2020 is right around the corner, which means we’ve been preparing for the legislative session that begins on January 13 and runs through March 12. On the first day of session, we’ll start sending out AWC’s weekly Legislative Bulletin. It contains the latest news on city priorities as well as other legislative issues of interest to cities.
In January we are excited to release the 2020 edition of AWC’s State of the Cities report, which dives into the data, issues, and trends impacting cities today. Watch for it during the week of January 13.
There will be a lot of other work in 2020 after the legislative session concludes. 2020 marks the next update of AWC’s Statement of Policy document that serves as the overarching guidance for our advocacy positions. In June, we will bring the updated Statement of Policy to AWC’s full membership for adoption at our Annual Conference in Kennewick. Additionally, we will begin developing AWC’s 2021 legislative priorities in the spring.
Of course, 2020 is a significant election year with all statewide offices on the ballot as well as all House members and half of the Senate up for election. The election season is an important time for city officials to connect with those who are running to represent your communities in the Legislature.
Governor to release supplemental budget proposal this week
The Governor is required to release his supplemental budget proposals no later than December 20. Unlike full biennial budgets, the supplemental proposals are typically modest updates and changes to the adopted biennial budgets. However, given the passage of I-976, the supplemental transportation budget proposal is likely to include more significant changes.
Once we review the Governor’s proposals, we will break down the impacts to cities and pass that information along via email, AWC’s website, and our social media accounts.
Last call! Have you shared your city’s legislative agenda with AWC?
If you adopted your city’s 2020 Legislative agenda, have you shared it with AWC? If not, please do. Send them to Candice Bock. We will post them on our website. Be sure to check out some of the examples there currently.
Register now for City Action Days January 28 & 29
City Action Days (CAD) is a great opportunity to join nearly 400 city officials in Olympia during the short, 60-day session. Register soon as space is limited.
Happy holidays
Finally, AWC’s Government Relations team wishes all the members of our city family a happy and safe holiday season! Thank you for your service to your communities and all the hard work you do all year long to benefit your cities and our state.