We're closing out 2019 with our famous top ten AWC highlights from this remarkable year. Read about our most exciting achievements and celebrations. Thanks for working with us to move the needle for cities. We look forward to working alongside 281 strong cities and towns again in 2020! Happy New Year!
10. Cities use the power of pooling
Cities embrace the power of pooling by using AWC’s Member Pooling Programs: Employee Benefit Trust, Risk Management Service Agency (RMSA), Retro Program,and D&A Consortium. There is power in pooling!
9. Cities led boldly in the 2019 legislative session
The Legislature adjourned in April with several positive outcomes for cities. The 2020 session starts January 13—check out AWC’s 2020 legislative priorities.
8. AWC adopts strategic plan
To enhance and strengthen our current leadership position, we have committed to do even more. In 2019, the AWC Board of Directors adopted the AWC strategic plan.
7. GIS Consortium highlights seven projects
2019 saw a year of great projects completed for the GIS Consortium's 27 city and special district members. Read a sampling of the GIS and data solutions that helped GIS Consortium members increase internal efficiency, boost community engagement, and improve the delivery of services to Washington residents.
6. The CityVoice Podcast launches
AWC joined a growing trend in 2019 by launching our very own podcast for cities! Listen to past episodes to hear conversations on legislation, city management, city priorities, and more. Season 1 is a wrap—thanks for tuning in! Look for Season 2 kicking off in AWC’s CityVoice newsletter on January 8.
5. Washingtonians went to the polls
City officials are well aware that 2019 was an election year. How was voter participation across cities and towns? What was the outcome for local ballot measures? Check out our data map to find out!
4. City leaders tapped into education in 2019
This was a huge year for education! More than 500 city leaders converged on Spokane in June for AWC’s Annual Conference. Throughout the year, 38 elected officials earned their Certificate of Municipal Leadership (CML). And AWC rebranded and relaunched our Regional Meetings as Cities on Tap, a fun and informal fall event where city officials gathered to connect and share stories. Stay tuned to AWC’s website for upcoming events in 2020.
3. AWC welcomes more than 400 new elected officials
More than 400 new elected officials will be joining the city family as a result of the November election. On December 7, AWC hosted more than 300 elected officials—many of whom are new mayors and councilmembers—with Elected Officials Essentials (EOE) at 11 locations throughout the state. Participants learned about their roles and responsibilities, basic legal obligations, and much more. Check out our resources for new elected officials.
2. No rate increase for Trust Regence/Asuris plans
0% rate increases are the best kind of rate increases. The AWC Employee Benefit Trust announced that there will be no rate increase on Regence/Asuris plans and many others for 2020. Plus low increases on Kaiser plans.
1. Our members make Washington cities thrive!
Our number one spot is saved for you, AWC member! Thanks for all the hard work you did this year to keep cities strong. We literally couldn’t have done it without you. Let’s keep working in 2020 to ensure that everyone knows that strong cities make a great state!