1 – 5 pm

Exhibitor move-in

3 – 6 pm

AWC Registration Kiosk open

4:30 – 5:30 pm

First-time attendee meet and greet
Join us for an informal meet and greet and reception before heading to the President’s Welcome Reception. Meet with other first-time Annual Conference attendees, members of the AWC Board of Directors and Past Presidents.

5:30 – 7 pm

President's Welcome Reception
Join your colleagues for this fun and engaging reception. This is an opportunity to mingle, enjoy light appetizers and hosted bar, and make plans for your conference experience. Dinner on your own.

6:30 am – 6 pm

AWC Registration Kiosk open

7:30 am – 4 pm

Exhibit Hall open
We’re excited to invite you to explore our vibrant Exhibit Hall and meet our fantastic exhibitors! Learn about their latest products, services, and exciting solutions.

7:30 – 8:30 am

Networking breakfast

8:30 – 9:30 am

Concurrent sessions

Constituent conversations: Managing difficult discussions with constituents and colleagues
In 2023, Braver Angels partnered with two councilmembers to run a series of five bridging conversations about a variety of local public policy issues. In addition to being used in Snohomish County, this format has also been successful in local public policy discussions in North Carolina. Attendees will walk through the methodology that makes these conversations so effective by engaging in a mock event with accompanying explanation of the impact of specific steps.

Explore the history of Juneteenth
Engage in an interactive historical journey from the continent of Africa to the United States to better understand the significance of Juneteenth and why it is a celebration not only for people of African descent, but for all U.S. residents.

Small city roundtable
Small cities, though diminutive in size, possess unique characteristics that set them apart from their larger counterparts. These communities grapple with challenges that are often amplified due to their limited resources and lack of specialized staff. In the 21st century, navigating an ever-more complex web of laws and regulations can be particularly daunting for small city leaders. Delve into strategies to overcome these hurdles and foster thriving small cities in our increasingly intricate world. Join facilitated interactions among small city leaders where you are encouraged to share your experiences and learn best practices.

Turn a negative into a positive: Five audit tips to learn from SAO
You’ve probably seen the headlines that say, “State audit finds bookkeeper misappropriated funds” or “Cause for serious concern: Clerk’s office lacks proper financial controls, audit finds.” The last thing you want is for your city to be the subject of one of these stories!

Utility rate-setting basics for newly elected officials
Utilities are becoming increasingly aware of the growing liability of their aging infrastructure. Explore various policy approaches to preparing a utility to face the aging infrastructure challenge. Walk through the four stages of the cost-of-service rate setting process: (1) fiscal policy development; (2) revenue requirement analysis; (3) cost of service evaluation; and (4) rate design. Build a foundation for communicating infrastructure funding concepts to stakeholders.

8:30 – 9:45 am

Mobile tour

Chelsea Anderson Memorial Play Station at Marshall Community Park tour
In 2023, the City of Vancouver completed a massive overhaul of the Chealsea Anderson Memorial Play Station (CHAMPS) at Marshall Community Park. What was once a hulking wooden structure was transformed into a play area that was explorable and accessible to children of all ages and abilities. The redesigned playground includes a wheelchair swing, wide smooth surfaces for easy access, and lots of engaging pieces of play equipment. This project was recently named winner of the 2024 Washington Recreation and Parks Association spotlight park award for cities over 100,000. Join us for a tour of this incredible new park and learn what it takes to create an inclusive play area.

9:30 – 10 am

Exhibit break and Dialogue Hubs
Take this opportunity to visit our exhibitors or engage in one of our Dialogue Hubs.

10 – 11:30 am

Concurrent sessions

Buy-in: The importance of belonging
Join this workshop to learn how to build structures to define and create belonging in your organization. Explore the difference between ownership and buy-in, and understand the impact of not creating belonging. Review a tiered model of support, psychological safety, and other activities that will get the conversation started in a safe way and allow it to continue. This is an interactive presentation, so be prepared to participate!

