CityVoice Podcast
Boost your city IQ with AWC’s CityVoice Podcast! You’ll learn as you listen in to conversations on legislation, city management, and more. Each episode of the podcast will focus on a different topic of importance to Washington’s city leaders. You can access episodes using the player below, or by searching for CityVoice wherever you listen to podcasts.
Season 6
S06E13: Let’s talk about 2025 legislative priorities
Join a discussion with AWC's Government Relations Director, Candice Bock, and AWC's Deputy Government Relations Director, Carl Schroeder, as they talk about:
- AWC's legislative priorities for 2025;
- Tips for city leaders wanting to get involved in the legislative process; and
- What life is like as a lobbyist on the Hill.
You can view AWC's legislative priorities on AWC's website: 2025 City Legislative Priorities
S06E12: Could online shopping mean the end of potholes?
We sit down with AWC Government Relations Advocate Brandy DeLange to discuss the state of the transportation budget and some of the sustainable funding challenges in this area. With several possible new sources on the discussion table, could online shopping mean the end of potholes?
S06E11: An interview with AWC President Betsy Wilkerson
AWC CEO Deanna Dawson recently sat down with Betsy Wilkerson, AWC President and Spokane Council President, to reflect on her past year as AWC President and share lessons and insights she’s gained through public service. You’ll hear talk of planes, trains, and automobiles—all part of the story of this leader who’s always on the move! Please join us in thanking President Wilkerson for her contributions and service to all 281 Washington cities and towns as our 2023-2024 AWC President.
S06E10: Cityvision Summer 2024 – Today, Tomorrow
All about planning for your city’s future with the GMA.
S06E09: Cityvision Summer 2024 – Walking the talk
Tacoma’s deputy mayor John Hines plans to circumnavigate the city on foot, reshaping public perceptions and inspiring civic pride, one block at a time.
S06E08: Cityvision Summer 2024 - Back to the future
Two cities – Tumwater and Richland – are demonstrating economic revival by embracing the past.
S06E07: AWC CEO Deanna Dawson on women in leadership
As our celebration of Women’s History Month wraps up, don’t miss this engaging interview with Deanna Dawson, AWC’s first woman CEO, as she discusses her path to city service, what motivates her work, and the challenges and rewards of being a woman in a leadership position.
S06E06: Cityvision Spring 2024 – Win cycle
The City of Pullman’s new mayor reflects on how losing an election made him better at governing, by Allyson Meyer and featuring Francis Benjamin’s reflections on winning one of the most competitive City of Pullman mayoral races in decades.
S06E05: Cityvision Spring 2024 – Connecting beyond campaign mode
A newly elected Mukilteo councilmember embraces the art of doorbelling—and promoting diversity through continual community outreach—as hallmarks of good leadership, by Allyson Meyer, and featuring Mukilteo Councilmember Jason Moon.
S06E04: Cityvision Spring 2024 – A tale of two small cities
AWC’s new board members model the shared experiences and leadership skills that make rural communities strong, by Sarah Chase Shaw shares the reflections of At Large small city representatives Marla Keethler of White Salmon and Dee Roberts of Raymond.
S06E03: All the buzz about state budgets
This episode is all about the state budget. 2024 is a short 60-day session and a supplemental budget year, but there is still a lot to explore as AWC Government Relations Director Candice Bock sits down with AWC General Counsel Sheila Gall to discuss the state budget process, legislative budget proposals, and how these may impact cities moving forward.
S06E02: Housing policy update for the 2024 legislative session
We sat down with AWC’s Government Relations Deputy Director, Carl Schroeder to learn more about the current landscape after the big 2023 “Housing 1.0” session—and find out what’s on Carl’s radar for this session, including hopes and concerns around land use and growth management, the potential for dedicated revenue to support housing for the lowest income levels, and how members can stay informed and support housing policy efforts.
