Summer 2026 | Download PDF
From the President
Summer is just around the corner, which means cities and towns across the state are joining forces with community, business, and philanthropic partners to roll out the red carpet for residents and visitors alike at festivals, fairs, and other celebrations.
This issue of Cityvision explores how events and attractions help define community identity while supporting local economies and planting seeds for future partnerships.
Here in the “Quad-Cities,” we see firsthand how events strengthen regional and local ties. We cherish our community Easter Egg Hunt and activities held at Red Mountain Event Center in West Richland, the River of Fire Festival in Kennewick, the Art in the Park Festival in Richland, and the Benton Franklin Fair and Rodeo in Pasco, among other events. One of our area’s newest attractions, the Ironman 70.3 Washington Tri-Cities triathlon, touches all four communities as it draws visitors from around the world with the support of more than 1,500 local volunteers.
Large and small cities and towns all across our state have their unique histories and qualities that are celebrated with equally unique events and attractions.
Washington communities will take the global stage this summer. With FIFA World Cup–related events planned across the state, cities are preparing not only to welcome visitors, but also to ensure these opportunities leave lasting benefits. From infrastructure improvements to increased tourism and community visibility, thoughtful planning can help cities derive long-term benefits from a single event.
Of course, behind every successful celebration is a great deal of work. City leaders and staff navigate logistics, safety, accessibility, and risk management, often in close partnership with volunteers, local organizations, and businesses. This issue includes practical guidance to help cities plan responsibly, recognizing that celebrations should be both joyful and well run.
I hope this issue sparks ideas you can adopt in your own community—and encourages you to connect with colleagues next month at the AWC Annual Conference in Spokane, coming up June 23–26. I look forward to seeing many of you there and continuing these conversations in person.
Sincerely,
Fred Brink
Mayor, West Richland
President, AWC
Ready, set, goal
As they make final preparations, cities hosting official World Cup matches and fan zones hope Washington's once-in-a-generation opportunity will have lasting benefits. More
Going big
Cities draw tourists and cultivate civic pride with unique attractions. More
Celebration nation
Cities foster community connections while commemorating America’s semiquincentennial. More
Festive city
Redmond Mayor and AWC Board Member Angela Birney prioritizes finding common ground with leaders across the state and celebrating the vibrancy of her multicultural city. More
Fare is fair
Cities celebrate local foods while supporting the economy. More
Noted: House Bill 1515
HB 1515 allows cities, towns, counties, and ports in the state to establish expanded outdoor alcohol service areas, also known as “libation zones,” within their community. More
The question
Tell us about one of your favorite community events and why it matters to your city.
Hear thoughts from Mount Vernon Mayor Peter Donovan, Chelan Mayor Erin McCardle, and Othello Mayor Ken Johnson. More
Proper prep
Special events present special risks. Make sure your city is ready for its next event with these tips. More
Smart sponsorships
Thinking of sponsoring a summer celebration? Here‘s how you can ensure your event goes off without a constitutional hitch. More
Tools for tourism
Cities can increase revenue, help draw visitors, and pay for some of the impacts of tourism on the local economy through the use of a lodging tax. More
A lasting legacy
Special events can leave an enduring mark on communities—and continue to draw interest for decades to come. More
Citygames: Crossword
Find the answers to this issue's crossword puzzle. More