Community catalysts: Sparking economic development in small cities
Sustainable economic development is critical to the long-term vitality of small communities. But understanding how to spark and sustain economic growth can be elusive for small cities—and scary for residents resistant to change. This session gives small city leaders the opportunity to discuss potential local and regional partners and resources available to help cities chart a path towards a stable economic climate for their community.

Identifying, preventing, and resolving conflicts of interest for Washington municipal officials and staff
Does facing a conflict of interest claim involving your city staff or elected officials make you feel like you’re watching a bad movie slowly unfold? Well, don’t worry! Judge Matthew J. Segal (ret.) has seen this movie multiple times, and he is here to help you get to the right ending. Learn how to prevent conflicts, or how best to respond to them if they arise. Identify practical tools to govern conflict issues in your city, and to reach fair and efficient solutions to claims of conflict while avoiding impropriety or the appearance of impropriety.

Roundtable for city managers
City managers oversee all aspects of what goes on in a city – from working with the elected officials to overseeing city staff, and from implementing the council’s vision and policies, to building partnerships with local and regional governments. This roundtable discussion is held solely for city managers and administrators to network and share ideas.

Securing funding for your city
Finding, securing, and administering funding for your city’s infrastructure project can be challenging! Join the National League of Cities, state agencies, public finance experts, and federal advocacy specialists to learn how to access the right tools, resources, and understanding in securing funding for vital infrastructure projects at the local, state, and federal level.

11:30 am – Noon

Exhibit break and Dialogue Hubs
Take this opportunity to visit our exhibitors or engage in one of our Dialogue Hubs.

Noon – 1:30 pm

General session

Welcome, Parade of Flags, and city awards recognition

Keynote: For the Love of Cities
Award-winning author Peter Kageyama speaks about the unique emotional engagement that people have with places – cities, towns, and communities. Learn why love matters and why it is a good thing when more people become emotionally engaged with their places—when they “fall in love” with those places. Explore how to add an emotional lens to the work of leading cities and how we can use this emotional component to motivate us to solve some of our biggest and most complex problems such as crime, workforce and business development, and infrastructure. Discover the importance of small, inexpensive, and sometimes even silly expressions of that love for making great places.

Lunch provided.

1:30 – 2 pm

Exhibit break and book signing with Peter Kageyama
Join Peter Kageyama for a book signing in the Exhibit Hall during the break immediately following the general session, and again after the 2-3 pm concurrent session.

2 – 3 pm

Concurrent sessions

Ask MRSC
Find answers to some of the most frequently asked questions that the Municipal Research and Services Center (MRSC) gets from local government officials throughout the year. This session covers a variety of topics, from public records to budget and finance issues. 

Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) funding update
Join the Washington State Broadband Office for the latest updates about historic federal broadband funding. Discuss the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) challenge process, project areas, the upcoming application cycle(s), and more. Let’s keep learning and collaborating together!

Celebrations of Pride in Washington
Pride is a celebration of the many contributions made by the LGBTQIA+ community to our history, society, and culture. Pride Month is celebrated each June to create community and honor the history of the movement. Join us to learn about the history of Pride celebrations and participate in an interactive discussion with cities across Washington on celebrating Pride. Explore with your peers the many ways to be a year-round ally to our LGBTQIA+ friends and community members.

Love where you live: Emotional engagement connections
Loving where you live, matters. Following the widespread success of Peter Kageyama’s book For the Love of Cities, he wrote Love Where You Live, which builds upon the central premise that love of place matters. Peter will cover examples from all over the world and practical steps that community leaders might use to kick start the process in their city.

Tales from the trenches: Tips for an amazing relationship between mayor, council, and city manager/city administrator
What are the key ingredients for a well-run city? A mayor, city council, city manager or administrator, and city staff who know their roles, have respect for each other, and work together seamlessly in support of their city and its residents. What can each of us do to make that happen? Hear from a mayor and a deputy city manager who will share stories and tips to help make your city the best run city in Washington!

