July 8, 2020


LRILogoWoman100Read the results from our COVID-19 city survey
In May and June, we surveyed our cities to learn the local impact of COVID-19 on city populations and finances. The survey found that city budgets suffered during the early months of the pandemic, and it’s only the beginning. Read the highlights, find charts and graphs, discover what some respondents said, and access the full report. 

OPMA & PRA emergency waivers and suspensions extended until August 1
The emergency proclamation issued on July 2 impacting the Open Public Meetings Act (OPMA) and Public Records Act (PRA) was granted an extension until midnight on August 1. We encourage cities to carefully review the proclamation to ensure compliance with all provisions. As we do not know if these emergency waivers and suspension will continue to be extended, we encourage cities to start planning now for how to manage public meetings once the waivers expire.

Municipal budgeting & fiscal management workshop: Registration open! Certificate of Municipal Leadership program
August 20 | Online
A local government's budget document is important. More than a bunch of numbers, the budget document is your primary tool for prioritizing and addressing your community's needs. It's also a mode of communication to your residents. Join us for this popular annual workshop that gives both novice and expert budgeters the skills to enhance their budget document. Register now!

LRILogoWoman100COVID-19 behavioral health impacts on the rise
A recent report by the state Department of Health suggests that Washingtonians may experience a surge in emotional “lows” due to the pandemic. Two to three million people could experience behavioral health symptoms over the next several months, and the report suggests steps for community leaders to take. As employers, most cities have an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to turn to for mental well-being support for employees and their families. The AWC Trust is supporting our employees and families with EAP resources.

LRILogoWoman100Browse 20 years’ worth of Municipal Excellence Award applications
We announced the winners of the 2020 AWC Municipal Excellence Awards at our online Annual Conference. Congratulations to the winners! Curious about what’s in their applications? We recently updated our Municipal Excellence database to include the applications of all winners and nominees. Browsing applications is a great way to generate ideas for your own community. You can view applications going as far back as 2000!


Census mapComing together
Clarkston Mayor Monika Lawrence talks about how she brought many voices to the virtual table to help her border community of 7,200 prepare for the unknown. Read more in this article from Cityvision.


AWC training & events

Municipal budgeting & fiscal management workshop | August 20 | Online Certificate of Municipal Leadership program

AWC Annual Conference – Recorded sessions | On demand | Online Certificate of Municipal Leadership program

Other trainings

Public Works Board infrastructure webinar series: Regionalization, asset management, and value planning | July 14-16 | Online

MRSC: Land use case law update & virtual hearings | July 17 | Online Certificate of Municipal Leadership program

MRSC: COVID-19 budgeting strategies | Various dates | Online

MRSC: PRA deep dive – Personnel and employment records | July 29 | Online Certificate of Municipal Leadership program

Supreme Court review for states and local governments | July 29 | Online


JobNet logoLooking to fill a key position? JobNet is the place to recruit new talent. Post your job openings on AWC JobNet.

Featured jobs:
City of North Bend | Senior Financial Analyst
City of Bainbridge Island | COVID-19 Safety Officer
AWC | Office Services Specialist


Other news & resources

Read the adopted 2020 AWC Statement of Policy document. More

10 tips for working with your legislators. More

See if your legislator won a City Champion Award! More

In case you missed it, read Monday’s Legislative Bulletin. More


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