February 26, 2024

Sprinting to the legislative finish line
With sine die just 10 short days away, the Legislature is sprinting towards the finish line with some big items left to consider. First, they need to negotiate and adopt the final supplemental budgets. They will also hear three of the six pending initiatives this week. And of course, there is still a host of policy bills whose fates must be determined before the final cutoff of March 1. After that date, the Legislature focuses on fiscal bills related to the budget and on resolving conflicts that occur when the House and Senate pass different versions of the same bill.

In this week’s edition of Legislative Bulletin, we include information on some of the initiatives to the Legislature. It appears the Legislature may vote on the three heard in committee this week, instead of letting them go to the November ballot. Also, check out the information we have pulled together on the supplemental budget proposals and how they impact cities.

There are still many bills of interest to cities making their way through these final days. Find out more with our bill Hot Sheet and be sure to join us for our final Friday City Action Call on March 1.

Candice Bock
Government Relations Director

AWC comparison of supplemental budget proposals
After a busy week of budget releases and hearings, the House and Senate have begun to move their supplemental budget proposals out of their respective committees and onto the floor for consideration. Compare AWC’s preferred provisions in the House and Senate budget proposals and communicate city budget priorities to your legislators as we begin the final two weeks of the 2024 session. More

Three initiatives scheduled for hearings
Three of the six initiatives to the Legislature (I-2111, I-2113, I-2081) are scheduled for hearings this week in joint House and Senate committee meetings. The others (I-2109, I-2117, I-2124) will likely head directly to the November ballot. Read all of AWC’s initiative coverage here.

Final stretch to oppose the transit-oriented development bill
It’s crunch time—continue to contact your senators to relay any concerns you have with the “TOD” bill, HB 2160. Fiscal committee cutoff is today. Even if you’ve already discussed the bill with your senator, now is the time to reinforce your message. More

Register for the 2024 Legislative Session recap
April 11 | Online
Join the AWC Advocacy Team for a full recap of city-related issues from the 2024 Legislative Session. AWC’s lobbyists will give an overview of the outcomes of AWC’s legislative priorities, summarize the impacts of passed legislation on cities, and talk through the adopted state budgets. Stay to the end to learn how to make the most impact during the legislative interim in preparation for 2025. Register now!

All the buzz about state budgets
The latest episode of AWC’s CityVoice Podcast 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. 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. Listen now.

AWC's bill tracker
Stay current on city-related bills moving through the Legislature and read AWC’s weekly coverage through our new AWC bill tracker. Learn how to use the tracker with these brief instructions and short video.

Bills updated on the tracker this week:

• Affordable housing: Co-living housing (HB 1998)
• Budget & finance: Supplemental budget proposals (HB 2104, SB 5950); Levy lid lift flexibility (HB 2044); Tourism promotion fee flexibility (HB 2137)
• Energy: Home energy performance report cards (HB 1433)
• HR & labor relations: Unemployment for striking workers (HB 1893); Firefighter safety grants pass Legislature (SB 5886)
• Initiatives: Capital gains tax (I-2109); Income tax prohibition (I-2111); Vehicular pursuits initiative (I-2113); Making WA Cares Fund voluntary (I-2124)
• Land use & planning: Parking restrictions (SB 6015); GMA comprehensive plan extension (HB 2296)
• Public works & infrastructure: Public works procurement updates (SB 6167)

Tip: Bookmark the bill tracker and check back regularly for the latest updates.

Cities that are eligible to sign on to the new opioid settlement with Johnson & Johnson are invited to join AWC and the Attorney General's Office for a webinar on February 28 to learn more about the settlement and how to sign on before the May 11 deadline. Register now.

Apply by March 1 for a public records grant from the Secretary of State to help improve your city’s retention, management, and disclosure of public records. More

Learn about local emerging contaminants projects funded through the Clean Water State Revolving Fund at EPA’s March 13 webinar. More

USDOT’s Safe Streets and Roads for All FY 2024 grant is open for applications. Apply by April, May, or August. More

WSDOT Local Programs opens calls for projects for the Pedestrian & Bicycle Program and Safe Routes to School Program.

Eight takeaways from our legislative update to mayors last week
It was great to have nearly 50 mayors from around the state come to Olympia last week for AWC’s Mayors Exchange. The day was full of meaningful discussion, networking, and important updates on the legislative session and the six pending initiatives to the Legislature. Read our top takeaways from this fun and informative event.

Don’t miss the final AWC Friday City Action Call (AWC members only)
Join us for the final City Action Call of the 2024 session this Friday at 12:30 pm to hear updates from your AWC lobbyists on the latest action on the hill and progress on bills of importance to cities. Make sure to sign up in advance. Register now to receive the link for this final call (AWC members only).

wacities.org/Advocacy | Legislative issues
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