September 26, 2018

Which Regional Meeting should I attend?
AWC has 11 Regional Meetings planned across the state from October 4 through November 13. While most attendees choose the meeting that is closest to them geographically, there is no requirement to do so. Look over the list of meetings to see which one is most convenient for your travel schedule. We look forward to your input as we discuss the upcoming legislative session. More

Bring your expertise to the national level – Take on an NLC leadership position
Represent your city or town, contribute your voice, and add an impressive line to your resume! You can help shape the direction of the National League of Cities (NLC) and national policy. Applications are now available for city officials from NLC member cities to serve on the NLC Board of Directors; seven federal advocacy committees; six member councils; five constituency groups; and the race, equity and leadership (REAL) council. Application deadline is October 8. More

State Auditor BARS roundtables
Fall dates | Various locations
The Office of the Washington State Auditor is offering local governments 13 Budgeting, Accounting and Reporting System (BARS) roundtables this fall. This year features a brief Q&A session with a representative from the Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) at the majority of the roundtable locations. More

New housing vouchers available
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) recently announced the award of almost $100 M Housing Choice vouchers to 285 public housing authorities in 45 states. In Washington, housing authorities in Seattle, Spokane, and Vancouver cities; and King, Snohomish, and Thurston counties received vouchers. The new vouchers are for non-elderly, low-income people with disabilities. Check with your housing authority on how these vouchers will be used in your community. More

It’s Rail Safety Week!
Every three hours in the U.S., a person or vehicle gets hit by a train. The goal of Rail Safety Week (RSW) is to raise awareness across the nation of the need for rail safety education and to empower the general public to keep themselves safe near highway-rail at-grade crossings and railroad rights-of-way. Find out how you can participate. More

Short Course on Local Planning
Fall dates | Various locations
The Short Course is the preeminent training tool on land use for local officials in Washington. This three-hour workshop covers comprehensive planning and plan implementation under the state Growth Management Act (GMA). Content covers land use planning laws, Open Public Meeting Act requirements, and planning best practices. Find out if a Short Course is coming near you this fall, or watch the short course video series. More

Tools for Ruckelshaus workshops throughout the state
Throughout the year, the William D. Ruckelshaus Center has hosted a series of invitation-only workshops for local elected officials and managers to discuss potential improvements to Washington's framework of planning laws, including but not limited to the Growth Management Act. There are just a few workshops remaining this fall. Check out these AWC tools you might find useful when discussing growth in your region. More

Recruiting for a key position at city hall? AWC JobNet is your place for qualified candidates. Post your job today on AWC JobNet!

Featured jobs

City of Seattle | Chief Technology Officer

City of Fircrest | Court Clerk

City of Pasco | Associate Engineer II (Civil Engineer)

In case you missed Monday’s Legislative Bulletin, check out these hot topics:

Budget and campaign season are in full swing
It's budget season for cities around the state and for state government. See what cities asked for in a letter to the Governor on his proposed budget. Plus, find out what's in store as campaign season ramps up toward November. More

Ninth Circuit decision on criminalizing homelessness
The Ninth Circuit recently held that if a person experiencing homelessness has no alternative to sleeping outdoors, a city cannot issue a citation for violating a "sit-lie" ordinance. More

New prevailing wage rates creating sticker shock for cities
New legislation changed how prevailing wages are determined with dramatic increases. Cities are asking the Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) to take another look at the new rate. More

RMSA Elected officials training
November 13 | Almira
Elected officials! Get the most up-to-date training on open public meetings, public records retention, and much more. This training satisfies requirements under the Open Public Meetings Act and the Public Records Act. Topics include: situations to avoid, municipal finances, conflicts and ethics, and open public meetings and public records requirements. More

Public assistance/Preliminary damage assessment trainings
Fall dates | Various locations
Since 2006, Washington has experienced 16 Presidential Disaster Declarations – including storm surge, flooding, high winds, ice storms, landslides, mudslides, and even a tornado. The total costs of emergency measures and repairs to infrastructure were in excess of $500 M for these disasters. Are you ready for possible flooding this year? Attend this free training to prepare for a potential presidential declared emergency or major disaster declaration. More

RCO grant pre-applications due Oct. 1
The Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO) is accepting applications for four programs: the Boating Facilities Program, Firearms and Archery Range Recreation, Nonhighway and Off-road Vehicle Activities, and the Recreational Trails Program. Pre-applications are due on October 1 and final applications are due November 1. More

DHS FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program
Department of Homeland Security Federal Emergency Management Assistance (DHS FEMA) issued a grants notice for the implementation and administrations of the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program. Grant funds aim to mitigate fire and fire-related hazards by assisting fire prevention programs and supporting firefighter health and safety research and development. Applications are due October 26. More

AWC’s mission is to serve our members through advocacy, education, and services.
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