December 18, 2024

Governor’s budget proposal includes hits to the Public Works Assistance Account and law enforcement training
Governor Inslee’s last budget proposal for 2025-27 addresses a looming shortfall with $2 billion in reductions, including sweeping $100 million out of the Public Works Assistance Account (PWAA). The proposed budget also reimposes a 25% cost-shift back to cities for new recruits to attend the Basic Law Enforcement Academy and cuts the number of classes funded each year. Contact your legislators before session begins to urge them to protect the PWAA and address needs for law enforcement training and recruitment. Learn more.

Register for AWC’s Elected Officials Essentials Forum
February 28 | Tacoma
AWC is excited to announce our upcoming Elected Officials Essentials Forum, designed to equip newer elected officials with the tools they need to support their work at city hall. The forum convenes city officials who have come into office since fall 2023 to engage in sessions about real-world legal scenarios, develop proficiency in parliamentary procedure, share lessons learned, and build relationships with other newer elected officials. Register now.

nwWLA150 Northwest Women’s Leadership Academy grows the city leadership pipeline
AWC recently partnered with the Northwest Women’s Leadership Academy (NWWLA) and Washington City/County Management Association to host a forum on expanding opportunity for women in city leadership. Read our top takeaways, review the presentations from the forum, and learn more about the academy—then help spread the word about this exciting professional development opportunity for women interested in city leadership.

2025 EOE webinar series: Recognizing implicit bias
January 15 | Online
AWC is kicking off our 2025 five-part series of Elected Officials Essentials (EOE) webinars, created specifically for city elected officials. Studies have shown that, while implicit or unconscious bias is part of the human condition, these biases aren’t permanent—they can be changed. Join this webinar to deepen your understanding of implicit bias, how it influences decision-making, and what resources are available to reduce the negative impact of implicit bias. Register now.

capitol-in-the-snow-at-night Watch the 2025 legislative session preview webinar
Did you miss our recent 2025 legislative session preview webinar? We’ve got you covered! If you find yourself with a little downtime over the holidays, check out the webinar recording and presentation. Hear about what to expect in the upcoming session, review AWC’s legislative agenda, and get helpful advocacy tools and tips. Watch now .

raised-hands-square Apply for the AWC Board of Directors’ District 5 position
The AWC Board will have one open position in January 2025: District 5, representing cities in Clark, Cowlitz, Klickitat, Lewis, and Skamania counties. This is an exciting and rewarding opportunity to help shape the direction of your association. Learn more about serving on the Board—including responsibilities, eligibility, and the nomination process—and apply by January 16.

Other news & resources

City elected officials and staff: Apply for the UW's Building Resilient Local Governments graduate certificate program by December 30. More

The 2025 All-America City Award is now accepting applications—the National Civic League’s theme this year is Strengthening environmental sustainability through inclusive community engagement. Letters of intent due December 30. More

Department of Ecology’s Flood Control Assistance Account Program preparing to open 2025-27 grant funding cycle. Application opens January 1—submit a Notice of Intent to Apply by December 31. More

Time is running out! Cities must have all their ARPA-SLFRF funds properly obligated by December 31. More

The 2025-26 Local Records Grants cycle opens in February. Learn more from the Washington Secretary of State’s office at a January 7 informational webinar and prepare to apply. More

Comment by January 8 to help shape the Model Public Records Act Rules. More

Local government staff working on climate-related issues invited to join the next quarterly meeting of the Washington Climate Action Peer Network, online January 16. More

Reminder: Nominate a local graduating senior for a $3,000 AWC Center for Quality Communities scholarship by January 27. 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

Seeds of change
Cities throughout the state are innovating to achieve climate resilience and equity goals while recognizing their unique community needs. One example: The Washington State Department of Natural Resources is funding tree-planting initiatives in 45 cities across the state—the largest Urban and Community Forestry Grant Program disbursement in the agency’s history. Cities are using these funds to contribute to broader state and federal climate goals while creating positive health and social benefits for local residents. Read more in this Cityvision feature.

AWC trainings & events

AWC: District 13 meeting (rescheduled) | January 10 | Maple Valley

AWC: EOE webinar series: Recognizing implicit bias | January 15 | Online

AWC & SCC: District 8 meeting | January 16 | Everett

AWC: Mayors Exchange | January 24 | Olympia

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

AWC: Elected Officials Essentials Forum | February 28 | Tacoma

Other trainings & events

MRSC: PRA case law highlights 2025 | January 9 | Online

MRSC: Good faith efforts and penalties in apprentice utilization | January 28 | Online

State Archives: Records management workshops | Multiple dates | Online

NLC: Webinars and events | Multiple dates | Online

Did you know? 1,200+ individuals have alerts set so they can view your new posting the moment it goes live. Post your jobs on AWC JobNet today!

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AWC | Government Relations Advocate
Town of Twisp | Police Officer
City of Pasco | Public Works Division Manager