Schedule

8 am – 7 pm

AWC Registration Kiosk open

9 – 10:15 am

New officials' breakfast (by invitation only)
Newly elected officials are invited to join AWC CEO Deanna Dawson and AWC Board leadership for a breakfast to welcome newly elected city officials.

10:15 – 10:45 am

Networking break

10:45 am – Noon

Early start session: Dos and don’ts to keep council meetings running smoothly
For most, representing your community as a councilmember is an honor of a lifetime. But serving as local elected officials is a group sport requiring teamwork among the electeds and staff. A well-organized and well-run city council meeting allows for business to be completed efficiently, enhances transparency, builds trust and respect, and lessens confusion and opportunities for later polarization on issues.

Noon – 1 pm

Networking lunch

1 – 2:15 pm

Early start session: City hot topics roundtable discussion
City officials are called upon to address a myriad of issues in their communities, from infrastructure funding to affordable housing to climate action. Join AWC staff and your city colleagues for a roundtable discussion of these critical issues, where you can share ideas and resources and learn about related legislative proposals.

2:15 – 2:30 pm

Break

2:30 – 3:30 pm

Early start session: Advocacy Academy
As an elected official, it’s your job to make sure legislators know your city’s needs. Catch this overview of the legislative process and learn how to make the best use of your time when advocating for cities. Understand how to navigate the state legislative process, what information and tools are available to you from AWC, and how you can make a difference at the state level.

3:30 – 3:45 pm

Break

3:45 – 5 pm

Opening session & talk to your lobbyists
AWC President Betsy Wilkerson, AWC CEO Deanna Dawson, and AWC Government Relations Director Candice Bock welcome attendees to kick off the 2024 City Action Days!

5:15 – 7 pm

Legislative Reception
This popular legislative reception provides an opportunity to network with legislators, state agency representatives, and fellow local officials. Remember to personally invite your legislators to this fun event and consider connecting with them afterwards for dinner and more discussion.

7 – 8:15 am

Networking breakfast

8:30 – 8:40 am

Welcome: Strong cities, great state address

8:40 – 9:30 am

Panel discussion: Hear about city issues from legislators who come from local government
Every year, the state makes dozens of decisions that impact cities from a policy and financial sense. Join a conversation with some key legislators who were previous city and county elected officials, learn how they are working to address important city issues, and hear their perspectives on major proposals of the legislative session that matter to cities.

9:30 – 10:30 am

State forecast and budget overview
Hear about the state's budget from the Director of Washington’s Office of Financial Management, get an overview of the state’s revenue forecast from Washington’s new Chief Economist, and examine how the forecast and budget are related.

10:30 – 10:50 am

Networking break and seated by 10:50 am for Governor’s arrival

11 – 11:30 am

Governor's fireside chat
AWC welcomes Governor Jay Inslee to talk with city leaders about his legislative agenda for the year and how it intersects with city issues.

11:30 am – 12:15 pm

Hot topics with your lobbyists
Join AWC’s team of lobbyists as they share issues that matter to you and your colleagues.

12:15 – 1:15 pm

Networking lunch

1:15 – 2:15 pm

Panel discussion: State action to address law enforcement recruitment and retention
Join a discussion with Criminal Justice Training Commission (CJTC) Director Monica Alexander to learn about the CJTC's new regional academies, perspectives on the challenges around law enforcement recruitment and retention, and what CJTC is asking of the 2024 Legislature.

2:15 – 2:30 pm

Closing remarks
That’s a wrap for City Action Days! Safe travels home and remember to register for our Friday lunchtime City Action Calls.

2:15 – 5 pm

Hill climb and Capitol Campus tours beginning at 3 pm
Please join us on the Capitol steps (weather permitting) for a group photo at 3:30 pm.