 Before you finalize your 2019 budget, consider the benefits of GIS for your community
A geographic information system (GIS) and good data management practices can save your city time and money by improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the systems you use to deliver services to your residents. The AWC GIS Consortium offers a flexible membership structure, so you can get the GIS services you need, affordably. Consider adding a line item to your 2019 budget for the GIS Consortium in 2019! More
BLS partner cities have less than one month to adopt ordinance
State law requires cities to adopt changes to their business license ordinance (to include a minimum business activity threshold for non-resident businesses and a uniform definition of engaging in business) by January 2019. Cities partnered with the state's Business Licensing Service (BLS) have an earlier deadline of October 17, 2018. AWC has prepared model language to use in the ordinance. Read our white paper for more information and FAQ. More
NLC’s City Fiscal Conditions report
NLC just released the 2018 City Fiscal Conditions report, which includes the results of a national survey of city finance officers conducted each year since 1986. This year’s results show that while finance officers are more optimistic than last year, optimism still lags behind recent years. Also, tax revenue growth is in a multi-year slowdown, with the growth in service costs and other expenditures outpacing it. Taken together, the survey results suggest that cities are approaching the limits of fiscal expansion. More
 Register for IACC
October 23-25 | Wenatchee
For more than 25 years, the Infrastructure Assistance Coordinating Council's popular conference has tackled infrastructure challenges faced by smaller communities throughout Washington. Learn how to gain access to important funding, discover how communities are bringing broadband to town, and gain a host of tools that you can take home to strengthen your infrastructure and public works. AWC provides one registration scholarship per city/town for small communities that want to attend the conference this year. More
 Listen and learn
At Annual Conference this year, Ferndale Mayor Jon Mutchler taught us ten tips for effective local leadership. Read all ten, and be sure to check out the final tip – it's especially important. More
Energy efficiency and solar grants for public agencies
The Department of Commerce is now accepting applications for the energy efficiency and solar grants program. This grant supports projects that result in energy and operational cost savings or solar installations for local agencies, public higher education institutions, public school districts, and state agencies. Applications are due Nov. 16. More
 Know someone with a great mind for city planning and construction? Check out these new opportunities on AWC JobNet. More
Featured jobs
City of Normandy Park | Principal Planner
City of Medina | Planning Manager
City of Puyallup | Civil Engineer |
 It’s time to prepare for the 2019 legislative session!
This fall:
- Adopt your city’s legislative agenda and share it publicly with media and legislators.
- Educate your community about what your legislators do to help cities.
- After the election, meet with incoming and reelected legislators and tell them your city story.
- Plan to attend City Action Days February 13-14, 2019 in Olympia.
Share your city’s story with the public and legislators early and often. Your work this fall will help establish a strong relationship with your legislators during session. Read our Pocket Guide for more ideas. More
 AWC Regional Meetings 
October 4 | Port Orchard
October 9 | Ellensburg
October 10 | Spokane Valley
October 11 | Kennewick
October 16 | Twisp/Winthrop
October 18 | Everett
October 23 | Tumwater
October 24 | Kalama
October 25 | Snoqualmie
November 1 | University Place
November 13 | Anacortes
Put AWC to work for you! Attend a Regional Meeting near you to get a first look at our Board-adopted legislative priorities, and hear the latest in other legislative and programmatic information. You'll have the chance to share dinner with other city officials in your region as you discuss local issues and prepare for the 2019 legislative session. Your input helps guide our legislative activity in 2019. More
SLLC Supreme Court Preview
September 25 | Webinar
The U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to hear about 40 cases next term, many involving state and local government. Topics range from employment to preemption, and in three cases, the court may overturn precedent. Join the State and Local Legal Center (SLLC) for a discussion about the most relevant cases for state and local government accepted so far this term. More |
