10 things we learned at City Action Days

We welcomed 300 city officials and staff on February 10 and 11 to connect online and share important city issues with colleagues and state legislators. While we missed seeing everyone in person, it was a productive and informative event. Read these 10 things we learned at City Action Days:

1. Legislators recognize the power of local elected officials
   During the city champions panel, we welcomed legislators from the House City Champions Caucus to share their insights on the city and state partnership. They offered great tips on how cities can continue engaging with the Legislature and made it clear that they appreciate hearing from local elected officials. As one city champion noted, “You are elected by your community and we respect that and give power to that. Tell us what your community issues are. We want to hear those stories and work together.”

2. Budget leaders are intent on getting the state’s economy running smoothly
   Our budget leaders from the House and Senate said their top priorities include supporting recovery from the COVID-19 recession, getting schools open, and creating affordable housing. They noted that if Congress passes additional federal funding, it won’t happen until at least mid-March. This means that state legislators working on the budget won’t be able to plan for additional funds. Finally, budget writers mentioned the difficulty of passing a final two-year budget amid uncertainties around expected caseload expenditures. For example, some children who were unregistered for school during the pandemic will likely re-enroll in the fall, after the state budget has passed.

3. Transportation budget leaders understand cities’ needs
   House Transportation Chair Rep. Jake Fey and Ranking Minority Member Rep. Andrew Barkis joined City Action Days for the transportation panel. The leaders from both parties shared their agenda and expressed support for several city priorities, including an increased focus on maintenance and preservation. The House and Senate will continue their efforts to strike a deal on a final transportation revenue package.

4. Gov. Jay Inslee wants to keep an open communication line with cities
   Gov. Inslee joined us over lunch to update cities on the current economic and public health situation in Washington. He recapped the state’s efforts to get a handle on the COVID-19 pandemic and stressed the need for the federal government to ramp up vaccine production and distribution so that we can vaccinate Washington’s residents faster. The Governor acknowledged that the decisions he faces can be painful and recognized that local elected officials face similarly difficult choices. When AWC President Soo Ing-Moody asked how cities could help, he said that keeping an open line of communication between the state and its cities was key.

5. Legislators value community engagement in police reform efforts
   Reps. Debra Entenman, Jesse Johnson, and Jacquelin Maycumber joined us for a roundtable discussion about police reform and their goals for this legislative session. Rep. Johnson shared how his police reform bills came together through both community outreach and input from law enforcement officers. Rep. Maycumber spoke to the need for community policing in our cities, and Rep. Entenman reminded us that our voices are important in the ongoing police reform discussions. To hear more from these legislators and their thoughts on community policing, officer accreditation, and supporting local law enforcement, check out the latest episode of our CityVoice Podcast.

6. There is hope for the Public Works Trust Fund
   Budget leaders addressing cities indicated they would not be hasty to dip into the Public Works Assistance Account, also known as the Public Works Trust Fund. Recognizing that this was short of a promise and that anything could still happen, cities made it clear that the funding is critical for infrastructure upgrades, especially for mid-sized and smaller cities. The budget writers acknowledged that investment in the historic program is also beneficial to the state.

7. Small cities bring big voices
   Small cities showed up and made sure that legislators heard about the acute needs of their communities. Among the many small city issues raised were broadband access, transportation funding equity, public works upgrades, and helping small businesses during COVID-19.

8. Cities embrace the value of partnerships for local housing
   After hearing about the many housing incentive bills proposed to the Legislature this year, cities gathered at the housing roundtable to share local stories. Some cities are seeing progress through partnering with NGOs, businesses, and counties to address the need for facilities to serve those who are unhoused. Auburn, Long Beach, Yakima, and Vancouver all shared exciting news of facilities created through partnerships to serve veterans, youth, families, and individuals.

9. Cities support local economic development
   City officials gathered in one of our popular roundtable events to share tips and ideas on local economic development in Washington’s cities and towns. Even before the pandemic, cities were working to support economic development and growth in their communities. These efforts are more challenging than ever given the economic fallout from the public health crisis. Cities are rolling up their sleeves to help local businesses, looking for more state tools to increase programs, and pushing to get their communities thriving again.

10. Networking is magic
    Some of the best aspects of gathering for a conference in person are the spontaneous opportunities to network and share ideas. While it’s decidedly more difficult to generate those interactions online, city officials gathered at our remote networking session for some laughter and awe during a Zoom magic show. They created even more networking magic throughout breakout rooms. We appreciate our cities’ willingness to connect online and we look forward to the day when we can see everyone in person again.