June 12, 2024
An interview with outgoing AWC President Betsy Wilkerson
AWC CEO Deanna Dawson recently chatted with Betsy Wilkerson, Spokane Council President, to reflect on her past year as AWC President and share some of the insights she’s gained through public service. You’ll hear talk of planes, trains, and automobiles—all part of the story of this leader who’s always on the move! Please join us in thanking President Wilkerson for her contributions and service to Washington's 281 cities and towns as our 2023-2024 AWC President. Listen to the interview.
AWC Business Meeting: Read the materials & submit your city’s voting delegates
June 20 | 4 pm | Vancouver & online
Check out what’s on the agenda for the AWC Business Meeting—including Board elections, the proposed update to AWC’s Statement of Policy, and the State of the Association address by CEO Deanna Dawson. AWC members are welcome and encouraged to attend whether or not they are at Annual Conference. The deadline to submit your city’s voting delegates to participate in the first practice vote is June 13, at 5 pm.
Updating AWC’s Statement of Policy
The Statement of Policy is AWC’s foundational policy guidance document. It serves as the basis for our legislative work and speaks to the core of AWC’s policy positions. AWC’s current Statement of Policy was adopted by the full membership in 2020, and our bylaws call for it to be reviewed every four years. The Statement of Policy Committee, which includes 21 representatives from across the state, met throughout the spring to propose updates to the document. The Committee’s 2024 recommended update will be considered for adoption by the AWC membership at the June 20 Business Meeting.
Build valuable connections at Annual Conference 
June 18-21 | Vancouver, WA
Learning from peers and building lasting partnerships is one of the best reasons to attend Annual Conference. This year’s conference offers roundtable sessions focused on specific roles at city hall, and, back by popular demand, our Dialogue Hubs offer a way to connect with colleagues on topics of mutual interest. Start thinking about what topics you’d like to discuss and who you’d like to invite to dialogue! Learn more about the wide range of learning and networking opportunities on the updated conference schedule page. Don’t miss out–register today.
Celebrating Small Cities Month!
The National League of Cities has designated June as Small Cities Month. AWC loves celebrating our many small cities—57% of Washington’s cities and towns have fewer than 5,000 residents. Here are just a few of the tailored opportunities and resources AWC offers our members from small cities:
- Catch the special session track for small cities at Annual Conference—look for the small city logo in the program or the small city track in the app (available Friday, June 14, at 5 pm).
- Small cities often have limited training budgets. AWC offers Small City Scholarships to help all our members get to Annual Conference and other AWC events.
- AWC hosts Small City Connectors around the state each year to give our small city members the chance to connect over dinner, hear important updates, and share local news and solutions.
- AWC’s Small City Resource Manual is packed with valuable information and insights for leaders from small cities. Watch for an updated edition coming this summer.
Other news & resources
Learn about the impressive student leaders receiving 2024 CQC scholarships—and donate to the CQC scholarship fund! More
The Infrastructure Assistance Coordinating Council (IACC) is accepting session proposals for the 2024 IACC Conference; share this call within your network and submit your proposal by June 14. More
Contribute your city’s data to AWC’s 2024 Tax and User Fee Survey by June 19. More
The JLARC Public Records Reporting System is open through July 1 for reporting 2023 data. More
The Bureau of Justice Assistance’s Comprehensive Opioid, Stimulant, and Substance Use Site-Based Program is open. Apply by July 8. More
The Federal Highway Administration’s 2024 Rail Crossing Safety Program is open, offering funding to help eliminate potential risks at railway-highway crossings. Apply by July 15. More
Attend the Washington Climate Action Peer Network’s quarterly online meeting on July 18—a forum for local government staff working on climate-related issues to share best practices and learn new approaches. More
Comment on OSHA’s proposed Emergency Response Standard by July 22—the rule could impact city fire departments of all sizes. More
Deadline to establish different permit timelines under SB 5290 is approaching—this bill has generated many questions, so AWC is sharing more information and clarification. More
San Juan County is one of the first local governments in the nation to try out a 32-hour workweek—read how the pilot program is going six months in. More
How nature-based solutions and green infrastructure are helping cities meet their climate action goals. More
Celebrating Pride Month
June is Pride Month— a time to remember and honor the 1969 Stonewall Uprising and recognize the impacts LGBTQIA+ individuals have had on our history and in our communities. Explore the wealth of information from the Library of Congress, along with engaging audio and video content. Support your LGBTQIA+ friends, colleagues, and community by learning more about LGBTQIA+ history, marginalization, and contributions.
AWC trainings & events
AWC: 2024 Annual Conference | June 18-21 | Vancouver, WA
Just one week until Annual Conference! You can still register online at the discounted rate through 5 pm on Friday, June 14. (On-site registration will be available at a higher rate.)
AWC: Municipal Budgeting and Fiscal Management Workshop | August 1-2 | Wenatchee
Trust: 2024 Benefit Forums | August dates | Multiple locations
D&A: Supervisor training | September dates | Multiple locations
AWC: Candidate Forum | September 12 | Tacoma
AWC: Elected Officials Essentials webinar series | Multiple dates | Online
- September 18: Social media 101
- October 17: Tribal government relations 101
- November 7: Human resources 101
Other trainings & events
NLC: Understanding the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program | June 14 | Online
EPA: Building resilience and adapting to climate change for drinking water and wastewater utilities | June 25 | Bellevue
MRSC: Addressing housing displacement in your comprehensive plan update | June 27 | Online
Grant Writing USA: Grant Writing Training | Vancouver, WA | July 18-19
State Archives: Records management workshops | Multiple dates | Online
NLC: Webinars and events | Multiple dates | Online
NLC: 2024 City Summit | November 13-16 | Tampa Bay, FL
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 Soap Lake | Public Works Supervisor
Snohomish County | Assistant Controller
Lakewood Water District | Operations & Maintenance Department Head
AWC’s mission is to serve our members through advocacy, education, and services.
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