Washingtons’ Clean Buildings Standard updates: Prepare your city to decarbonize
The state’s Clean Buildings Performance Standard was updated in February 2024, with changes and clarifications to Tier 1 and Tier 2 requirements. As compliance deadlines approach, now is the time to act. Learn how your city will be impacted by the standards and what you can do to prepare. Hear from experts about the state’s Clean Buildings Program and available technical and financial supports and services. Learn about the great work other cities are doing to decarbonize their buildings, and find inspiration to take home and share with your council and staff.

3 – 3:15 pm

Break
Take this opportunity for a quick break before you head into your next session.

3:15 – 4:30 pm

Concurrent sessions

Carnivals, ambassadors, and more: Tools to increase engagement
The City of Snohomish was one of the first cities in Washington state required to complete its 20-year comprehensive plan update based on new state requirements passed by the Legislature. The comprehensive plan needed to reflect the community, and staff had a goal of ensuring all voices were included throughout the process, not just the loudest ones. Staff developed a multi-pronged approach over a 24-month period to educate about the process and state requirements, gather feedback through two-way communication, and bring the comprehensive plan elements through various boards and commissions prior to adoption by the city council. Some of the new tools and tactics used included recruiting a group of Civic Ambassadors to engage with the community through their own networks and methods, as well as hosting a "Comp Plan Carnival" and city booths at the weekly farmers market. The city also created digital survey tools, story maps, and an online portal with project updates. Learn about the various tools and materials created and hear from city staff about lessons learned.

From vacant spaces to vibrant places: Attracting retail for a better tomorrow
Join an interactive session on how a retail-focused economic development strategy can breathe life into rural areas and foster business growth while revitalizing existing physical assets. Dive into the significance of nurturing both downtown and national retail corridors as catalysts for economic vitality and how 2024 economic factors are impacting retail in rural markets. Gain inspiration from real-world case studies of successful projects in Washington, illustrating the concrete advantages of prioritizing retail-driven growth. Attendees will walk away with practical ideas to implement in their city and be offered a complimentary retail gap report that identifies areas for opportunity within their city.

How cities celebrate Juneteenth
Explore how the Juneteenth holiday originated and why it is celebrated, then hear panelists share experiences from their cities’ Juneteenth celebrations. Discover how long they’ve celebrated the holiday, how the community is involved in planning, key elements of their celebration, what resources are needed, and what makes these celebrations most remarkable. Panelists will also explore challenges, successes, and lessons learned through their city’s own Juneteenth celebrations.

Planning, funding, and communicating about your city’s capital projects
Bringing capital projects to fruition can be a challenge for cities. This team of experts will walk you through the process, from developing the design and cost estimates, to identifying the most effective financing tools, to engaging and communicating with your community to allow them to make an informed decision at the ballot box. These presenters have the experience of working with cities to put all of the key pieces together on everything from fire and police stations to community centers, sewer systems, city halls, aquatic centers—you name it!

Sip ‘n chat with attorneys on all things OPMA, PRA, and ethics
City officials are sometimes reticent to bring all their questions to their city attorney. In this session, you can speak with two seasoned city attorneys and ask all the questions you may be hesitant to ask your own legal counsel. Join this fun and informative session that includes hosted beverages—and bring your burning questions! 

4:40 – 5:30 pm

Roundtable sessions
Connect with your colleagues in a casual setting for informal dialogue on a topic of mutual interest. Choose a roundtable discussion that aligns with your role, exchange new ideas, and create lasting connections that extend far beyond this week!

5:30 – 7 pm

Exhibit Reception
Gather in the Exhibit Hall to network with your colleagues and vendors. Light appetizers, exhibitor prizes, and hosted bar. Dinner on your own.

8:30 – 10 pm

Juneteenth after-hours Reception, sponsored by Comcast
Join in for our Juneteenth after-hours reception, sponsored by Comcast and hosted by AWC’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Cabinet. Meet up with old and new colleagues and sing along to some of your favorite tunes. Come celebrate as we build meaningful connections together!