S06E01: The shifting landscape of public safety and criminal justice
AWC lobbyist Lindsey Hueer, and Legislative Policy Analyst, Katherine Walton discuss the new State of the Cities report, The communities we serve: Evolving public safety & criminal justice services. The landscape of public safety and criminal justice has changed, and the role of cities continues to evolve. Join us to learn more about the innovative work cities are doing to address their residents’ needs, as well as shifting expectations, resources, and how it all applies to this year’s legislative session.
Season 5
S05E19: HR Field Notes: An interview with NW Women’s Leadership Academy
This month, we had two great guests for AWC's bi-monthly newsletter HR Insights. AWC Government Relations Director Candice Bock sat down with Stephanie Lucash, Deputy City Manager at Kenmore, and Kristi Rowland, Deputy Chief Administrative Officer at Renton. In addition to their duties at their respective cities, both are involved with the NW Women's Leadership Academy, a professional training program that aims to train the next generation of women and non-binary city leaders. We talked to Stephanie and Kristi about their experience in the program, how the Academy works, and how interested city employees can apply.
S05E18: Cityvision Winter 2023 – Talking ‘bout an evolution: The City of Sumner models resiliency by adapting its community outreach to better meet the needs of its residents
When the City of Sumner founded its Sumner University community outreach program more than two decades ago, the goal was to give residents a better understanding of how local government works via a series of classroom sessions and behind-the-scenes tours of city facilities. As Sumner’s community engagement process evolves, the city is focused on increasing touchpoints and taking city initiatives directly to residents.
S05E17: Cityvision Winter 2023 – Supporting youth, building community: SEEK funding boosts local recreation and future leaders
Over the summers of 2021 and 2022, the Washington Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) partnered with the Washington Recreation & Park Association (WRPA) and AWC to create and administer a $12 million funding program for local parks and recreation initiatives designed to help children and youth reengage with nature, learning, and peers after the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. This is their story.
S05E16: Cityvision Winter 2023 – Trial by fire: The City of Medical Lake models response, recovery, and resilience in the aftermath of a natural disaster
With the Medical Lake fire and aftermath still top-of-mind, Mayor Terri Cooper and her team share ideas and advice based on their experiences. Wildfire is a reality in a warming climate, they say, and lessons learned from one disaster can help deter another by activating a community’s resilience and preparedness.
S05E15: HR Field Notes: A conversation with L&I Director Joel Sacks
The Department of Labor & Industries plays an important role in regulating workplaces, providing industrial insurance, and enforcing labor laws and Director Joel Sacks has been at the helm of the agency since 2013. HR Insights sat down with Director Sacks to talk about his tenure at L&I, the newly announced 2024 workers’ compensation rates, and important issues facing cities and their workforces.
S05E14: 2024 Legislative priorities
In this episode of the CityVoice Podcast, we sit down with our hard-working lobbyists to learn more about this year’s four highest legislative priorities, how the priorities were developed, and what we’re expecting for the upcoming session—plus a controversial opinion on candy corn. Don’t miss this dive into the 2024 issues that matter to cities.
S05E13: Cityvision Fall 2023 – Chartered territory: Waitsburg
Waitsburg is the only city in the state still operating under the terms of its original charter, adopted in 1881—eight years before the Washington Territory was granted statehood. The classification also explains its motto: One of a kind. Waitsburg has modernized in important ways, and these days, visitors flock there less for its history, and more for its proximity to outdoor recreation and Walla Walla wine country, its bustling foodie scene, and small-town charm.
S05E12: Cityvision Fall 2023 – Happy birthday AWC! 90 years of cities making history—together
From the repeal of Prohibition to the rise of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging—charting AWC's advocacy for cities and the issues that have mattered most over nine decades. Read this timeline complete with images and historical information telling the story of nearly a century of city innovation through changing times.
S05E11: Cityvision Fall 2023 – Diverse beginnings and great accomplishments
Beyond the contributions of diverse groups are the remarkable accomplishments of individuals. AWC DEIB Consultant Benita Horn introduces us to a few lesser-known, yet no less fascinating, figures from Washington’s storied past. Don’t miss the audio content included with this story, as told by the author herself.
