In remembrance of Stan Finkelstein

It is with heavy hearts that members and staff of the Association of Washington Cities (AWC) remember longtime leader and former executive director Stan Finkelstein, who passed away earlier this week.

Finkelstein worked at AWC for 36 years, serving first as assistant director for legislative services and then as executive director for nearly two decades. He was the association’s third director since its 1933 inception.

Under Stan’s leadership, AWC published its first State of the Cities report, developed a program specifically for small cities, helped cities implement the Growth Management Act, took on the fight for streamlined sales tax, and was instrumental in conceiving and creating the Public Works Trust Fund in the late 1980s.

Stan was also a frequent presenter on municipal issues for state agencies and local governments, was looked to as an expert on municipal finance, and was an adjunct faculty member for the graduate program in Public Administration at Seattle University.

In a 2009 press release regarding his retirement, Stan said, “I leave with a sincere sense of sadness and gratitude for having the privilege of working with one of the finest local government associations in the state of Washington. AWC has made a significant impact on all of our communities and their citizens, and I’m honored to have been part of the contribution.”

We are honored to have worked with Stan. He was an advocate, mentor, and teacher to many.

May he rest in peace.