Data & Resources


Published on Jun 11, 2024

Future perfect: Cities planning for a better tomorrow, and building upon the past

Contact: Communications

0624CityvisionSummerHead

Summer 2024 | Download PDF

From the President

The theme of this month’s issue of Cityvision is “Envisioning the Future.” When I think about what it means to envision the future, I think about what it means to envision that future together. It’s no secret that we live in divisive times—and in times of great change and challenge. It’s only human for us, and for our communities, to feel uneasy about those changes and to wonder what future they will bring. However, I have witnessed the power of shared vision, where city leaders and their communities unite to address these anxieties. This process, often starting small and building on past successes, is a testament to our resilience and determination to shape our future together.

Our success in envisioning and creating a future that empowers everyone relies on our willingness to hear one another, listen, and to meet people where they are. City leaders are working hard to help communities identify commonalities and build on those understandings until they produce solutions to our shared concerns.

As city officials, we are steeped in plans that help us create our future—strategic initiatives, comprehensive plans, and economic development strategies. Providing services for growing and vibrant communities will remain both a challenge and an opportunity. Our cities are creating paths for our communities to thrive. Our city leaders are up to this challenge!

Cities are being built on the foundation of their past; their successes, their challenges, and those stories help to build fertile visions for the future. This edition of Cityvision magazine features stories about how Washington’s cities envision their future with intentionality, and imagination—often leading the nation in how to create a path forward that benefits us all.

As an AWC member, you have access to a wealth of resources that can support you in your role as a city leader or official. Whether it’s building relationships with your legislators outside of session, supporting cities through our pooling programs, or connecting you with your AWC board representatives for support and advice—we are here to help you thrive and shine in your community.

I love our AWC events for all the opportunities to collaborate, commiserate, and the camaraderie with colleagues old and new. I hope to see you at our Annual Conference in Vancouver in June! It has been an honor serving as your President for the last year. I'm always happy to hear from you—and would love to hear about your vision for your city.

0624WilkersonBetsySincerely,

Betsy Wilkerson
Council President, Spokane
President, AWC

 


 

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