S05E10: Cityvision Fall 2023 – Long live the home rule
State-granted authority to make local decisions is as important as ever. It’s vital that cities understand and continue to advocate for home rule. To help preserve local decision-making authority, cities must effectively communicate its importance and history.
S05E09: Cityvision Fall 2023 – Feature article: Common ground
Both elected to serve Spokane, two city and county leaders from opposite ends of the political spectrum put their differences aside to model the benefits of cooperative governing.
S05E08: Otto Klein on 40+ years of employment law and LRI
Otto Klein, of Summit Law Group, sat down with AWC Government Relations Director, Candice Bock to chat about his decades of work on behalf of local governments. HR Insights shares Otto's insights about his long career, specializing in labor and employment issues, and his role in establishing AWC’s annual Labor Relations Institute conference, held in Yakima each May.
S05E07: Legislative housing renovation: An update from the hill with Carl Schroeder
We are in the final inning of the 2023 legislative session. CityVoice Podcast sat down again with Deputy Government Relations Director Carl Schroeder to get the latest on the array of housing bills still moving through the Legislature. Carl talks HB 1110 (middle housing), SB 5466 (transit-oriented development), HB 1337 and SB 5235 (ADUs), and HB 1628 (REET). He shares the latest updates and expectations for where housing is headed as the session sprints to a conclusion.
S05E06: Voice from the hill
We’re more than half-way through the 2023 Legislative session, and just past the house-of-origin cut off. On this episode, the CityVoice Podcast talks with AWC’s Government Relations Director, Candice Bock, to get the latest (and greatest) news from the hill, including an update on some of the bills that have died—or taken on new life. Candice talks middle housing, police pursuits, and budgets too.
S05E05: Deep dive into city infrastructure
Washington’s infrastructure system is a complex network supporting daily life in our communities. Cities are working hard to maintain and improve the statewide system through unique and innovative approaches. This week’s episode takes a deep dive into AWC’s 2023 publication, State of the Cities: Washington’s interconnected infrastructure. We visit with the mayor of Othello and the public works directors from Pasco and Cheney—to talk about their infrastructure projects and discuss the state of infrastructure in cities throughout Washington, in a landscape of shifting climate change priorities and expanded federal support.
S05E04: It’s all about housing
AWC staff sat down with Government Relations Deputy Director, Carl Schroeder to discuss the status of housing legislation and some of the complexities facing the cities of the state. We’re about halfway through the session, and have just passed the first cutoff dates, so it’s a great time to get Carl’s expertise and updates on what’s hot (and what’s not) on the topics of zoning policy, funding for more available and affordable housing, regulatory reform, and infrastructure impacts.
S05E03: City Conditions Survey results
We sat down with AWC Government Relations Director Candice Bock to go over AWC’s recent City Conditions Survey results. The survey asked 92 Washington cities and towns about current policy and fiscal conditions in cities. Survey findings highlight what cities are focusing on around community issues, city policy priorities, finance, housing, infrastructure, transportation, human resources, DEI, and more. Listen to this synopsis of interesting things we learned and how we’re using that data.
S05E02: HR Field Notes: Summit Law’s Kristin Anger on “Annual holiday party pitfalls”
Before Thanksgiving we had the chance to sit down with Summit Law Group attorney Kristin Anger. Kristin specializes in labor & employment law and has been a regular at AWC events and trainings. In the spirit of the holiday season, this month’s interview focuses on “Annual Holiday Party Pitfalls” to help cities plan end-of-the year festivities where only the fun memories live on to the New Year, and not the liabilities.
Listen to learn about common holiday party mistakes, what to consider before giving holiday gifts or bonuses, how to appropriately manage party events, and more.
S05E01: Three lobbyists discuss five legislative priorities
Your city advocates Candice, Carl, and Brandy delve into the recently adopted 2023 City Legislative Priorities. You’ll hear their take on what to expect in the upcoming legislative session along with information about the Blake decision, vehicle pursuits, infrastructure funding, housing availability and affordability, and behavioral health resources. You can also learn how to get involved with us and discover how to get the most out of advocacy during the rest of the year.