6:15 am – 5:30 pm

AWC Registration Kiosk open

6:30 – 8 am

Wellness activity: AWC Fun Run and Walk
Lace up your sneakers and hit the sidewalks for this Annual Conference tradition!

7 am – Noon

Exhibit Hall open
This is your last chance to explore our vibrant Exhibit Hall and meet our fantastic exhibitors!

7:30 – 8:30 am

Networking breakfast

8 – 8:50 am

Dialogue Hubs
Connect with your colleagues in a casual setting for informal dialogue on a topic of mutual interest. AWC will provide dedicated time and spaces for attendees to gather in meaningful ways using the “open space” concept. Choose a topic, choose a time and place, and invite others to dialogue!

9 – 10:15 am

General session

Finding common ground: Efforts to improve civic health in Washington
Our civic health is at a crisis point. Research shows that one in four Washingtonians have stopped talking to friends or relatives because of politics, and 89% of Washingtonians are worried about the future of democracy (Elway Research). City leaders, as nonpartisan officials in the government closest to the people, are uniquely well-positioned to address this crisis and to counteract this divisiveness by improving dialogue across differences and building community solutions to shared challenges.

10:15 – 10:45 am

Exhibit break and Dialogue Hubs
Take this opportunity to visit our exhibitors or engage in one of our Dialogue Hubs.

10:15 – 10:45 am

Mobile tours

Interstate Bridge replacement tour
The Washington State Department of Transportation’s Interstate Bridge Replacement (IBR) Program invites you to join a walking tour around the 100+ year-old Interstate 5 Bridge and onto the sidewalks of a movable bridge. Participants will see and experience the challenges and constraints associated with the existing corridor and with maintaining an aging bridge. Tour participants will hear how the IBR multimodal program investments address issues in the corridor and how the program plans to navigate the corridor constraints with replacement of the Interstate Bridge and the addition of high-capacity transit, active transportation, and other safety investments.

Urban revitalization: Experience Vancouver’s revived waterfront developments tour
Vancouver’s historic waterfront connects 35 acres of beautiful waterfront along the Columbia River to the city’s downtown core. In partnership with private development partners, the City of Vancouver and Port of Vancouver created a master plan for a revived waterfront development that included residential units, office space, retail space, and restaurants. On this beautiful walking tour of the waterfront, attendees will hear about the process of creating a vibrant space from city and port staff as well as their partners.

10:45 – 11:45 am

Concurrent sessions

City of Fife Jobs Program and homeless village
In 2020, the City of Fife was hit hard by the homelessness epidemic. As a city with a population under 11,000 people, Fife had over 500 homeless residents living within the city limits. City officials knew they wanted to approach the problem with empathy and compassion and not just pass it on to neighboring cities. Fife’s Jobs Program was launched in November 2021 to assist those living on the streets who were interested in getting out of their current situation. The Jobs Program provides shelter (in a city-run village), job training (paying participants an hourly wage), and the resources needed to help break down barriers and get people back on their feet.

Exploring the human nature of bias
Join this interactive workshop designed to deepen your understanding of implicit bias, how it influences decision-making, and what resources are available to address and reduce the impact of implicit bias.

Grant development strategy and writing
Billions of dollars in grant funding have been allocated to the State of Washington for infrastructure, digital equity, broadband, public safety, and more. Attend this session to gain insights into available and upcoming grants, examine the benefits of a comprehensive funding strategy, and get help to demystify the grant funding process. Hear from a professional grant writer and a city administrator with practical knowledge on how to enhance your city’s grant strategy and grant-writing efforts.

Hot topics in governance and law
Understanding roles and responsibilities for elected officials helps to prevent conflicts. It also helps your city meet community expectations and impacts trust in city government.

Tax Increment Financing (TIF): The right economic development tool for your city?
Cities recently were authorized to use property tax–based tax increment financing (TIF) as a tool for funding infrastructure necessary to spur development. Hear from experts who have been using this new tool about how it works, the steps needed to implement it, as well as some lessons learned from one of the first cities to make use of the economic development tool.

