November 20, 2024

Cities turn out for Washington Supreme Court's second indigent defense hearing
On November 13, the state Supreme Court held a follow-up hearing covering new proposed statewide indigent defense caseload standards. AWC CEO Deanna Dawson testified in front of the justices with remarks on the impacts the new standards would have on cities. Watch the recording, view the public comments, read AWC’s three main testimony points, and find out what other cities and local governments are saying. Learn more.

capitol-in-the-snow-at-night AWC’s 2025 legislative session preview
December 5 | Noon - 1:15 pm | Online
Join us for a preview of the 2025 legislative session: Hear insider tips on what to expect in the upcoming session, review AWC’s legislative agenda, and share helpful advocacy tools and tips. Register now. This an AWC members-only event.

City Conditions Survey results now available
A big thanks to all the cities that participated in the 2024 City Conditions Survey! Because of you, this robust data can help guide all our cities in their planning, policy decisions, and advocacy around city legislative agendas. This year’s city priorities indicate significant concerns around fiscal sustainability for cities, as well as public safety, housing, infrastructure, and behavioral health. Check out this snapshot of what we learned.

Expanding opportunity for women in city leadership
December 6 | Noon – 1pm | Online
Join AWC and the Northwest Women’s Leadership Academy (NWWLA) for an interactive online session to learn more about NWWLA, the work they’re doing to expand the pipeline of women in government service, and how you can support these efforts. The session will include a breakout session to share ideas on how elected officials and other city leaders can support the work of NWWLA and build the bench of qualified city staff. Register now.

H3Manual Hot off the press: Homelessness & housing toolkit for cities
AWC and MRSC have just updated this popular publication to include recent changes in state and federal law. The newly revised resource provides real-world examples of tools and actions Washington cities have used in responding to the challenges of homelessness and affordable housing. Have an idea or success story from your city that you want others to know about? Share it with us!

Calling all mayors! Register for winter Mayors Exchange
January 24 | Olympia
Join us in Olympia for AWC's winter Mayors Exchange, your opportunity to connect with mayors from across the state during the legislative session. Hear the latest updates on legislation that impacts cities, discuss your local legislative agendas and how they intersect with AWC's priorities, and share updates on issues from your city. Join us the evening before for an opportunity to connect with peers from across the state. Register now. This event is strictly limited to mayors.

Other news & resources

Deadline extended: Apply by December 13 to serve on AWC’s Board Nominating Committee or Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Cabinet. More

Washington city leaders elected to key roles with National League of Cities. More

Have you adopted your city’s 2025 legislative agenda? If so, be sure to share it with AWC and your local legislators—check out these tips and examples. More

Apply for the new Building Resilient Local Governments certificate program offered through UW and WCMA. More

Check out the Washington State Legislature’s redesigned website, updated to create a more accessible, user-friendly experience. More

In recognition of Fraud Awareness Week, the State Auditor is highlighting helpful prevention tools and resources for governmental organizations. More

Explore the importance of leases as a critical tool for Clean Buildings Act compliance. More

Learn about the state’s new Home Energy Rebates programs at an informational webinar for local officials on November 25. Register now.

Apply by November 30 for the 2025 Winter Cohort of ArtsWA’s Change Leader Institute, a professional development program for artists, arts professionals, and city staff and elected officials who support the arts. More

Time is running out to obligate remaining ARPA funds! The first major deadline for ARPA is December 31, 2024—the date by which cities must have all their ARPA-SLFRF funds properly obligated. More

Apply by January 31 for AWC’s new grant for energy audits of city-owned buildings. More

State Broadband Office opens application for $1.2 billion in federal Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) funding. More

CityVoicePodcastLogo100 Let’s talk about AWC’s legislative priorities
Tune in to the latest episode of the CityVoice Podcast, where AWC Government Relations Director Candice Bock and Government Relations Deputy Director Carl Schroeder delve into AWC’s 2025 City Legislative Priorities. Hear valuable tips for city leaders on engaging in the legislative process and get a glimpse into the life of a lobbyist on the hill.

AWC trainings & events

AWC: AWC Board district meetings | Multiple dates | Multiple locations

AWC: 2025 legislative session preview | December 5 | Online

AWC/NWWLA: Expanding opportunities for women in city leadership | December 6 | Online

AWC: Listening session—New transportation funding options | December 10 | Online

AWC: EOE webinar series: Promoting a positive workplace | December 18 | Online

AWC: Mayors Exchange | January 24 | Olympia

AWC: 2025 City Action Days | February 19-20 | Lacey

Other trainings & events

GFOA: Rethinking Budgeting in Action—Part Two | December 6 | Online

MRSC: Land use case law update—Winter 2024 | December 12 | Online

MRSC: Work-life harmony (not balance!) | December 17 | Online

NLC: Webinars and events | Multiple dates | Online

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