February 5, 2025

Duo of public safety funding bills gain legislative traction
Two bills that address AWC’s legislative priority to invest in public safety have public hearings in fiscal committees this week. AWC’s public safety preferred priority bill, HB 1428, has a hearing at 4 pm today (Wednesday). The bill increases the Municipal Criminal Justice Assistance Account overall distribution by $25 million per biennium. Another bill AWC supports—SB 5060 establishing a $100 million grant program for law enforcement hiring—had a hearing on Monday, and its companion, HB 1435, has a hearing today. Click on the bill links above to find talking points for each, then contact your legislators to tell them how increased public safety funding would impact your city.

Learn more about the impacts of new federal funding directives
AWC and the Puget Sound Regional Council (PSRC) will host an update on February 6 at 8 am to share the latest updates on the impacts of new federal funding directives for local governments from state and federal leaders. Attendance is open to members of AWC and PSRC. Register here.

Don’t miss AWC’s Elected Officials Essentials Forum
February 28 | Tacoma
If you’re an elected official who has taken office since fall of 2023, you won’t want to miss this valuable in-person opportunity to build your skills in city leadership and deepen your understanding of your legal responsibilities. Nationally acclaimed Parliamentarian Ann Macfarlane will lead a fun and interactive workshop on the secret to great meetings, and AWC board members will offer mentorship and advice from their experiences in office. Connect with peers who have taken office in the last two years to share challenges and learn best practices. Check out the tentative schedule and register today!

NLCsquare150 NLC’s Congressional City Conference: Early bird rate available through Feb. 19
March 10-12 | Washington, D.C.
The National League of Cities (NLC) Congressional City Conference brings together city leaders from across the nation to engage on policy, learn from experts, make valuable connections, and meet with members of Congress. As local governments begin to engage with a new administration, prepare your community and strengthen your local-federal partnership. State municipal league members (including all Washington cities) can save over 20% during early bird registration through February 19. Register now.

statecapitalaerial150 Legislative session: Week 4 at a glance
February brings City Action Days and cutoff deadlines, when bills that haven’t been voted out of their policy committees are considered “dead” for the session (with a few exceptions). It’s an important time for cities to weigh in on proposed legislation. Catch these top headlines from AWC’s Legislative Bulletin:

The Public Works Assistance Account needs cities’ help: advocate for ongoing, full funding. More
Could the state share more cannabis revenues with local governments? More
AWC opposes major administrative changes to the state Voting Rights Act. More

Keep up on the latest legislative news for cities: Bookmark AWC's weekly bill Hot Sheet, subscribe to the weekly Legislative Bulletin, follow bills of interest to your city through AWC’s bill tracker, and register to join our Friday City Action Calls for updates from AWC's advocacy team throughout the 2025 session.

2025 AWC Board Nominating Committee appointments announced
AWC President Amy Ockerlander has appointed members to the AWC Board Nominating Committee. The Nominating Committee recruits, interviews, and selects a list of candidates for election to the AWC Board of Directors at AWC's Business Meeting on June 26. See who is serving on this year’s committee.

Other news & resources

Final call: Apply by February 6 to serve on an AWC committee, state board, or council. More

Does your workplace health program deserve special recognition? Apply for the 2025 Golden Apple Award by February 7. More

New grant available to adopt automated permit software for residential solar projects. Apply by February 11. More

The National Civic League is accepting applications for the 2025 All-America City Award, with the theme of Strengthening environmental sustainability through inclusive community engagement. Apply by February 27. More

Local Public Records Management Grants are now open through the Washington State Archives. Learn about the types of grants available, access helpful resources, and apply by February 28. More

Apply by February 28 for AWC’s new grant for energy audits of city-owned buildings. More

National Civic Learning Week, March 10-14, unites students, educators, policymakers, and private sector leaders to energize the movement for civic education across the nation. Learn about planned events, sign up for updates, and find resources for planning and communicating your city’s participation. More

What role do local governments play in regulating battery energy storage systems? More

AWC testifies in support of producer responsibility for packaging bill. More

Local elected officials: Consider signing on to a letter to legislative budget leaders, hosted by the Puget Sound Regional Council, to support the creation of a housing research center to provide housing data and analysis, drive innovation, and help cities implement strategies to create more homes. More

Cityvision spotlight: Learn how Pasco’s partnership to upgrade an outdated wastewater treatment plant is supercharging its local economy and protecting its future. More

Why do cities support a revised property tax cap?
You’ve no doubt heard about AWC working with cities to revise the local 1% property tax cap. But why is this change so important to cities, and how can you explain the issue to your legislators and constituents? Watch our new explainer video that dives into the issue and examines why cities need this vital funding option now.

AWC is joined by a large coalition of local government associations, labor organizations, and individual cities and counties in advocating to revise the outdated property tax cap. Read the coalition’s summary outlining their support and reach out to us if you’d like to join in.

AWC trainings & events

AWC: 2025 City Action Days | February 19-20 | Lacey

AWC: Elected Officials Essentials Forum | February 28 | Tacoma

Trust: Healthy Worksite Summit | March 12-13 | Lynnwood

Trust: Planning reductions in force webinar | March 27 | Online

RMSA: Police negligence: Review of cases & trends | April 17 | Online

AWC: Registration opens February 19—2025 Annual Conference | June 24-27 | Kennewick

Other trainings & events

MRSC: Design review—Tips and recommended practices | February 12 | Online

Grant Writing USA: Grant writing class for city, county, and state agencies | February 13-14 | Liberty Lake

iCivics: Civic Learning Week National Forum: Many voices, one nation | March 13 | Stanford, CA, and online

CRAB: 2025 Road Design Conference | March 19-21 | Chelan

State Archives: Records management workshops | Multiple dates | Online

NLC: Congressional City Conference 2025 | March 10-12 | Washington, D.C.

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