July 15, 2024

Summer is heating up and so is our focus on advocacy
This time of year, most of us are focused on summer fun and vacation time, but at AWC our focus on advocacy is also heating up. The Government Relations team is busy working with our Legislative Priorities and other advisory committees to develop our 2025 legislative agenda. The Legislative Priorities Committee will meet again next week, and their work is set to wrap up in early September. In addition, we are working on plans for our September 12 Statewide Candidate Forum to hear from the top two primary vote-getters in some of the statewide races that impact cities the most. Make sure to register for this event. Check out the information about both the legislative agenda work and the Candidate Forum below.

Summer is a great time to take a tour of your own city and to invite your local legislators to come along. This is the perfect time to meet with your legislators and show them key areas and projects in your communities. You may also want to make the same offer to any candidates for legislative office, to bring them up to speed on the exciting things happening in your city or town.

Enjoy your summer!

Candice Bock
Government Relations Director

U.S. Supreme Court reverses public camping cases, Grants Pass and Martin
In the final days of its term, the United States Supreme Court decided a case that jurisdictions across the country were watching—Johnson v. Grants Pass, a case about regulating camping in public. The sole question before the Court was, “Does the enforcement of generally applicable laws regulating camping on public property constitute ‘cruel and unusual punishment’ prohibited by the Eighth Amendment?” In a 6-3 opinion, the Court held that it did not. More

AWC working to identify sustainable revenue source for city transportation needs
As Washington struggles to fund basic transportation maintenance at both the local and state levels, AWC has commissioned a study to analyze the potential for a statewide retail delivery fee as a sustainable transportation revenue source. Researchers recently reported their findings to the Joint Transportation Committee, where they discussed what the fee could mean for Washington, including its revenue generation potential and possible impacts to consumers and businesses. More

August 12 deadline to participate in new Kroger opioid settlement
The Attorney General’s Office recently sent eligible cities participation forms for the latest opioid settlement with Kroger and strongly encourages eligible cities to sign on to the settlement. City contacts also have received communications from the settlement administrator. If all eligible local cities and counties participate, they will receive $23.75 million over 11 years. The deadline to complete the forms is soon – August 12. More

Have ideas for AWC’s 2025 legislative agenda? Send us your input
AWC’s Legislative Priorities Committee is working to vet issues for consideration in AWC’s 2025 legislative agenda. The Committee will conclude its work in early September and make a recommendation to the Board of Directors for adoption later that month. Do you have an idea or issue that you would like the Committee to consider for 2025? If so, let Carl Schroeder know before July 25. You can also plan to attend a briefing on the process Wednesday, August 7 at noon. Register here.

Provide feedback on proposed change to model business license threshold
The city work group reviewing the 2019 business license minimum threshold for out-of-city businesses needs your feedback on proposed changes to the threshold. After input from the business community last month, the work group is considering a proposal for a one-time increase to a higher threshold of $4000 that would be combined with an automatic periodic increase four years later based on inflation and rounded to the nearest $100. The workgroup is still considering whether the recommended change could take effect on January 1, 2025 or January 1, 2026. More

AWC and Governor’s Office co-host city meeting to discuss statewide response to the increase in asylum seekers and migrant arrivals—August 22
AWC is partnering with the Governor’s office to host an online meeting for cities, to discuss the statewide response to the increase in asylum seekers and migrants arriving in our state. Some cities have already experienced a significant increase in this population seeking housing and services. Asylum seekers and migrants have different restrictions, needs, and challenges than other populations. The goal for this meeting is to provide cities with the opportunity to ask questions and learn about the statewide response addressing this need, and to increase coordination between the state and cities. This virtual meeting will be Thursday, August 22 from 2–3pm. Register here.

Review OSHA’s proposed Emergency Response Standard ahead of July 22 comment deadline
The federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is engaging in rulemaking to update its 40-year-old Fire Brigade Standard into a comprehensive Emergency Response Standard. The federal rulemaking could impact Washington’s city fire departments and prompt state rule changes. AWC has done an initial review of the proposal and created a table to help cities understand and navigate this complex rulemaking. Cities are encouraged to review the proposed standard and provide comments to OSHA by July 22.

Rep. Tana Senn honored with City Superhero award
AWC is recognizing Rep. Tana Senn (D–Mercer Island) with the 2024 City Superhero award. The award recognizes Rep. Senn’s long-standing support for cities and towns in Washington state. Rep. Senn has served as state representative for the 41st Legislative District since 2013 and previously served on the Mercer Island City Council. More

Attend the Department of Revenue Local Government Partnership Meeting July 23. Get information on tax topics of interest to local governments: revenue forecast, Working Families Tax Credit Program, and 2024 Legislative Update. Register here

What cities should know about the EPA’s new PFAS drinking water standards. Learn about the new federal regulations, how the Washington State of Department of Health is responding, and resources that are available to cities. More

Seven tips to help find funding for your city’s projects. If you missed the funding sessions at AWC’s Annual Conference, read on for key strategies shared by the experts to help your city win dollars for your projects. More

Share input on updated draft middle housing model ordinance and user guide. This update reflects changes based on HB 2321 passed in 2024 to revise HB 1110 (2023) and comments received to date. Commerce requests feedback by August 7. More

A path forward: Fife’s Jobs Program. At AWC’s Annual Conference last month, the City of Fife shared its innovative workforce development program for those who are not only unemployed, but unhoused. More

Tips for planning for affordable housing and shelter. Almost all cities are wrestling with how to facilitate more affordable housing options in their community.  Deputy Mayor Amy Howard of Port Townsend and Laura Hodgson from the Department of Commerce shared some great tips at the AWC Annual Conference. More

State publishes April 1 population numbers. New population estimates from the state show that Washington has officially surpassed 8 million residents, with 66,000 of those new residents living in a city or town. More

New culvert funding opportunity opens. The federal program offers competitive grants to support fish passage improvements. More

Riparian Management Task Force makes final recommendations. Driven by concerns about salmon recovery, the Legislature has been considering how to protect the state’s waterways by preserving and enhancing riparian habitat.  More

Top three highlights on election security. Elections are the foundation of our political system from the local to the federal level. Check out some highlights from this year’s Annual Conference session on Federal election crimes and election infrastructure security. More

Register now for AWC’s Municipal Budgeting and Fiscal Management Workshop. Brush up on the basics of budgeting, explore ways to engage your residents, and get your challenging budget questions answered. This year’s workshop will be held August 1-2 in Wenatchee. Register here

You’re invited to an update on AWC’s 2025 legislative priorities process
Join us online Wednesday, August 7, at noon to hear about AWC’s emerging 2025 legislative agenda and to participate in the policy formation process. This is your chance to learn more about the issues your Legislative Priorities Committee is discussing as possible priorities for the upcoming session and to provide your input. Register now.

Register now for AWC’s Statewide Candidate Forum
September 12 | Tacoma
City elected officials and staff are invited to a forum to hear from candidates for the offices of Governor, Attorney General, State Auditor, and Commissioner of Public Lands. Don't miss this excellent opportunity to learn more about each candidate’s vision for our state, as well as how they see cities and the state working together to benefit all of Washington’s residents. Former Governor Christine Gregoire will join us for a lunchtime presentation about leading in difficult times and encouraging civil discourse and engagement. Register now.

AWC’s Statement of Policy adopted by the membership
The Statement of Policy is AWC’s foundational policy guidance document. It serves as the basis for our legislative work and speaks to the core of AWC’s policy positions. AWC’s membership adopted an updated Statement of Policy during the June 20 Business Meeting, in conjunction with Annual Conference. More

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