Published 2020

State of the Cities report

Cities are the economic drivers of our state and play an important role in the health of Washington. But cities are struggling to meet the basic needs of their communities and are facing new challenges. This report dives into the data, research, and trends to examine conditions in Washington's 281 cities.

Published 2024

State of the Cities: Municipal workforce—The foundation of city services highlights city workforces

The report examines the changing demands on cities and city workers, overviews personnel-related cost-drivers, analyzes retirement and survey data related to recruitment and retention of city employees, and offers additional resources for cities looking to build their own team.

Published 2023

State of the Cities: Evolving public safety & criminal justice services

Explore the present conditions of public safety, along with the current state of criminal justice and behavioral health systems, to learn about challenges that cities face and discover areas where cities can learn from each other.

Published 2023

State of the Cities: Washington’s interconnected infrastructure

Examine city infrastructure across Washington to understand the present condition of our infrastructure systems, how cities are overcoming barriers to improvement, and what more can be done to support the statewide network.

Published 2021

State of the Cities: Housing report

Read about cities’ housing challenges and solutions using data, infographics, city case studies, and a rundown of available fiscal and policy tools.

Published 2021
Updated 2023

The state of transportation in cities

Check out this infographic illustrating the wide array of city transportation funding needs. Washington cities are stepping up to meet growing transportation infrastructure in their communities. Yet cities lack access to basic funding to maintain and preserve city streets for current and future residents.

Published 2021

You have it, use it: Home rule in Washington

Explore the existing authority that cities have in Washington to make decisions and laws close to home. Learn about the history of local control and the events that followed, including legal attempts to clarify or even undermine this authority.