Season 4
S04E20: One year later: How cities are using ARPA funds
It’s been just over a year since cities began receiving federal funds under the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). During our Annual Conference in Vancouver this year, we held an educational session where panelists addressed complying with federal rules, how their cities are using ARPA funds, and talked through some of the lingering challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. AWC’s Jacob Ewing sat down with the panelists to gather their thoughts and insights on ARPA and cities.
S04E19: HR Insights discussion with the WA State Council of County & City Employees (AFSCME Council 2)
Cities work with public employee unions on a variety of issues, and good working relationships with unions are critical for making sure that the important work of cities continues each day. That’s why at AWC we think it’s important for city management to hear labor-side perspectives. We sat down with Michael Rainey, the new President of the WA Council of County & City Employees, and his colleague Staff Representative Suzette Dickerson to get their take on management/union relations, bargaining, employee discipline, and upcoming trends and changes in the world of HR.
S04E18: Tell me more: From conflict to conversation
We will soon welcome Matt Lehrman to the AWC Annual Conference stage in Vancouver, Washington, to talk to 400 city officials and staff about how to think about community interactions in a new way. This podcast offers an inspiring sneak peek at his Friday closing keynote session. AWC Member Services Director Tonia Sugarman sits down with Matt for a preview of his most popular training, which helps city elected officials and staff learn how to better engage and understand their residents. Explore how to approach community conversations using emotional intentionality—responding to someone’s emotion, getting them to tell you more, and ultimately making them feel heard, respected, and empowered. This podcast will get you thinking about community engagement and leave you wanting more. Register for Annual Conference to see Matt’s full keynote in person on Friday, June 24, at 9:30 am.
S04E17: HR Insights interview with Rod Younker
On this edition, we’ve produced an episode for our newsletter, HR insights. AWC’s Candice Bock sat down with Rod Younker, CEO and attorney at Summit Law Group, to talk about current trends in HR and labor relations law and to give a sneak peek at Summit Law’s content for the upcoming AWC Labor Relations Institute conference in the first week of May.
S04E16: What's happening in the legislative homestretch?
The end of the 2022 legislative session is coming into view. The AWC Government Relations team sat down to talk housing, transportation funding, policing, the victories and challenges cities have faced so far, and what battles are still being fought.
S04E15: Distance learning
Are introverts more successful at working from home than extroverts? How can managers best support their teams? AWC spoke with Ken Zuckerberg, VP of Training at ComPsych, about how to navigate the challenges of remote work. Listen in and read the article here.
S04E14: Cities and the four corners
At City Action Days this year, we had the rare opportunity to welcome leaders from all four corners of the Legislature—the caucus leaders of the Senate Democrats, Senate Republicans, House Democrats, and House Republicans. They joined together to talk candidly about their priorities and their work on city issues. Listen in for their insightful discussion about housing, public safety, transportation, infrastructure, and civility.
S04E13: A housing update with AWC's Carl Schroeder
We sat down with AWC Government Relations Deputy Director Carl Schroeder to get his expert take on the status of key housing-related bills we're working on this session. Carl offers us a deep dive into the issues that is both informative and easy to follow. Listen in to learn what’s at stake and what’s our stance, hear our proposed solutions, and discover why we need your help.
S04E12: Session kickoff with the AWC lobbying team
Listen in to what has become our most popular podcast episode each year, the legislative kickoff! You’ll hear our four lobbyists Candice, Carl, Sharon, and Brandy discuss their predictions for the short, remote legislative session. This is a quick and informative explainer of the issues that each lobbyist covers and what they expect to see. They also answer a few fun questions at the end about how they destress during a busy legislative session, with some snack-related surprises.
