September 11, 2024
Remembering 9/11 on Patriot Day
Patriot Day is observed on September 11 each year in memory of the victims of the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. All government buildings fly the American flag at half-staff as a sign of respect and remembrance, and many observe a moment of silence to reflect on the lives lost and the impact of the day’s events. Here are some other ways you can honor this day:
- Participate in a local memorial service or vigil to remember the victims and honor the heroes of 9/11.
- Volunteer your time or donate to organizations that support first responders, veterans, or families affected by terrorism.
- Take time to learn more about the events of 9/11.
- Read this year’s presidential proclamation.
Register today: Municipal budgeting 101 
September 25 | Online
Dive into the fundamentals of the municipal budgeting cycle and the crucial role of elected officials in the budget process with the latest webinar in AWC's Elected Officials Essentials series. Learn how to use your budget as a powerful tool for prioritizing and addressing your community's needs and how city staff can best support elected officials throughout the budgeting process. Open to all AWC members—register now.
AWC’s 2025 legislative agenda taking shape
Fiscal sustainability, infrastructure investment, public safety, and behavioral health top the list of priorities recommended by AWC’s Legislative Priorities Committee. The Committee’s recommendations go to the AWC Board of Directors for consideration at its meeting on September 19, when the Board will adopt the final AWC 2025 legislative agenda. Find out more about these priorities and other significant issues the Committee has recommended for the 2025 session.
Check out AWC’s updated advocacy guide
As city leaders, you are the connection between your legislators and your community. AWC’s newly updated Strong cities advocacy guide features valuable information on how to engage with your legislators, local media, and community to ensure a strong city-state partnership and to increase positive legislative outcomes for cities. Check out the guide and AWC’s other advocacy tools to help you effectively represent your city in Olympia ahead of the 2025 session.
Civic voices: Innovative approaches to public engagement and communication
Across the state, city leaders are seeking ways to bridge the divides in their communities, improve civic discourse, and engage effectively with residents. The fall issue of Cityvision magazine is filled with ideas, inspiration, and strategies embraced by cities across Washington state. Read about cities overcoming language barriers, engaging local youth, unlocking the untapped potential of civic pride, increasing gender balance in local leadership, communicating effectively with constituents, and more.
Other news & resources
Do you have questions about AWC’s Salary and Benefit Survey? Check out AWC’s new overview for background on the survey and tips on how to use it. More
Read AWC’s draft comments on the Washington Supreme Court’s proposed indigent defense standards. More
Could a retail delivery fee be a potential transportation funding tool for cities? Check out our new fact sheet. More
City work group finalizing update to model business license threshold for out-of-city businesses. More
Don’t miss NLC’s Local Infrastructure Hub fall bootcamps, offering small and mid-sized municipalities free, expert support to develop competitive grant applications for local infrastructure projects. More
NLC offers resources to help cities file for Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) elective pay “refunds” for eligible purchases. Check out the new resources and attend a free webinar on IRA clean energy funding on September 12. More
Nominate public works projects for IACC Outstanding Achievement awards by September 20. More
Commerce grant funding cycle for Energy Efficiency Retrofits is open through September 25, with reduced matching funds requirement. More
Federal Highway Administration announces new details of Low-Carbon Transportation Materials Grants Program. Register for an informational webinar on September 25. More
The Connecting Housing to Infrastructure Program (CHIP) is currently accepting applications for funding to support utility connections for affordable housing. More
Clean buildings performance compliance deadlines are around the corner: Learn more by attending Commerce’s clean buildings office hours, scheduled for the fourth Tuesday of each month. More
Budgeting tools and resources
We know what fall means: Back to school and back to budgeting! As you set your sights on 2025, check out these budgeting resources from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA):
- Rethinking budgeting: Examine new ways of thinking, new technologies, and updated practices to better meet the changing needs of communities.
- Rethinking public engagement: Discover new ways to engage your community in your budget process.
- Budgeting for equity: Explore how to allocate local government resources in fair and equitable ways.
- Check out more of GFOA’s Rethinking Initiatives.
AWC trainings & events
AWC: Elected Officials Essentials webinar series | Multiple dates | Online
- September 18: Social media 101
- September 25: Municipal budgeting 101
- October 17: Tribal government relations 101
- November 7: Human resources 101
AWC: Mayors Exchange | October 3-4 | Ellensburg
RMSA: RMSA Annual Meeting | October 8 | Chelan
AWC: Member Expo | October 9-10 | Chelan
D&A: Supervisor training | Multiple dates | Multiple locations
Trust: Wellness Planning Workshops | Multiple dates | Multiple locations
Other trainings & events
WSU: 2024 Road & Street Maintenance Conference | September 16-18 | Wenatchee
MRSC: Embracing AI: Opportunities, challenges, and implementation | September 17 | Online
MRSC: Practical tips for local permitting | September 25 | Online
IACC: Infrastructure Assistance Coordinating Council 2024 Conference | October 22-24 | Wenatchee
State Archives: Records management workshops | Multiple dates | Online
NLC: Webinars and events | Multiple dates | Online
Looking to fill a key position? JobNet is a great place to recruit new talent. Post your job openings on AWC JobNet today.
Featured jobs:
AWC | Information Services Project Coordinator
City of Cle Elum | Public Works Director
City of Moses Lake | Community Development Director
AWC’s mission is to serve our members through advocacy, education, and services.
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