AWC Board adopts 2018 Legislative Priorities

On Friday September 29, the AWC Board of Directors adopted four city priorities for the upcoming 2018 legislative session. The priorities are listed below.

Cities ask the Legislature to:

• Strengthen city tools to address housing conditions in our communities.
• Direct funds to mental health, chemical dependency, and social safety net programs.
• Enhance economic development tools and programs that foster business development in cities.
• Preserve state-shared revenues with cities and increase law enforcement training funds.

The Board of Directors discussed and affirmed the need for legislators to quickly enact a capital budget so that critical infrastructure projects around the state can move forward. They also agreed on a strategy for seeking action on select 2018 issues, as well as developing proposals and supporters for other issues in advance of the 2019 session.

We have started our six-week series of AWC Regional Meetings around the state where we are sharing these priorities and strategies, and getting valuable feedback from members. We are also sharing the priorities at meetings with city officials, key legislators and other stakeholders. We are particularly interested in hearing ideas to help fund and adequately provide services that address some of the homelessness and chemical dependency issues that are heavily impacting communities across the state.

We are also engaging in conversations to explore ways to foster economic development and diversification.

If you have ideas you would like to share, questions or comments, don’t hesitate to let me know!

Congratulations 2017 City Champion Award winners!

Our fourth annual City Champion Awards acknowledge the hard work and dedication of legislators who championed critical city issues during the 2017 legislative session. Find out if your legislator is one of the eight Champions, and say thanks! In-district celebrations are now being scheduled. Contact me if you’d like to help plan one in your city.

AWC lobbyist Candice Bock leaves for a career opportunity with Lacey

Candice spent over seven years at AWC working in a variety of subject areas including criminal justice, social services, personnel, health care, pensions, and others. Candice now serves as Lacey’s Administrative Services Director. Some of her notable AWC work includes marijuana legalization and the Public Records Act. She was instrumental this year in helping pass legislation that helps reform our Public Records Act to recognize modern communication methods. We are sorry to see her go, but are pleased she will remain in the “city family” in her new role in Lacey. While we work to fill her shoes, AWC’s Logan Bahr has stepped up to cover her subject areas. Thanks Logan and best wishes Candice!