May 28, 2025

AWC Annual Conference: Last chance for early bird rate
June 24-27 | Kennewick
Don’t miss the last chance to save with early bird pricing for AWC’s Annual Conference—register by next Tuesday, June 3 for the discounted rate! This year’s Annual Conference features a diverse lineup of over 40 sessions on a range of topics to help you make the most of limited city resources, including strategic planning for infrastructure, legal requirements, budgeting and financial management, affordable housing, public safety, navigating AI at city hall, and much more. Check out the full session lineup and register today!

Find out the latest on what is happening at the federal level and how it impacts cities
June 2 | 8:30 am | Online
The past few months have brought a flurry of executive actions, federal funding cancelations, and state lawsuits. Cities and towns are facing uncertainty as federal agencies align federal programs and funding opportunities with the goals of the new administration. Join AWC and our state and federal partners for an update call on the status of federal funding and other federal issues impacting cities and towns. (AWC city members only.) Register now.

Weigh in on AWC’s 2026 legislative agenda
With the 2025 legislative session behind us, we are looking ahead to 2026. AWC’s Legislative Priorities Committee has already started work to consider issues for AWC’s 2026 legislative agenda. The committee will make its final recommendations to the AWC Board in September. If you have ideas for legislative proposals you would like the committee to consider, please complete this survey by June 5. Additionally, mark your calendars for an opportunity to learn more about the Committee’s work at an online meeting at 11:30 am on August 18.

Save the date! Municipal Budgeting & Fiscal Management Workshop
August 6-7 | Wenatchee
AWC’s popular annual workshop is designed to help both new and experienced budget writers build and expand their skills and understanding of the budget process. Brush up on the basics of budgeting, deepen your understanding of our complex property tax system, learn ways to spot red flags early, explore opportunities to better engage with your residents on your city’s budget, find ways to balance your budget, and get expert advice on challenging budget questions. Registration opens June 4—learn more about the workshop, mark your calendar, and get ready to register!

ballot-box-art-150 Send your city's voting delegates to the AWC Annual Meeting
Mark your calendar for AWC's Annual Meeting on Thursday, June 26. This important meeting takes place in Kennewick in conjunction with our Annual Conference. Your city can designate up to three voting delegates to vote on candidates for the Board of Directors and on two proposed amendments to the AWC bylaws. Contact Betsy Hildreth with questions.

Other news & resources

Coming to Annual Conference? Don’t miss the exclusive mobile tour of the cutting-edge Pacific Northwest National Lab. Register by June 8. More

Wondering about final legislative session outcomes? Find full recaps of all the hottest city topics. More

Highlight the importance of at-risk municipal bonds by adding your projects to the #BuiltByBonds list. More

The next funding round of the AWC Alternative Response Team Grant Program is now open. Learn about the application process and join an informational call on June 3. More

Public Works Board opens $115 million for local infrastructure funding. Attend an online workshop in early June and apply by August 8. More

Need a bit more time for the Salary and Benefit Survey? The final deadline to submit data has been extended to June 6. See if your city has already completed this year’s survey and reach out to AWC staff if you have questions. More

Know of someone retiring? Honor them with AWC’s civic service recognition by June 6. More

Submit comments by June 7 to the Liquor and Cannabis Board on rulemaking to implement HB 1515, expanding permissible outdoor alcohol service within communities (aka libation zones). More

Help shape the 2025 State Rail Plan: WSDOT seeks feedback as it develops strategies for improving freight and passenger rail. Attend an online open house by June 24 to review key information and share your thoughts through a public survey. More

CDBG and HOME funds at risk in federal budget—sign on to NLC’s letter of support by June 30. More

The JLARC public records reporting system is open for 2024 data. Cities that meet the $100,000 reporting threshold or intend to report voluntarily have until July 1 to report. More

AdvocacyIceberg150 Session is only the tip of the iceberg: City advocacy continues year-round
As we focus on recapping the session that just finished up, it’s also important to continue our advocacy work and look ahead to 2026. Take a few minutes to contact your legislators and thank them for their service. Invite them to speak to your city council. Plan to host them for tours and other opportunities to connect and keep them up to date on what is happening in your community. The legislative interim is the time to build relationships and understanding between your city and your legislators. Find more ideas for year-round advocacy.

AWC trainings & events

AWC: Small City Connectors | Multiple dates | Multiple locations

May 30 | Chewelah
June 11 | Granger

AWC: Preventing fraud in local government | Multiple dates | Multiple locations

May 30 | Chewelah
June 11 | Granger

AWC: Federal issues & funding update (AWC city members only) | June 2 | Online

AWC: 2025 Annual Conference | June 24-27 | Kennewick

AWC: Municipal Budgeting & Fiscal Management Workshop | August 6-7 | Wenatchee (Registration opens June 4)

AWC: Elected Officials Essentials webinar series | Multiple dates | Online

September 10 | Understanding Washington’s ethics laws
November 12 | Comprehending quasi-judicial hearings

D&A: Supervisor training | Multiple dates | Multiple locations

Other trainings & events

NLC: Federal budget legislation update and impact to local governments | June 3 | Online

MRSC: Navigating public works contract payments (East) | June 3 | Spokane

MRSC: Encouraging accessory dwelling units in your community | June 4 | Online

MRSC: Navigating public works contract payments (West) | June 10 | Seattle

NLC: 2025 City Summit | November 20-22 | Salt Lake City (Register by June 1 for early bird rate!)

State Archives: Records management workshops | Multiple dates | Online

Check out this quick video to see how AWC JobNet connects you with the most qualified job seekers for public service!

Featured jobs:
City of Port Townsend | Finance Manager
City of Kennewick | Utility Services Capital Projects Engineer
City of Sultan | Community Development Director