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Save your city’s spot in the Parade of Flags at Annual Conference – Sign up by June 16

May 30 2025
Cityvoice Podcast: Advocating for your city outside of legislative session

May 30 2025
Homelessness issues generate significant debate, ultimately not much action

May 29 2025

The most impactful policy debate on homelessness that happened in 2025 ended with the legislature declining to advance a concerning bill dealing with local regulation of public spaces.
Missed the 2025 legislative session recap? Watch the video

May 29 2025
City members: Find out the latest on federal actions and how they impact cities

May 28 2025
Housing affordability and supply continues to be a focus, but are we focusing on the right parts of the problem?

May 27 2025

The 2025 legislative session replicated many themes of recent sessions as it relates to promoting and supporting housing availability and affordability.
2025 Legislative session recap

May 27 2025

Join the AWC Advocacy Team for a full recap of city-related issues from the 2025 legislative session. AWC’s team of advocates will provide an overview of the outcomes on AWC’s legislative priorities, summarize the impacts of passed legislation on cities, and talk through the adopted state budget.
(CML: Effective local leadership; 1 credit)
Environmental policy changes highlighted by producer responsibility for packaging law

May 27 2025

Culminating many years of work, the Legislature finally passed a comprehensive producer responsibility system for consumer product packaging in 2025.
A busy but ultimately quiet year on land use and building code issues

May 27 2025

After several years of constant changes to city Growth Management Act (GMA) responsibilities, the Legislature mostly took a pause on changing the rules of the road regarding comprehensive plans in recognition that there is no longer time to incorporate those into the current planning round without significant disruptions.
CDBG and HOME funds at risk in federal budget – sign on to NLC’s letter of support

May 27 2025

The President's FY2026 Budget Proposal recommends eliminating the Community Development Block Grant Program and the Home Investment Partnership Program.
Cannabis bills get some legislative action – But none that impacts cities

May 27 2025

The Legislature did not pass any significant changes to the state’s cannabis laws.
Budgets and revenue were the main attraction in 2025

May 27 2025

The main focus of the 2025 session was the biennial budgets and the projected $16 billion funding shortfall over the next four years.
General government bills get some airtime in 2025, but few pass the finish line

May 27 2025

The session was light on general government bills in 2025, as the state’s budget concerns dampened the desire to pass bills with significant fiscal impacts.
A busy year for HR & labor relations legislation, a slow one for pensions

May 26 2025

2025 was an active year for HR and labor relations issues, though ultimately a quieter one on pensions.
A slow year for open government legislation

May 26 2025

While AWC supported several amendments to the Public Records Act this year, only one managed to make it through the legislative process.
Emergency management for sheltering with pets

May 26 2025

A new emergency management law will require cities and counties to update their response plans to identify where people can take shelter alongside their pets, whether in the same area or under the same roof.
During a busy session for public safety funding ideas – One comes out on top

May 26 2025

The Legislature came out of the gates fast in 2025 with a slew of bills aimed at both public safety funding and policy issues, but only a handful ultimately passed.
World Cup fever nets new libations law in Washington

May 26 2025

The economic development realm was fairly quiet this session; however, the excitement around the impending World Cup brought lawmakers together to finally allow for libation zones in Washington state.
Session ends with some small but solid wins for human services

May 26 2025

Co-response programs saw some significant wins this session with new funding, renewed funding, and an official definition for “co-response.”
Strong stakeholder work results in funding and policy wins for local infrastructure and procurement

May 26 2025

The 2025 legislative session was mostly positive for AWC’s public works and infrastructure priorities given the state’s fiscal challenges, with cities’ advocacy playing a key role in helping to keep intact ongoing funding for the Public Works Assistance Account (PWAA).

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