2020 has been a lot for everyone. Here at AWC, we are in awe of the work that city officials around the state are doing to help their communities. You have all worked hard under difficult and unprecedented circumstances to keep your communities safe and moving forward. Your selfless service is inspiring. We wish you a safe holiday season and a bright 2021.

Governor’s budget proposals expected later this month

The Governor is statutorily required to submit proposed budgets in the month of December. We expect the Governor’s office to release its budget proposals the week of December 14-18. The following week, AWC staff will review the proposals and report back to you about the significant impacts to cities. The budget proposals can shed light on the size of the challenges and possible trends for new revenues or budget reductions. However, the Governor’s proposals are not the final word on state spending. The Legislature will consider the proposals and then develop their own budgets during the 2021 session.

Preparing for 2021 – The online session

The 105-day legislative session kicks off on January 11 as a primarily web-based session. Right now, the House and Senate are finalizing their committee structures, assignments, and plans for meeting online. We know that both the House and Senate will hold their committee meetings in a virtual format, and it will be the only way the public can participate. The Capitol Campus buildings will remain closed to the public.

While some legislators may opt to work in Olympia and others may work remotely from their districts, we encourage you to make plans to connect with them regularly during the session via online meetings, phone calls, text, and email. Don’t wait – legislators’ calendars fill up fast! If you’ve been unable to participate in advocacy in the past due to difficulties in travelling to Olympia, this is your opportunity to get involved from afar.

Don’t wait – legislators’ calendars fill up fast!

Register for City Action Days

AWC’s City Action Days conference is also going online. It will be held February 10-11 and will feature the same great content on hot legislative issues from legislative speakers. Even though you can’t attend in person, it is still important to make plans to meet with your legislators. In normal years, many who attend the conference plan dinners and get-togethers with their legislators. We encourage you to keep those traditions going – just move them to a virtual format. For example, you might consider hosting a virtual dinner or coffee.

Resources and reminders

A couple of great resources for tracking the virtual legislative happenings are on the Legislature’s website and TVW. The legislative website provides schedules and agendas for committee meetings; and TVW provides gavel to gavel coverage of the committee meetings and floor action. Additionally, AWC’s Legislative Bulletin is published weekly during session. We use it to regularly highlight bills of interest and information about relevant meetings.

As you meet with your legislators, please share the AWC 2021 City Legislative Priorities. We have also produced fact sheets for each priority and we encourage you to use them when discussing the issues with your legislators and residents.

Don’t forget about the PDC and any lobbying reporting obligations. AWC has complied some resources to help you determine if and when you should report.

If you need any help or additional information in navigating the legislative process, please feel free to reach out to the Government Relations team. We are always happy to help.

On behalf of everyone at AWC, thank you for your service and best wishes for a safe and happy holiday season!