August 14, 2023

Taking time to say "thank you"
One of the things we at AWC talk about during our advocacy training is the importance of saying “thank you” to legislators. During the session they work long hours while wrestling with myriad legislation, doing their best to represent their constituents. Expressing your thanks is always a good idea – let them know you appreciate their service and commitment.

On that note, AWC wants to convey our appreciation for the many legislators who go the extra mile to support our cities. We are especially grateful to those legislators who come from a city or county background that participate in our City/County Champions Caucus and share the local government perspective with their colleagues. We want to recognize a few of those champions in particular: Rep. Tana Senn, Rep. Larry Springer, Sen. Mark Mullet, Rep. Keith Goehner, Sen. Matt Boehnke, and Rep. Davina Duerr. A special thanks to these legislators for their continued support on issues that are critical to cities. We are also grateful to the many others who work closely with us in service of Washington’s 281 cities and towns.

Candice Bock
Government Relations Director

2024 AWC legislative agenda in the works
Work to develop AWC’s 2024 legislative agenda and priorities continues. The Legislative Priorities Committee will meet again on September 12 to make final recommendations to the AWC Board of Directors. Find out more about the topics that are being discussed. More

You’re invited to an update on AWC’s 2024 legislative priorities process
Join us online Friday, August 25, at Noon to hear about AWC’s emerging 2024 legislative agenda and to participate in the 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.

Questions abound as cities implement recent housing legislation
As the dust settles and the bills that passed last session go into effect, questions swirl as cities begin to dig into the details and attempt to implement the various changes. Here, we try to provide some answers and resources to help your city navigate the pages of bills and overlapping laws. As always, check with your city’s legal counsel before you get too far down this road. More

Proposed fish passage rules expand state authority
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) released final draft rules for fish passage and screening. These rules cover substantial issues that will affect your city, such as standards for consequences of ownership of a fish blocking barrier and consideration of climate impacts in culvert design. We have concerns that the final draft rules exceed the authority granted under Chapter 77.57 RCW. More

City input needed for WSDOT’s highway rest stop strategic plan; submit your comments by Aug. 30
The Washington State Department of Transportation recently released its 2023 Safety Rest Area Strategic Plan draft, opening it up for public comment through August 30. The strategy includes plans to upgrade and replace buildings at rest stops, add security cameras, and more. While AWC encourages all cities to provide input, we especially urge those cities near rest stops to do so. More

Watch the public safety and retail crime webinar
The Washington Retail Association recently joined AWC staff for a conversation around public safety, retail theft, and organized crime impacting Washington communities. Check out the webinar recording to get up to speed on retail crime trends in Washington, learn how to prevent retail crime in your community, and discover strategies for responding when these property crimes occur.

Great conference—great content
Whether you made it to the AWC Annual Conference or not, be sure to check out some of our featured content highlights providing valuable information and tools you can use every day:

• How to run a council meeting – with Jurassic Parliament
• Calling BS: A mis-and disinformation overview – with Dr. Jevin West
• Having curious conversations in divided times – with Mónica Guzmán

$42 million grant program for early learning facilities now open – preapplications due August 22. More

Commerce publishes draft of 2024 Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) model plan application, opens it to public comment. Review the plan and submit comments by September 8. More

Ecology has $16 million available for zero-emission public vehicles.. Prepare to apply by October. 26. More

The Washington State Office of Independent Investigations (OII) now accepting requests to review previous investigations of use of deadly force. The office was created by the Legislature in 2021 by recommendation of the Governor’s Task Force on Deadly Use of Force Investigations. More

Wildfire season has started in Washington as the region heats up and dries out. Check out this interactive tool from the U.S. Forest Service to learn more about wildfire risk to your community and what you can do to keep people safe. More

This summer’s new outdoor heat and wildfire smoke rules. Permanent rulemakings by L&I are complete (or nearly so) for both heat and wildfire smoke exposure rules for outdoor workers. Washington now joins a small handful of states with such labor rules. More

NLC’s 2023 State of the Cities report: Check out NLC’s newest report, which delves into the key areas of focus for mayors nationwide and explores how municipalities identify and address the most urgent challenges of their communities. More

IACC seeks nominations for its 2023 Awards for Outstanding Achievement in Infrastructure throughout the state. Make your nomination today. More

MRSC’s 2024 Budget Suggestions now available. This annual publication includes a budget calendar, estimates of state-shared revenues, and other information to help with your city’s upcoming budget process. More

Provide your feedback on potential updates to city model business license minimum threshold. A work group of cities has been meeting to review the threshold that all cities were required to adopt in 2019.  More

July 19 JLARC meeting included an update on the recently released report on lodging tax uses. The report summarizes data cities and counties are required to report annually to JLARC. More

WSU publishes legislative report on decision-making during COVID-19. The report examines decision-making systems and regional coordination used by cities, counties, universities, nonprofits, and others during the pandemic. More

AWC celebrates 90 years of strong city advocacy
By now, elected officials should have received a legislative mailer at city hall delving into city outcomes from the 2023 legislative session, along with helpful interim advocacy tips. If you prefer to read it online, check it out here or download the PDF.

wacities.org/Advocacy | Legislative issues
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