City officials in D.C. – COVID-19 and more

Fifty or so mayors, councilmembers, and other city officials from our state joined about 2,000 others from across the country in the other Washington for the annual National League of Cities (NLC) Congressional Cities Conference (CCC).

Not surprisingly, a key topic of the week was COVID-19 response at the local, state, federal, and global level. City officials met with Sens. Murray and Cantwell jointly at a special briefing, and individually with members of the House over the three-day conference.

Led by AWC President Ed Stern, Councilmember from Poulsbo, city officials emphasized the need for federal action on infrastructure (and its role as a stimulus to the economy), housing and homelessness challenges we face in our communities, and the critical importance of support for rural broadband. AWC’s federal priorities served as a starting point for conversations.

AWC President Stern was invited to a special briefing at the White House and met with Vice President Mike Pence where, again, COVID-19 was at the top of the agenda. City officials from 12 Western states also met to share unique opportunities and challenges facing cities out west.

For more information, please contact AWC CEO Peter King.