April 17, 2024
Register now for AWC’s 2024 Annual Conference ![Certificate of Municipal Leadership program](http://wacities.org/sf_images/default-source/icons/cmlbug.png?sfvrsn=2)
June 18-21 | Vancouver, WA Registration is open for AWC’s Annual Conference—let’s get together and celebrate our shared love of cities! With its city-focused agenda, Annual Conference offers general sessions, small city sessions, concurrent sessions, mobile tours, and networking events designed to educate and inspire. You’ll return to your community with new ideas, insights, and connections. Register now!
Check out AWC's new State of the Cities: Municipal workforce report
AWC recently released our first State of the Cities report focused on city HR and labor relations issues: State of the Cities: Municipal workforce—The foundation of city services. The report looks at the changing demands on cities and city workers, examines personnel-related cost-drivers, analyzes retirement and survey data related to recruitment and retention, and offers resources for cities looking to build their own team. Check it out!
EPA announces first-ever national PFAS drinking water standards
Last week, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced final rules for per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), aka “forever chemicals,” in drinking water systems. The rules establish legally enforceable maximum contaminant levels for six PFAS, giving water systems until 2027 to complete required monitoring and until 2029 to implement solutions. Washington plans to adopt the new national standards, which are more rigorous than the state’s current allowable levels. Learn more and attend one of EPA’s free webinars this month.
Celebrating Earth Day 2024 Earth Day has been celebrated in cities all over the country since 1970. What started as a reaction to a slew of environmental disasters has become a worldwide day to demonstrate support for environmental protection and climate action. City officials are in a unique position to effect positive change at the local level, whether through policy, planning, advocacy, or community engagement. Here are just a few ideas:
Training needs: Tell us how we can help!
Last week, we sent an email to select city staff and elected officials with a link to a brief training needs survey. AWC wants to support mayors and councilmembers in their essential work through trainings that are mobile, meaningful, and manageable. The simple survey should only take 10-15 minutes to complete, and your responses will help us plan the best possible conferences, workshops, and regional events. Check your inbox and fill it out by May 2 for a chance to win a free registration to a 2024 AWC event of your choice.
Get involved! Apply to serve on an AWC committee, state board or advisory committee
AWC committees:
State boards and advisory committees:
Other news & resources
Know any city colleagues who are retiring this year? Nominate them for the AWC Civic Service Recognition, which honors those retiring after 20 or more years of service to cities. More
Help shape AWC’s 2025 legislative agenda: Complete this survey by May 3 to share ideas for the Legislative Priorities Committee to consider. More
The 2024 AWC Salary and Benefit Survey is open through May 3. Contribute your city's data to this important tool today! More
Tell your senators: Federal PFAS legislation must include municipal liability protection from mitigation and remediation costs. More
What infrastructure goals would you like to accomplish? The Local Infrastructure Hub is offering free bootcamps to small and medium-sized cities across the country. More
Big day for NLC and municipal governments: Final Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Uniform Grants Guidance released. More
Washington State Digital Equity Plan wins approval and $15.9 million in federal funding. More
USDA opens application cycle for the Revolving Funds for Financing Water and Wastewater Projects program. Apply by May 1. More
Join the Ruckelshaus Center for a series of free online workshops to delve into the findings of a three-year project on enhancing housing security in Washington. More
WaTech’s State & Local Cybersecurity Grant Program accepting applications through May 10. More
Public Works Board opens construction and pre-construction funding cycles for fiscal year 2025; attend an application workshop and prepare to apply by June 28. More
$2 billion available through EPA’s new environmental and climate justice Community Change Grants Program. More
Collaborative effort
Working together, five North King County cities have built a solution to behavioral health crises overwhelming first responders. In 2023, the cities of Bothell, Kenmore, Kirkland, Lake Forest Park, and Shoreline partnered to launch the Regional Crisis Response (RCR) Agency, a strike team of 13 mental health professionals pooled from across the five cities. Read this story from Cityvision digital magazine.
AWC trainings & events
D&A: Drug & alcohol supervisor training | Multiple dates | Multiple locations
AWC: Small City Connectors | Multiple dates | Multiple locations ![Certificate of Municipal Leadership program](http://wacities.org/sf_images/default-source/icons/cmlbug.png?sfvrsn=2)
- April 24 | Napavine
- May 2 | Roslyn
- May 9 | Medical Lake
RMSA: Law enforcement pursuit law update | April 30 | Online ![Certificate of Municipal Leadership program](http://wacities.org/sf_images/default-source/icons/cmlbug.png?sfvrsn=2)
AWC: Labor Relations Institute | May 8-10 | Yakima ![Certificate of Municipal Leadership program](http://wacities.org/sf_images/default-source/icons/cmlbug.png?sfvrsn=2)
RMSA: Public Records Act—What you need to know | May 14 | Online
AWC: Elected Officials Essentials webinar series | 2024 dates | Online ![Certificate of Municipal Leadership program](http://wacities.org/sf_images/default-source/icons/cmlbug.png?sfvrsn=2)
- May 16: Finance 101
- September 12: Social media 101
- October 17: Tribal government relations 101
- November 7: Human resources 101
Other trainings & events
USDA: Investing in rural America roundtable and resource fair | April 18 | Kennewick
State Archives: What’s funny about records management? | April 19 | Online
NLC: Navigating social media as a local leader in the wake of recent SCOTUS decision | April 22 | Online
MRSC: Apprentice utilization requirements and prevailing wage reporting | April 24 | Online
NLC: Bringing lived experience to city hall: Justice-impacted local elected officials | April 25 | Online
MRSC: Public Records Act basics & more—Virtual workshop | April 30 | Online ![Certificate of Municipal Leadership program](http://wacities.org/sf_images/default-source/icons/cmlbug.png?sfvrsn=2)
MRSC: Preparing for the future: Small works changes and the new statewide roster | May 2 | Spokane
State Archives: Records management workshops | Multiple dates | Online
Enhance your efforts to find great talent—make JobNet part of your recruiting strategy!
Featured jobs:
City of Covington | Administrative Assistant (Full-Time)
City of Cosmopolis | Public Works Superintendent
City of Quincy | Finance Director
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