AWC hosts international delegation from Central and Eastern Europe

On April 27, 2023 AWC was honored to host a meeting with eight cities and two provinces from Central and Eastern Europe through a collaboration with MRSC and the Washington City/County Managers Association (WCMA) and WCMA’s professional counterpart organizations in Poland, the Forum of Sekretarze and the Foundation for the Support of Local Democracy. The delegation included two lieutenant-governors of provinces, five mayors, three city administrators, and two councilmembers as well as representatives of the two counterpart organizations.

The jurisdictions are participating in a program emphasizing local democracy. AWC and MRSC shared information about cities in Washington and our respective organizations’ role in supporting cities.

The Mayor of Morawica, Marian Buras, shared some of the history of his country’s transformation from soviet satellite to independent nation and the change from centralized government to robust local governance. He also shared examples of the ways that cities in Poland have stepped forward to help refugees from Ukraine.

Mayor Marcin Marzec of Sandomierz shared about his beautiful city, named by CNN as one of the most romantic destinations in Poland. The town is nicknamed Little Rome and shared the history behind their optimism stones, striped flint unique to their area. The Mayor shared a video highlighting his city’s beautiful area.

Similarly the Mayor of Raca District in Solvakia, Michal Drotovan, highlighted his cities history and efforts to increase tourism. Raca is a borough of Bratislava, Slovakia located near the border with Austria.

Adnrii Kavunets, Deputy Head of Vinnystia Province in Ukraine shared some of the harrowing experiences his community has experienced since the invasion by Russia including numerous rocket strikes. He also highlighted the vast efforts to help Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) who have been forced from their homes.

Overall, it was a fascinating exchange and an opportunity to share great information about the similarities in managing local governments. Interested in learning more about this exchange? Contact Tracy Burrows at MRSC or Lloyd Halverson, WCMA Senior Advisor, or Kristi Rowland, WCMA President.