Congratulations 2021 Advocacy All-Star Award winners!
AWC’s Advocacy All-Star Awards recognize and celebrate the actions of city officials and others who advocate for all 281 cities and towns. The award winners conducted advocacy efforts throughout the 2020 interim and 2021 legislative session.
Curious about how you can become an All-Star? See tips from our strong cities advocacy guide.
We extend our thanks and congratulations to the following award winners.
Police Chief Jeff Myers, Hoquiam
Chief Myers was a key liaison for the law enforcement community. He worked alongside Chief Smith of Port Angeles to provide a crucial voice on police reform. He offered expert insight into policing and helped negotiate compromise language on legislation related to pursuits and use of force standards as well as providing specific language and terms for successful implementation and objective standards to train officers.
Police Chief Brian Smith, Port Angeles
Chief Smith was a key liaison for the law enforcement community. He worked alongside Chief Myers of Hoquiam to provide a crucial voice on police reform. He offered expert insight into policing and helped negotiate compromise language on legislation related to pursuits and use of force standards as well as providing specific language and terms for successful implementation and objective standards to train officers.
City Attorney Heidi Wachter, Lakewood
Heidi Wachter offered an expert opinion as a city attorney on how municipal courts work, their jurisdiction, and the impacts of SB 5476 and the Blake decision on municipal courts. Heidi testified, met with legislators (on a weekend), and offered excellent advice on how best to amend legislation to mitigate the impacts on cities and municipal courts.
MFTE Program Directors: Debbie Bingham, Tacoma & Peggy Sheehan, Vancouver
Debbie Bingham and Peggy Sheehan spent considerable time helping evaluate proposed amendments to the Multifamily Tax Exemption (MFTE) program. They helped our stakeholder coalition stay informed on what changes were administrable and likely to be effective and which changes were going to be problematic.
Washington Economic Development Association
The Washington Economic Development Association (WEDA) led the TIF for Jobs Coalition that was instrumental in supporting the passage of HB 1189, Washington’s first Tax Increment Financing (TIF) law. They led the communications and coordination efforts to bring a wide array of supporters together to successfully advocate for TIF. They were a critical partner with AWC in passing the bill.
City Council President Breean Beggs, Spokane
City Council President Beggs made himself available to meet with legislators, worked with AWC staff on amendment language, met with stakeholders, and testified on every bill he was asked to testify on. Council President Beggs offered a calm voice and clear guidance. His expertise and experience were key to the success of the AWC police reform legislative priorities.
Mayor Victoria Woodards, Tacoma
Mayor Woodards met with legislators multiple times and testified in support of AWC’s police reform agenda multiple times. Mayor Woodards and her Tacoma team were invaluable with their support and advocacy for the AWC police reform legislative priorities.
Mayor Jill Boudreau, Mount Vernon
Mayor Boudreau was a key advocate on HB 1054’s mine-resistant ambush protected vehicle amendment and worked with legislators, police chiefs, and the media to make sure the issue stayed front and center. She was engaged on all aspects of police reform and provided a critical voice during session and key negotiations.