S04E11: AWC talks to Greg Prothman, President of the Prothman Company
AWC’s own Candice Bock recently sat down (virtually) with Greg Prothman of the Prothman Company, a recruitment consulting firm that specializes in local government hiring. After serving as city manager at the City of Des Moines, WA, Greg went on to found the Prothman Company in 2001 where he helps local governments across the state and country find top talent for their executive-level and managerial posts. Candice talked with Greg about how recruiting has changed during the “Great Resignation,” and he shared insights for recruiting successfully in the current labor market.
S04E10: Sewage sludge and financial sustainability
This episode offers an audio version of two stories from the fall 2021 issue of Cityvision magazine. Find out how Long Beach converted municipal sewage sludge into pay dirt and how Kenmore hatched a plan for long-term financial sustainability.
S04E09: Cybersecurity for cities and towns
Interviewed on location at AWC's Member Expo, Jim Kilmer of the Opal group gives sobering warnings and practical advice for cities and towns in Washington facing cybersecurity threats.
S04E08: Interview with Peter King
After a 45 year career in association management, Peter King recently announced his retirement as CEO of AWC. Before he left, he sat down with Brian Daskam and the CityVoice podcast to relive his worst memories while discussing infrastructure, economic development, and more.
S04E07: The state of transportation in cities
Check out our state of transportation in cities infographic and listen in as we take an even closer look at city transportation systems and our urgent need to partner with the state and pass a transportation revenue package. We explore the state of transportation and welcome two special guests from Tacoma and Ephrata to hear about local transportation funding efforts in their cities. Transcript
S04E06: How three cities plan to invest ARPA funds into their communities
Starting in 2021, cities began receiving direct federal funds under the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). Many cities quickly set to work determining how funds should be used in their communities. During this episode we hear from three cities – Lakewood, Walla Walla, and Lake Stevens – as they share where they are at in their planning process as well as some ideas of how they are using ARPA funds.
S04E05: Three stories from Cityvision magazine
This episode offers an audio version of three stories from the Summer 2021 issue of Cityvision magazine. Find out how you can provide leadership even when you’re not in a leadership position, assess how you present yourself in those numerous online appointments, and learn how the city of Granite Falls was able to improve their police station without costs getting out of control.
S04E04: Advocacy in this Washington and the other Washington, Part 2
Listen to part two of a two part episode. Excerpted from a presentation at this year's Annual Conference, you'll hear an update from the AWC Government Relations team on advocacy skills and actions you can take here at home during the legislative interim.
S04E03: Advocacy in this Washington and the other Washington, Part 1
Listen to part one of a two part episode. Excerpted from a presentation at this year's Annual Conference, you'll hear an update from the AWC Government Relations team on advocacy skills and actions you can take here at home during the legislative interim.
S04E02: Three stories from Cityvision magazine
This episode offers an audio version of three stories from the Summer 2021 issue of Cityvision magazine. Find out how Fife dealt with a potentially volatile housing protest, learn about Darrington's new Wood Innovation Center, and get the back story on AWC and NLC working together on the American Rescue Plan Act.
S04E01: Climate change planning and risk management
At Annual Conference, we spoke with planning professionals from across the state about the local impacts of climate change. Climate influenced events can add significant risks and costs to cities, impacting operations, finances, and budgets as well as local economies. Listen to our discussion to examine how climate change may affect your city, learn how to identify and prepare for risks and costs, hear how some jurisdictions are using climate action plans to prepare for climate change, and much more.
Season 3
S03E12: It's the legislative homestretch – What should cities know?
