Data & Resources

Elected Officials Essentials Workshop (recorded)

AWC's Elected Officials Essentials is a must-see for every newly elected mayor and councilmember. Easing your way into municipal office is much easier if you know where the speed traps and traffic bumps are. Our panel of expert presenters keep you on the straight and narrow as you gain your bearings within the legal territory of holding office.

A number of questions were asked by training participants which were answered at a later date by legal experts; read a summary of the questions and answers.

See Part 6 to complete the training portion specific to the Open Government Trainings Act.

Working together: Local government’s path forward

Welcome message by Lieutenant Governor Denny Heck

Sections

• Part 1: Tracing our roots – Origins of local government in Washington
• Part 2: Understanding the separation and distribution of local government powers
• Part 3: Council's role in personnel matters and labor negotiations
• Part 4: Preventing conflicts and interpreting ethics codes
• Part 5: An introduction to municipal finance
• Part 6: Open government training – public meetings, public records, and records retention
• Part 7: Robert's Rules are your new best friend

CML credits

City elected officials can earn 3 CML credits in the roles, responsibilities, and legal requirements competency area when you watch all the videos.

Elected officials: Click here to let us know you’ve completed the series. City elected officials may track your CML progress online at any time.

Resources

• Mayor & Councilmember Handbook
• MRSC: Knowing the Legal Territory
• Open Government Trainings Act certificate
• Elected Officials Essentials Workshop booklet

Part 1: Tracing our roots – Origins of local government in Washington

View PowerPoint

Part 2: Understanding the separation and distribution of local government powers

View PowerPoint

Part 3: Council's role in personnel matters and labor negotiations

View PowerPoint

Part 4: Preventing conflicts and interpreting ethics codes

View PowerPoint

Part 5: An introduction to municipal finance

View PowerPoint

Part 6: Open government training – public meetings, public records, and records retention

This section meets the Open Government Trainings Act requirement for elected officials. Once you have watched the video, download and print your certificate, sign and date to self-certify, and save for your records. We recommend that you also provide a signed copy to your city clerk in case of an audit.

View PowerPoint

Part 7: Robert's Rules are your new best friend

View PowerPoint

Speakers

• Steve DiJulio, Attorney, Foster Garvey PC
• Deanna Gregory, Attorney, Pacifica Law Group
• Ann Macfarlane, Professional Parliamentarian, Jurassic Parliament
• Adrian Urquhart Winder, Attorney, Foster Garvey, PC
• Bob Sterbank, Attorney, Foster Garvey, PC
• Peter Altman, Attorney, Summit Law Group

Event pictures

Questions

Contact Heidi Olmstead