The annual survey of the full AWC membership soliciting ideas for potential legislative priorities for the 2026 legislative session recently closed on June 5. In total, 51 city officials responded with suggestions that will be shared with the AWC Legislative Priorities Committee as they consider their forthcoming recommendations to the AWC Board.

Members were asked to pick their top five general issue areas to suggest AWC focus on in the upcoming session. Here are the results:

Respondents were also able to provide open ended feedback on more specific recommendations. There was a wide range of suggestions. The most common pieces of feedback were the need for additional support on revenue stability. Criminal justice needs continue to be reflected frequently including public defense costs. Continued support for utility infrastructure especially as it relates to meeting city housing goals was also a common theme.

The AWC Legislative Priorities Committee will be meeting throughout the summer and will make its final recommendations to the AWC Board on September 4. In addition to the feedback from this survey, the Committee will also receive recommendations from the AWC Large and Small City Advisory Committees. As always, please feel welcome to share any thoughts on legislative matters at any time with the AWC Government Relations team.