June 26, 2024
Five takeaways from the AWC Annual Conference
More than 450 attendees representing over 130 cities and towns across Washington gathered last week at the 2024 AWC Annual Conference in Vancouver to learn about issues critical to the success of cities. The theme of this year’s conference was Livable, Loveable Cities—a nod to keynote speaker Peter Kageyama, who shared his ideas on harnessing the passion people feel for the places they live to help build thriving communities. Check out the event photos and read some conference highlights.
Welcome new and reelected AWC Board officers and directors!
Officials from Washington’s cities conducted the association’s Business Meeting during AWC's Annual Conference. The membership elected officers, even-numbered district positions, and At-Large #2 and #4 positions to the AWC Board of Directors. The AWC secretary and large city representative also took office, having been elected by the AWC Board. Thank you to outgoing AWC President Betsy Wilkerson, Spokane Council President, for her service to cities. Welcome and congratulations to our 2024-2025 AWC President, Duvall Mayor Amy Ockerlander! Learn more about President Ockerlander and find out who else is on your Board of Directors.
AWC membership adopts updated Statement of Policy
During last week’s Business Meeting, AWC’s membership adopted the 2024 Statement of Policy. AWC’s Statement of Policy provides our foundational policy guidance for all legislative and policy work. Thank you to the Statement of Policy Committee as well as those who engaged in the discussion and adoption during the Business Meeting.
AWC working to identify sustainable revenue source for city transportation needs
As Washington struggles to fund basic transportation maintenance at both the local and state levels, AWC has commissioned a study to analyze the potential for a statewide retail delivery fee as a sustainable transportation revenue source. Researchers recently reported their findings to the Joint Transportation Committee, where they discussed what the fee could mean for Washington, including its revenue generation potential and possible impacts to consumers and businesses. Learn more.
Rep. Tana Senn honored with City Superhero award
AWC is recognizing Rep. Tana Senn (D-Mercer Island) with the 2024 City Superhero award. The award recognizes Rep. Senn’s long-standing support for cities and towns in Washington state. Rep. Senn has served as state representative for the 41st Legislative District since 2013 and previously served on the Mercer Island City Council.
“Representative Senn is proof that you can stand up for your ideals while also listening to differing perspectives,” said AWC CEO Deanna Dawson in announcing the award. “She knows that to make a real difference you need to advance policies that not only sound good, but that can be implemented in the real world.” Read the full article.
Work is underway on AWC’s 2025 legislative agenda
AWC’s Legislative Priorities Committee has begun meeting to vet issues for consideration in AWC’s 2025 legislative agenda. The Committee will conclude its work in early September and make a recommendation to the Board of Directors for adoption later that month. Do you have an idea or issue that you would like the Committee to consider for 2025? If so, let Candice Bock know as soon as possible.
Other news & resources
Reminder: Contribute your city’s data to AWC’s 2024 Tax and User Fee Survey by July 10. More
The JLARC Public Records Reporting System is open through July 1 for reporting 2023 data. 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
More than $91 million in capital financing is available for multifamily rental projects from the state Housing Trust Fund and the federal HOME and National Housing Trust Fund programs. Apply by September 18. More
The extreme weather grant created by HB 1012 last legislative session is now open for applications from local governments to support response activities during extreme weather events. 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
Can our city use REET funds for that? MRSC has answers. More
How U.S. cities are using federal American Rescue Plan Act funds to tackle housing affordability. More
NLC offers tips on how cities can prepare now to meet new PFAS drinking water regulations. More
Is your community ready for a wildfire? Learn how to develop a community wildfire protection plan. More
Listen to NLC’s CitiesSpeak podcast on creating communities resilient to natural disaster. More
Back to the future: Two cities demonstrate economic revival by embracing the past
In Tumwater, Mayor Debbie Sullivan knows the story of Olympia Brewing runs artesian well deep. In Richland, Mayor Theresa Richardson shares community pride in the city being home to the first-ever large-scale nuclear production facility. Both communities are rallying around their history—investing in visions that revive the stories almost everyone knew by heart. Read the latest feature from Cityvision magazine – or listen on the go.
AWC trainings & events
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: Supreme Court review for local governments | July 8 | Online
Commerce: 2024 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) General Purpose Grant application webinar | July 10 | Online
MRSC: How to recognize and respond to First Amendment “audits” | July 16 | Online
Grant Writing USA: Grant Writing Training | Vancouver, WA | July 18-19
State Archives: Records management workshops | Multiple dates | Online
NLC: 2024 City Summit | November 13-16 | Tampa Bay, FL
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