We welcome our four AWC lobbyists to discuss the remaining two weeks of session. Get insider information about current legislation with city impacts, including tax increment financing, open public meetings, fiscal flexibility, multifamily tax exemption, growth management, city planning, police reform, the Blake decision, broadband, utilities, and transportation revenue. Transcript
S03E11: Briefing with Sens. Murray & Cantwell
In lieu of flying to Washington, D.C. this year, we welcomed our U.S. Senators from Washington state to join cities online and provide a briefing about what’s happening in the other Washington. The timing couldn’t have been better. During our call, the House passed the Senate’s version of the American Rescue Plan Act. If you missed the call, we’ve boiled it down to the important highlights from Sen. Patty Murray, Sen. Maria Cantwell, and staff. Transcript
S03E10:The American Rescue Plan helps cities
Congress is close to agreement on passing the American Rescue Plan Act with good news for cities. Unlike the CARES Act from last year, this federal package includes direct and flexible aid to cities totaling $65 billion. If it passes, how much will your city receive? When can your city expect funds? How will they be distributed? Listen to our latest CityVoice podcast to find the answers as we welcome a first-time special guest to the podcast, AWC’s CEO Peter King. Transcript
S03E09: Police reform roundtable
At City Action Days, Representatives Debra Entenman, Jesse Johnson, and Jacquelin Maycumber joined us for a roundtable discussion about police reforms and their goals for this legislative session. Rep. Johnson discussed how his police reform bills came together through community outreach and input from law enforcement officers. Rep. Maycumber spoke to the need for community policing in our cities. And Rep. Entenman reminded us that our voices are important in the ongoing police reform discussion. Listen in as the legislators share their thoughts on community policing, accreditation, and supporting our officers.
S03E08: Affordable housing and cities
Grab your copy of AWC’s new housing report and join us as we welcome AWC’s Carl Schroeder to the podcast and get his inside take on the housing affordability crisis throughout the state. We explore the report’s research findings to bust some common myths and misconceptions about affordable housing in cities. You’ll gain a big-picture understanding of cities’ challenges and solutions, hear about city planning efforts, discover tools that cities use, and find out what resources we still need from the state. Transcript
S03E07: Legislative session preview
Get insights on the 2021 legislative session from AWC’s team of government relations advocates.
S03E06: Enterprise risk management for cities
This episode offers an audio version of a recent Cityvision article. Listen to Maintaining your rep: how cities can mitigate political risk with enterprise risk management.
S03E05: PTSD and law enforcement
Listen to our discussion with Lakewood’s Police Chief, Mike Zaro, on the issue of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in law enforcement. Learn about Lakewood’s leadership on the issue of PTSD and what city leaders can do to help.
S03E04: The road less traveled
Hear a recent article from Cityvision magazine about how Washington communities are pursuing a balance of financial resilience and public health by reframing and refocusing their core economic identities.
S03E03: Using CARES funds
Listen in to a recent AWC-hosted discussion with city leaders across Washington as they discuss how they've used CARES funding in their cities and towns.
S03E02: Advancing racial equity
Hear highlights from the session Let’s get REAL: Advancing the conversation about race, equity, and leadership from the AWC Annual Conference Online. Listen to local leaders as they explore and discuss how we can each take on a leadership role in our community to foster equity and address racism.
S03E01: Local government after COVID-19
Hear highlights from the session Rethinking local government after COVID-19 from the AWC Annual Conference Online. Now is the time to reflect on the challenges cities have faced, the lessons cities have learned, and new ideas and programs that cities can implement to support their communities.
Season 2
S02E03: Medication-assisted treatment in city jails
This episode focuses on one of this year’s legislative priorities: medication-assisted treatment for incarcerated individuals with opioid use disorder. We sit down with two representatives from the Washington State Health Care Authority to get a clearer picture of the opioid crisis in Washington. We also talk with AWC’s own Sharon Swanson to learn how city-owned jails are affected. Listen above and find links to more information.
S02E02: The State of the Cities
At the start of the year we released our 2020 State of the Cities report, which found that cities are the economic drivers of our state and play an important role in the health of Washington. But cities are struggling to meet the basic needs of their communities and are facing new challenges. We sat down with Sheila, Candice, and Maggie to go over these and other report findings.
S02E01: 7 Priorities in 2020
This episode of the CityVoice podcast, join Emma, Carl and Candice as they cover the seven priorities and what they mean for Washington cities and AWC as we head into the 2020 legislative session.
