September 2, 2020


Inslee announces more CARES CRF funds for cities, Commerce releases updated amounts
Gov. Inslee announced an additional $126 million in Coronavirus Relief Funds (CRF) for cities and counties that did not receive direct funding from the federal government under the CARES Act. In addition, the deadline to use funds has been extended to November 30, 2020. CRF funds provide cities access to reimbursements for unbudgeted, COVID-related expenses incurred after March 27, 2020. A chart with updated allocations from the Department of Commerce is now available. For more information on CRF funds, be sure to check out AWC’s recent webinars including one specific to small cities.

IRS issues guidance on Social Security tax deferral
On August 8, President Trump issued an executive order allowing employers to defer withholdings and payment of an employee’s portion of the Social Security tax for certain employees. The Treasury Department and Internal Revenue Service issued guidance for employers on how to properly carry out this order. AWC cautions cities to consider collecting an employee’s authorization and acknowledgement in writing before deferring collection. City officials should consult with their attorney and HR and payroll staff on the best way to implement this deferral. Find more details here.

EquityResilienceSurveySurvey: Social equity and climate resilience for U.S. cities
The National League of Cities (NLC) is partnering with the Institute for Building Technology and Safety (IBTS) on the Equitable Climate Resilience project. The project will explore obstacles and opportunities that local governments face in addressing social equity and climate resilience. Elected officials and staff from cities of 50,000+ are being asked to complete a survey, the first large-scale data collection effort of its kind among medium and large U.S. cities. Responses will be accepted until mid-September – take the survey here.

Recorded webinar: Utility rate setting basics for elected officialsCertificate of Municipal Leadership program
If you missed our recent webinar on utility rate setting, we’ve got you covered! AWC and FCS Group teamed up to teach the fundamentals of rate setting for a wide range of scenarios and customers including residential, commercial, industrial, and irrigation. Learn the four stages of the rate setting process, how to identify rate structure alternatives, how to communicate rate and charge impacts to customers and stakeholders, and more. Visit our eLearning page to access the recorded webinar and materials through December 31.

Retro-logo-icon-75Building a strong safety culture
Collaboration is necessary to create a strong safety culture at any organization. With the additional risks of the pandemic, employee safety has never been more important. Get some tips for talking safety. Contact the AWC Workers’ Comp Retro program for help with employee safety.


Other news & resources

OPMA & PRA emergency proclamation extended to October 1. More

Deadline approaching for King County families to apply for the Pandemic EBT program. More

How Main Street businesses can make the best of the holiday shopping season during a pandemic. More


Cityvision0720CityWiseRecycle
Materials world: Rethinking what we create, how we use it, and how we can reuse it

The clean materials opportunity is analogous to Washington’s pioneering clean energy approach in that it connects job creation and environmental progress. Explore this idea in more depth in this article from the latest Cityvision magazine.

 


AWC training & events

Mayor as CEO (morning) | September 17 | Online Certificate of Municipal Leadership program

Mayors Exchange (afternoon) | September 17 | Online Certificate of Municipal Leadership program

Wellness Planning Forums | Multiple dates | Online

AWC Member Expo online | October 19-23 | Online

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

Other trainings

NLC: Tools to assess and support local housing needs through landlord engagement | September 3 | Online

NLC: Extraordinary year, extraordinary challenges – Adequately supplying your city with PPE | September 3 | Online

Grant-writing for small, rural nonprofits (presented by Rural Development Initiatives) | Multiple dates | Online

Grant management workshop (presented by Grant Writing USA and Washington CJTC) | September 22-23 | Online

MRSC: First Amendment considerations for local governments: Protests, petitions, social media, and signs | September 23 | Online Certificate of Municipal Leadership program

RuraLead Northwest Learning Journey (presented by Rural Development Initiatives) | Multiple dates | Online

MRSC: PRA deep dive – Law enforcement records | October 2 | Online


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