What every elected official needs to know about fentanyl
The federal Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) presents an overview of the evolution of the fentanyl crisis, the threat it poses to communities, and what leaders need to know.

11:45 am – Noon

Networking break
Take this opportunity for a quick break before you head into our general session luncheon.

Noon – 1 pm

AWC Center for Quality Communities fundraising lunch
Join us as we honor this year’s scholarship recipients and continue our efforts to raise funds that nurture young community members to take on new leadership roles.

1 – 1:30 pm

Networking break and Dialogue Hubs
Take this opportunity to network with your colleagues or engage in one of our Dialogue Hubs.

1:30 – 3:30 pm

Mobile tours

Expanding digital equity in cities
Visit the Vancouver Boys & Girls Club to see examples of how Comcast is working to expand equitable and high-quality broadband to communities around the state. Get inspired by the club’s surroundings and explore ways municipal leaders can engage with Comcast or their local provider to leverage greater access, affordability, and adoption.

Vancouver homelessness response tour
Safe Stay Communities have been established as temporary safe and supportive spaces offering participants greater access to services, increased stability, and safe living conditions to assist with their transition from of homelessness. We will also discuss the role and importance of the city’s Homelessness Assistance and Resources Team (HART) and other initiatives included in the City of Vancouver’s response to unsheltered homelessness.

1:30 – 2:30 pm

Concurrent sessions

All disasters start and end locally
We are the fourth most disaster-prone state in the nation based on federal disaster declarations, averaging 1.5 federal declarations every year. This does not include the numerous local disasters that don't meet the required federal criteria for a declaration. Climate change and concurrent disasters exacerbate the situation and challenge our response and recovery across the state. It is imperative that we make difficult policy and budget decisions in preparation for disaster response and recovery.

Federal election crimes and election infrastructure security
In the United States, the election process is the way we hold government accountable and facilitate the peaceful and orderly transfer of power. Our system only works when votes are not diluted by fraudulent ballots and campaign activities are bound by the law. While individual states have primary responsibility for conducting elections, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) works to protect federal interests and prevent violations of constitutional rights. The FBI also works closely with the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) to address threats to election infrastructure and election workers. CISA provides local, state, and federal stakeholders with election security risk assessments to better manage risk and strengthen resilience in election infrastructure. CISA protective advisors provide services and resources to election officials and their private sector partners.

Involving youth in local government: The benefit of a youth advisory council
Discover the power of youth councils and academies! Join us as we explore how cities are tapping into the energy and potential of community members of all ages, including teens. Learn about the benefits of engaging community members via youth academies or councils.

Planning for deeply affordable housing
What do jurisdictions need to know to plan for and accommodate deeply affordable housing in their communities? How do jurisdictions plan for and encourage housing that the private market does not build on its own? Join the Department of Commerce to learn how local governments can plan for and accommodate housing needs at 0–50% Area Median Income (AMI) in their comprehensive plans and development regulations, including emergency housing and permanent supportive housing.

Retail crime: Current challenges and strategies to address the problem
90% of Washington cities have reported an increase in property crimes including theft, according to ’WC's most recent City Conditions Survey. Retail theft in particular is a growing and persistent concern impacting businesses large and small, and resulting in negative impacts to the local economy and quality of life. Hear from a local elected official and a representative of the retail industry about these challenges and, more importantly, what strategies can be implemented from city hall to move the situation in a positive direction.

Robert’s Rules 1: Running great meetings
City councils face special challenges during their meetings in these turbulent times. This presentation distills the best of Robert’s Rules of Order to provide guidelines, tips, and tools to run effective council meetings.

2:30 – 2:45 pm

Break
Take this opportunity for a quick break before you head into your next session.

