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 Cityvision feature: Broad ways
Whether riding the coming wireless tide or paddling to catch up with the current waves, cities across the state seek solutions on high-speed internet access. Check out this feature article from the recent Cityvision that explores what happens when small communities (Chewelah) want high-speed internet, and when others (Sequim) already have it. More
Update elected official contact information
After newly-elected or appointed mayors or councilmembers enter office, update the new official's contact information. It’s easy! Go to MRSC's Washington city and town profiles webpage, select your city, and click on the city officials link to update contact information for the new official. This way, we can keep all AWC members updated on the breadth of services we provide. More
Get involved! Recruitment open – State boards and commissions
Want to make a difference by joining a statewide board or committee? Recruitment is now open for the following state boards and commissions through January 12:
- Transportation Improvement Board
- Citizens Committee on Pipeline Safety
- Freight Mobility Strategic Investment Board
Learn what each board does and how you can apply. More
Apply for the WWU Sustainable Communities Partnership
The Sustainable Communities Partnership (SCP) at Western Washington University (WWU) is accepting applications from potential partners for the academic year beginning September 2018. The selected partner will benefit from thousands of hours of effort by WWU students and faculty working to advance the community’s sustainability projects. The partner community supports the effort through staff time and a fee payment. Application deadline is March 1. More
New authority to use FBI’s background check system
The Washington State Patrol (WSP) announced that EHB 1620, passed by the 2017 Washington State Legislature, complies with the FBI’s rules and policies for sharing national background check data with the WSP. The law gives cities first-time-ever authority to utilize the FBI background check fingerprint data to screen prospective employees or volunteers who would have unsupervised access to kids, vulnerable adults, or the developmentally disabled. More
Congratulations to all the new mayors and councilmembers. Welcome to the city family! Through trainings, resources, and publications, AWC is here to help you develop as a municipal leader. For your first 100 days, we’ll highlight some of your AWC Elected Officials Essentials here in CityVoice.
 Mayor & Councilmember Handbook
This newly-revised AWC and MRSC handbook is the ultimate reference guide for mayors and councilmembers—especially those in cities and towns operating under the mayor-council form of government. Understand your role and discover how to work well with others to get things done at city hall. Topics include class and form of government, the mayor’s or manager’s role, the job of a councilmember, legislative advocacy, budget basics, resolving conflict, council meetings, ethics, and resources.
WSDOT announces new timelines for 2019-2021 public transportation grants
After hearing from stakeholders about process and communication improvements needed in the grant cycle, WSDOT has announced new timelines for the 2019-2021 grant cycle. More
Notice of grant funding for freight mobility projects
The Washington State Freight Mobility Strategic Investment Board (FMSIB) announced that freight mobility funding is available starting July 1, 2019. FMSIB is seeking applications for projects that directly improve freight movement and/or mitigate the impacts of freight movement on communities. Award amounts range between $1 million and $8 million per project. Applications are due March 30. More |
Understand how proposed small cell legislation could affect your community
Washington cities support a faster internet, and we recognize that new small cell wireless technology and facilities are coming. Cities are ready and willing to partner with telecom companies, but we want to do so in a way that protects the rights of taxpayers. Watch this video where Victoria Lincoln explains exactly what is a small cell, what's in the right-of-way, and why city residents should pay attention to new legislation brought forth by telecommunications companies. Share it on social media! More
2018 session likely to be brief and concise – Cities hope for help to prosper and care for those less fortunate
The 60-day 2018 legislative session is here. Find out what leaders in each of the four caucuses outlined as their priorities, including several that align with our city legislative priorities. Read this week’s From the Director.
Legislator draws on experiences as city elected official
It’s no secret that experience as a mayor or councilmember can prove valuable when holding a seat under the capitol dome. This Kitsap Sun article outlines how one former city councilmember – now Senate budget writer – draws from first-hand knowledge of how legislative proposals affect local communities. More
 Register for City Action Days! 
January 24-25 | Olympia
AWC's popular winter legislative conference is back and packed full of valuable information for cities. Attend this conference to meet with and educate legislators about city priorities, advocate for your city, discover how the legislative process works, engage in the state's policy and budget development process, and ultimately make a difference in your community at the state level. Check out the agenda and register today!
Running great meetings using parliamentary procedure
January 25 | Olympia
Attending City Action Days? Stay for lunch on Thursday and brush up on Robert’s Rules of Order! It is critical that city elected officials actively participate at council meetings. Learn parliamentary procedure with tips and insights to create great meetings. Get a solid foundation for success in your principal job: discussing and deciding the key issues for your community. More
2018 Tools for Funding Infrastructure Projects
February 7 | Camas
March 7 | Port Angeles
April 11 | Moses Lake
May 16 | Walla Walla
Do you need funding for future street or public works projects? If so, staff from various local, state and federal agencies invite cities to attend this workshop and bring prospective projects to receive expert technical assistance. Sessions include state and federal funding programs overview, value planning and cost effectiveness, rate setting, and asset management. More
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