October 9, 2023

AWC’s 2024 legislative agenda is set
AWC’s Board of Directors has adopted the 2024 legislative agenda and identified four priorities for the upcoming session. The 2024 City Legislative Priorities are:

• Revise the arbitrary 1% property tax cap
• Provide revenue tools to support police officer recruitment and retention
• Invest in local infrastructure
• Enhance the behavioral health system

Read our new fact sheets to learn more about each issue area and find data and talking points that you can easily share with your legislators. We ask that you let legislators know why they are important to your city and to cities across the state. We also encourage you to include AWC’s City Legislative Priorities as part of your city’s 2024 legislative agenda.

October is a spooky time as people look forward to celebrating Halloween. Talking with your legislators and preparing for the 2024 session doesn’t have to be a scary part of the season! Check out AWC’s advocacy tools for inspiration.

Happy Halloween,

Candice Bock
Government Relations Director

Congress takes action to avert federal government shutdown
Congress approved a 45-day continuing resolution to avert a federal government shutdown on September 30. The bipartisan compromise resulted in a change in House Speaker, and it remains to be seen what progress will be made before the new November 17 deadline. More

City input needed: New clean buildings performance rules in the making; submit your comments to Commerce
An expansion to the state’s Clean Buildings Performance Standard became law last year, creating a new second tier for commercial buildings. It includes buildings where the sum of multifamily residential, nonresidential, hotel, motel, and dormitory floor area is between 20,000 and 50,000 sq. feet. Commerce is currently conducting rulemaking and invites building owners to participate. AWC strongly encourages cities to learn about the requirements and weigh in, as the new standards may have significant impacts on some communities. More

Washington minimum wage increases to $16.24 per hour in 2024
The Department of Labor & Industries announced an increase in the state minimum wage to $16.24/hour, effective January 1, 2024. Washington’s minimum wage is annually adjusted to inflation and is among the highest state minimum wages in the United States. The minimum wage for 14- to 16-year-olds will also be adjusted to $13.84/hour in 2024. Some cities have set higher local minimum wages. The wage hike also prompts an increase in the overtime exemption threshold for salaried workers next year. More

Learn about new public works contracting laws for cities
November 14 | Tumwater
Join AWC, MRSC, and L&I for a free, in-person workshop to learn how to prepare your city for changes to state public works contracting laws that take effect July 2024. Gain an overview of key topics such as bidding, prevailing wage, apprenticeship practices, and small works rosters. Take an in-depth look at recent legislative changes and what they mean for cities. Come prepared to dive in, share best practices, and participate in roundtable discussions. Seats are limited—register today.

Check out the state’s Transportation Electrification Strategy and submit comments on its city impacts
The Electric Vehicle (EV) Coordinating Council has published a statewide Transportation Electrification Strategy (TES) aimed at achieving market and infrastructure readiness to reach Washington’s 2030 EV adoption target. The Council consists of state agency representatives who were informed by engagement with the EV Council Advisory Committee and other stakeholders to develop the strategy. The draft is currently open for public comment through October 30. AWC urges cities to review the TES and submit comments, as the TES recommendations have several implications for cities.

Help shape the $50 million program to develop affordable housing near transit
The Department of Commerce is accepting public comments on the proposed design of the new transit-oriented development grant funding program. To learn more, attend the public presentation on October 23 at 1 pm. The agency is accepting comments on the draft program guidelines through October 31 via survey and email.

Learn more about AWC’s 2024 City Legislative Priorities on the CityVoice Podcast
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. Listen here!

Still have questions on HB 1110, the middle housing legislation?
Commerce is offering a final virtual open house for city staff, elected and appointed officials, and the public to ask questions about new laws on middle housing and accessory dwelling units (ADUs). Drop in online October 19 between 1–2:30 pm to get your questions answered and hear others. Visit Commerce’s middle housing website to check in on other agency work related to this legislation, including the model ordinance.

Apply for climate and housing grants now! Two Commerce grants, Climate Planning and Connecting Housing to Infrastructure Program (CHIP), each close their current application cycle on October 31 at 5 pm. 

WSBO seeking comment on its five-year Broadband Action Plan and Digital Equity Plan. Visit the State Broadband Office (WSBO) website to review both plans and submit comments by mid- and late October, respectively. More

DOH needs your help to define “disadvantaged communities” for the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund program. Share input through a brief survey, sign up to attend a virtual listening session, or email DOH directly with your feedback.

October is cybersecurity awareness month. Check out new resources on best practices to help you evaluate your IT systems and schedule a free cyber checkup with the State Auditor’s Office. #BeCyberSmart

State Auditor’s Office (SAO) announces new hourly billing rate for audits. The new rates reflect increased operating costs for the biennium. More

State revenue forecast is up again with stronger-than-predicted sales and B&O tax revenues. The forecast released on September 26 showed an additional $663 million for the current biennium and no longer assumes the threat of recession impacting revenues. More

House Finance Committee held a hearing on tax increment financing in Vancouver on September 28. The committee heard from local governments that have projects using the tax increment financing tool. More

Commerce issues final guidance on ADUs. HB 1337 requires all cities planning under the Growth Management Act to allow up to two accessory dwelling units (ADUs) on all lots within urban growth areas, unless critical areas or other factors impact them. More

Washington Criminal Justice Training Commission adopts edits to best practice guidelines for independent investigation of officer-involved use-of-deadly-force. More

OIC publishes ground ambulance balance billing study, provides policy recommendations. The recent report outlined several policy recommendations to manage billing practices for ground ambulance services. More

L&I proposes new workers’ comp rates for 2024—first responders to see large increases. The average rate will go up by 4.9%, but job classes important to cities will see higher increases, including for first responders. More

Save the date for AWC’s 2024 legislative session preview
November 29 | Online
Mark your calendar for a preview of the 2024 legislative session on Wednesday, November 29, from Noon to 1:15 pm. We will talk about what to expect in the upcoming session, review AWC’s legislative agenda, and share helpful advocacy tools and tips. This an AWC members-only event. Register here.

wacities.org/Advocacy | Legislative issues
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