

  • Budget includes boost in public defense grants

  • Legislature passes new statewide Paid Family & Medical Leave program

  • Property tax bill not addressed in budget negotiations

  • Rulemaking continues on new paid sick leave requirement – public hearings set

  • Tourism marketing effort revived in final hours of budget negotiations

  • New budget imposes restrictions on local marijuana revenue

  • Where to get more information on the McCleary education funding agreement

  • Capital budget fate still unclear and linked to water rights fight

  • LEOFF 2 state contribution maintained in the 2017-19 budget but other LEOFF 2 changes made

  • Legislature still not finished as AWC begins work identifying priorities for the 2018 session

  • Priority property tax bill

  • Congress in recess – AWC and partners talk infrastructure

  • Attorney General guidance on immigration enforcement

  • New report lays groundwork for a federal Infrastructure Initiative

  • City officials storm Capitol Hill in the other Washington

  • Workers’ compensation reform bill on the move in the Senate

  • Lodging tax bill introduced

  • Proposal to restore city liquor revenue moves out of committee

  • Property tax bills changing the levy limit heard this week

  • City business license and tax bills heard in House and Senate, SSB 5777 moves out of committee

  • House committee considers proposals for local infrastructure funding

  • Competing bills on emergency notices in multiple languages move forward

  • Bill that would change claims process on construction contracts still alive in the Senate

  • Occupational disease bill moves forward

  • AWC priority public records bills advance

  • Deadly force bill moves forward with amendments

  • Bill crafted to increase cities share of marijuana excise taxes

  • Bill that requires collective bargaining sessions to be open amended

  • What 350+ city officials heard in Olympia

  • Legislative Bulletin – City Action Days Recap | Priority bills advance | Hot sheet

  • Bill would give expanded authority to Parking and Business Improvement Areas

  • Bills would allow for greater participation in Main Street Program

  • Bill seeks authority to set speed limits for trains carrying hazardous flammable materials

  • Cities testify against small cell pre-emption bills but the work continues

  • Bill would cap public record penalties in certain cases

  • Bill would authorize the use of automated license plate readers

  • Legislation directs state to develop emergency plans for oil train accidents

  • AWC co-hosts lunch with legislators to discuss funding for removal of fish-blocking culverts

  • Business license and tax bills to be heard in House and Senate – HB 2005, SB 5777

  • Glimmer of hope for the Public Works Trust Fund? Your voices needed!

  • Affordable housing and homelessness bills in play

  • AWC priority public records bills heard in committee on Friday

  • Critical water bills get hearing and one bill advances

  • Bills seek to remedy issues related to abandoned and foreclosed homes

  • AWC Federal Priorities under review

  • Bills impacting city finances introduced

  • Local officials express overwhelming support for new limits on property tax increases

  • Legislative Bulletin – PWTF | Business license bills | Public records bills

  • Policy bills face a key deadline this Friday

  • Ask your legislator to support proposal to restore city and county liquor revenue

  • Sweeping pre-emption of city authority included in small cell deployment bills

  • Proposals expand occupational diseases for police and fire

  • Bills would require prime contractors to bond the subcontractors’ portion of retainage

  • Lots of opposition to bill aimed at claims process in construction contracts

  • Local options for affordable housing bill has public hearing on February 7

  • New responses to the Hirst and Foster water rights court decisions will be heard in the House

  • AWC priority property tax bill gets hearing

  • Source of income discrimination bill gets public hearing

  • With MTCA facing shortfalls a surcharge is being considered again

  • Bill would require public employee collective bargaining sessions to be open, public meetings

  • Authorizing manufactured housing communities outside of Urban Growth Areas (UGAs)

  • Bill would allow employees over 60 the option of opting out of retirement system membership

  • Bills that change deadly force laws get hearings in House and Senate

  • Problematic surplus housing bill surfaces again

  • AWC priority public records bills set for hearing

  • Major proposal on homelessness, preempting cities on encampments, many policy changes

  • New bill restricts city authority to regulate homeless camps operated by religious institutions

  • Bill gives new authority to Boundary Review Boards

  • Bills would require cities to provide emergency notices in languages other than English

  • Bill would shift to the state all regulation and licensing of ride-share companies

  • Working to bring Federal infrastructure investments to Washington

  • Education funding bills start to frame the budget debate, which will reveal the fate of city shared revenues and key programs

  • Update on marijuana bills of interest

  • Legislative Bulletin – City priority bills on the move

  • Confusion and legal questions surround "sanctuary city" executive order

  • AWC priority bill to increase and stabilize homeless funding gets public hearing

  • Authorizing rail dependent uses outside of Urban Growth Areas

  • New Federal Infrastructure Investment?

  • Another busy week for personnel bills

  • Extension of transit-oriented SEPA authority

  • Bill moves forward that penalizes cities for local restrictions on marijuana retailers

  • House Committee considers proposal to restore city and county liquor revenue

  • Bills exempt public employee addresses GPS data from records requests

  • Proposal linking annual property tax increases to inflation and population growth introduced

  • Pavement preservation report bill scheduled for hearing this week

  • Numerous bills address state building codes

  • Bill would pre-empt city authority to offer safe injection sites

  • AWC priority public records bills dropped with broad bipartisan support last week

  • Bill would affect claims on construction contracts

  • Bill would require cities to pay relocation assistance when property is acquired for public purpose

  • Several septic and sewer related bills emerge

  • AWC priority policy bills on the move

  • Legislative Bulletin – Week four and city priority bills are on the move

  • Executive orders 101

  • House and Senate Transportation Committees hear from AWC

  • Bill to promote tourism would divert funds from transportation account

  • Hearings scheduled this week on new employee protections and workers’ compensation reform bills

  • AWC priority liquor revenue bill to be heard in House

  • Bill grants new authorities for public facilities districts

  • Major homelessness funding and GMA buildable lands bill up for hearing on January 26

  • Multiple marijuana bills dropped in House and Senate

  • Bill penalizes cities for restricting marijuana stores advances

  • Significant vesting bill up for consideration

  • Bill would change civil asset forfeiture law and impact law enforcement efforts statewide

  • FCC threatens to limit local land use authority on wireless siting

  • Funding proposal for state’s oil spill prevention activities

  • Inside advice from legislators who’ve been in your shoes

  • Major water bills heard on Tuesday the 24

  • Legislative Bulletin – Day 15 and many bills introduced | Priority bill would restore liquor revenue

  • Is your city eligible for Volkswagen settlement funds?

  • Implementing the family and medical leave insurance program

  • Bill would increase grants for public-use airports

  • Civil asset forfeiture comes under scrutiny by House and Senate committees during first week of session

  • Bill requires cities without bans to issue local marijuana licenses

  • Bill prohibiting the use of eminent domain for economic development purposes surfaces anew

  • Bill aims to reduce overlap between SEPA and other state and local laws

  • Proposal to restore city liquor revenue introduced in House

  • Hearings on Governor’s proposed state budget

  • Dig Law clean-up bill gets hearing

  • Senate committee holds another work session on small cell networks

  • Seven principles guide our work as we represent your state budget interests

  • School siting conversation begins anew

  • Water bills begin to surface

  • Final report released by task force on local tax & licensing simplification

  • Still no agreement about how to fund basic education

  • Studies conclude pension mergers possible

  • Legislation expected on regulation of small cell networks

  • Statewide pharmaceutical take-back program proposed

  • Over at least the next 15 weeks, we will keep you informed and at crucial times, will ask for your help

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