Season 1
S01E14: "Race Pace" & "Business School"
This episode of the CityVoice podcast, we cover articles from the Cityvision magazine. The first article, Race Pace, covers the city of Tumwater as they adopt a long-term approach to diversifying their fire service. The second article, Business School, follows the city of Walla Walla as they cater to a neglected niche of the city's would-be entrepreneurs.
S01E13: Industrial symbiosis
This special episode of the CityVoice podcast was recorded at AWC’s Annual Conference in Spokane. We sit down with Rhys Roth, Director of the Center for Sustainable Infrastructure to learn how Washington cities can become environmentally friendly economic hubs through “industrial symbiosis.”
S01E12: A tale of two cities
It's a feud Shakespeare himself could have conjured: Two cities – Bingen and White Salmon – locked in a bitter rivalry dating back to their founding in the late 1800s. The issue? Access to the Columbia River.
S01E11: Growing Community Leaders, a discussion with Heidi Khokhar of RDI
Do rural communities face unique challenges? How do you realize economic growth when you can’t afford an economic development department? Interviewed on location in South Bend, AWC talks with Heidi Khokhar, Executive Director of Rural Development Initiatives, about these questions and more.
S01E10: Drugs and the workplace in Washington
We sit down with Carol Wilmes to discuss how drugs and alcohol are impacting municipal workplaces across our state. Find out what counts as “reasonable suspicion,” who is subject to random drug testing, and more.
S01E09: The Legislative session recap
Get the inside scoop from Candice Bock, Logan Bahr, Sharon Swanson and Carl Schroeder as they discuss the most interesting and unexpected happenings from the Legislative session, including popular footwear during this year’s “snowmageddon,” and what’s happening with the Legislature in the run-up to adjournment. Also, find out what you can do after session ends.
S01E08: What's up with the state budget?
This week, AWC's Candice Bock and Sheila Gall discuss and compare the proposed House and Senate budgets. Find out more about the budget process, how it affects Washington cities, and what you can still do.
S01E07: Affordable housing update
This week we interview AWC’s Carl Schroeder about what’s going on with affordable housing in the latter half of the legislative session. You’ll hear about a group of bills that AWC has been tracking, along with Carl’s open take on what tools cities are looking for to increase their affordable housing stock.
S01E06: Transportation
Listen in this week as we sit down with AWC's Logan Bahr to discuss a bevy of bills related to transportation. Logan gives us an update of how the session is shaping up so far, what's contained within a proposed 10-year transportation package, and we run through a list of transportation bills AWC has been working on this session.
S01E05: The Criminal Justice Training Commission
Cities in Washington are facing a bottleneck. Police officers are retiring faster than their replacements can be trained. In this episode, Government Relations Advocate Sharon Swanson talks about Washington’s Criminal Justice Training Commission (CJTC), what AWC is doing to address this situation, and what cities can do to help.
S01E04: The Public Works Trust Fund and fixing fish-blocking culverts
Washington state’s infrastructure is in serious need of repair. Listen in as members of AWC’s legislative team discuss the prospects for the Public Works Trust Fund and a comprehensive approach to fixing the state’s culverts.
S01E03: Economic development
This week our staff experts delve into what our cities named as their top priority in our 2018 city conditions survey: Economic development. Our cities turn the wheels of commerce in Washington State, driving a staggering 96% of gross domestic product here. Join the conversation as Candice Bock and Brandon Anderson explore the connections between cities, our economy, and local infrastructure.
S01E02: Affordable housing
It’s an issue that has ramifications for homelessness, economic development, the environment, and more. Listen in as Government Relations Advocate Carl Schroeder talks with Deputy CEO Alicia Seegers Martinelli about the challenges and opportunities related to affordable housing.
S01E01: City priorities and the 2019 legislative session
Listen to this engaging 20-minute podcast featuring a conversation with AWC’s Government Relations Director, Candice Bock. She dives into what you can expect for the 2019 legislative session, our city legislative priorities, and some interesting insight into how the AWC legislative team goes to bat for you. The podcast is a great way to boost your city IQ during your commute, while you get ready in the morning, or on your walk around the block.