A big step in helping small communities find long-term success.

By AWC staff

Washington is home to 160 cities and towns with populations under 5,000, including 76 with fewer than 1,000 residents. These communities range from Krupp in Grant County, the smallest with just 45 people, to Omak in Okanogan County, which has 4,985 residents. While cities and towns with populations under 5,000 make up about 57% of all incorporated communities in the state, together they (236,010 people) account for just under 4% of Washington’s population.

Despite their small size, these communities are still responsible for providing many of the same essential services as their larger peers, including maintaining roads, operating water systems, and providing public safety services. Smaller communities face these obligations with fewer resources, relying on a smaller tax base and a limited pool of staff candidates.

Small cities may have just one or two employees who fill multiple roles—such as acting as both clerk and treasurer or backing up public works.

In spring 2025, AWC partnered with the University of Washington’s Evans School of Public Policy and Governance to better understand the unique needs of small cities and towns, and what they need to be successful in the long term. A team of five graduate students met with leaders from 10 cities and towns across the state to hear firsthand about the challenges faced by elected officials and staff in smaller communities.

From these interviews, several common issues emerged:

• Staffing: Small cities may have just one or two employees who fill multiple roles—such as acting as both clerk and treasurer or backing up public works. It’s difficult to find and keep qualified staff willing to manage so many responsibilities.
• Training is also a challenge, as sending staff off-site can be costly and may leave city offices understaffed. Once employees gain experience or credentials, they’re often recruited to larger cities offering better pay and benefits, creating frequent turnover.
• Funding projects: The cost of infrastructure projects—like upgrading water treatment plants, building parks, or resurfacing roads—is high regardless of community size. Smaller communities have a smaller tax base to draw from locally and often lack the resources to hire lobbyists or manage complex funding applications and compliance requirements.
• Regulatory compliance: New state and federal rules are created each year. While these impact all cities, smaller ones often struggle the most to comply due to limited staff and budgets. They rarely have the funds to hire consultants or additional help.
• Supporting elected officials: Helping newly elected officials understand their role and responsibilities can be difficult. New mayors or councilmembers may arrive with little training or guidance, and small cities may lack the capacity to onboard them effectively.

Guided by the study’s conclusions, AWC is assessing new programs and services aimed at addressing the specific needs of small cities and towns. In the upcoming year, AWC will pilot these new services for small cities, with a comprehensive rollout planned following the initial phase.

Smaller cities and towns play a vital role in the lives of Washington residents and add enormously to the character of Washington state. It is critical they receive the support and funding they need to allow their residents to live, work, and thrive.