2:45 – 3:45 pm

Concurrent sessions

Fostering effective relationships between the mayor and city clerk
The roles of the mayor and the city clerk are pivotal in the governance of a city. The mayor, elected by the community, steers the city's vision and direction. The city clerk, hired by the city, supports legislative functions, upholds regulatory adherence, and fosters openness for the public. During this session, Hear a panel of mayors and clerks will delve into the nuances of cultivating an effective relationship between these positions, share strategies for conflict resolution, and discuss the mutual understanding necessary for both roles to thrive.

The future of energy in Washington state
The state of energy production and demand is rapidly changing, and cities play various roles in ensuring Washington has a strong future in providing sustainable and reliable energy. This session will explore the current landscape, what’s coming down the pike, and city strategies.

Innovative delivery of public safety: Behavioral health initiatives
Join this panel to explore two behavioral health–focused programs that are tied to policing and public safety: the five-city Regional Crisis Response (RCR) Agency that provides behavioral health outreach in the field in North King County and the North Kitsap Recovery Resource Center, run by the City of Poulsbo, providing SUD-related services as an alternative to arrest and prosecution. Hear about the legal, financial, and political challenges of city efforts to provide behavioral health services to residents and how barriers have been overcome through partnerships, use of public and private funds, and thoughtful risk management.

Nuclear verdicts, cyber events, and other risk trends that impact insurance costs
Many natural and societal risks continue to face municipalities that need to mitigate and insure them to achieve the best possible outcomes. From natural catastrophic hazards such as earthquake, flood, and wildfire to human factors that present challenges in the form of nuclear verdicts, social inflation, cybercrime, and social unrest, they all have an impact on the insurance marketplace. Such trends are not static and have become larger and more frequent.

Robert’s Rules 2: Mastering motions
Motions are key to how councils take action at meetings, and the principles can be grasped easily. Learn how motions work using dinosaurs as props! With a correct understanding, you can become a powerful player at your meetings.

What cities should know about the EPA’s new PFAS drinking water standards
In April 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released the first-ever National Primary Drinking Water Regulation for certain per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as ‘forever chemicals.’ As these new regulations take effect, cities will need to become aware of new requirements, compliance costs, and funding opportunities to help meet the new standards.

3:45 – 4 pm

Break
Take this opportunity for a quick break before you head into the AWC Business Meeting.

4 – 5:45 pm

AWC Business Meeting
Enjoy an ice cream break and participate in your association’s Business Meeting. The agenda includes items such as the election of AWC’s Officers and Board of Directors, and adoption of the Statement of Policy. If you are a voting delegate, please plan to attend in person or online to cast your jurisdiction’s vote.

5:45 – 7 pm

Evening Reception at Esther Short Park
Join us at AWC’s private reception for appetizers, hosted bar, and live music. Dinner on your own. Guests are welcome to attend for an additional fee.

7– 10:30 am

AWC Registration Kiosk open

7:30 – 8:30 am

Networking breakfast

8 am – Noon

FEMA: National Incident Management System overview for senior officials
Elected officials and senior city management will gain vital information on their role in supporting incident management within the National Incident Management System. This course familiarizes senior officials—including, executives, elected and appointed officials, city/county managers, and agency administrators—with their role in supporting incident management within the National Incident Management System (NIMS). Attendees must attend the entire course to earn their emergency management certificate. Certificates will be mailed out within two weeks.

*Registration for this session has closed.

8:30 – 9:30 am

General session

Federal & state advocacy: How your city can be part of the process
Advocacy is a year-round job, and right now is a great time to brush up on your advocacy skills and gain some tips for navigating the campaign season. Hear an update from our partners at the National League of Cities (NLC) on the latest federal actions impacting cities, including things like rail safety, PFAS mitigation, and the federal budget. Learn how cities can be strong advocates at both the federal and state levels.

9:30 – 10:30 am

Closing general session

How to stay sane, resilient, and optimistic in uncertain times
Even when things are chaotic and we feel exhausted, the good news is that each of us has more control than we think. By using simple evidence-based techniques, we can bolster our moods, develop stronger relationships, create more meaning at work, and achieve more.

11 am

Adjourn, safe travels!