On February 10, more than 30 mayors and executives
from across the state met in Olympia for the first in-person gathering in two years to gain ideas and insights into the unique role of mayor. The event was sold out, so if you were unable to attend—you’ll want to know these five things
we learned together. And don’t forget to check out the photos from the event!
- The pandemic has shaken up every aspect of the economy—predictions abound
Washington’s Chief Economist, Dr. Steve Lerch, presented his fascinating and expert take on the state of the state’s economy and where it could be headed. We saw several charts exploring trends in employment, wages, spending, inflation, new business, real estate, and more. The popular economic indicators included questions from our audience about the labor force, supply chains, and inflation. Dr. Lerch said that
consumer goods (supplies) are down, demand is up, and that the supply chain shortages brought on by the pandemic are expected to self-correct soon. Similarly, inflation is predicted to rise a bit more this year, then peak and decline closer
to pre-pandemic levels (2-2.5%) starting next year. Dr. Lerch cautioned that while he cannot predict the future, there’s one area that might continue to see impacts because of changing demographics. Our aging population and stagnating
birth rates mean that employers are likely to continue to struggle to fill vacancies and attract workers.
- Mayors want cities included in the new transportation package
We welcomed the Chairs of the Transportation committees who crafted the recently released transportation package,
Sen. Marko Liias and Rep. Jake Fey. Cities appreciate the significant work that went in to formulating the 16-year $16.8 billion package. While it includes investments into state preservation and maintenance needs, investments at the local level
are minimal. As former city leaders themselves, the two legislators acknowledged cities’ needs and echoed the plight of cities as we seek funding to handle our own $20-$28 billion backlog to maintain and improve our transportation assets over the next ten years. They shared that they wanted the package to be larger and more encompassing of the entire transportation network, but they were working with limited resources. The mayors
in attendance reiterated that they would like more to be done to include cities in the package.
- When it comes to emergency management—All disasters are local
Washington is the fourth-most disaster-prone state in the country. The state’s Emergency Management Director, Robert Ezelle, knows that cities are on the
front lines when it comes to disasters and emergencies. It’s the effectiveness of local respondents and elected officials who are in the hot seat when an emergency strikes. You can prepare by taking a bottom-up approach and engaging the
community and local leaders before a disaster happens; because the success of an emergency response begins well in advance of an event. It’s important that local leaders carefully and thoughtfully plan—the landscape of disaster is
increasing at a rapid clip, including floods, fires, mudslides, climate, cybersecurity, and so much more. Emergency management is a critical function of government, and one that should never take a back seat during down times.
- Statewide solutions can’t solve local problems
During the state legislative update, given by AWC Government Relations Director Candice Bock, we learned about a host of legislative priorities and hot topics that impact cities.
One of the big items AWC has been working on this session is the Legislature’s recent proposal to dramatically remake the way cities plan for growth and density. Cities do a lot of zoning and land use planning—the Legislature does
not. That’s one reason legislators need to keep hearing from city leaders. Cities have the experience and know-how that can impact these important decisions at the state level. One of our most effective tools in the toolbox is our home rule authority to make local decisions that best fit the communities’ needs. When it comes to state interference, cities instead ask to be at the table, involved in meaningful stakeholder engagement, and given tools and resources to make those smart decisions
close to home.
- These are generational moments
Mayor Andy Ryder gave us a good reminder: As we continue to navigate the ups and downs of the pandemic life, we should give ourselves grace. Everything is different right now and the expectations
for all aspects of our lives as community members and city leaders has changed. It’s important to remember to take time for yourself, take a deep breath, and give yourself space and understanding. This experience we are living right now
is generational. Remember this as you navigate the world as a community leader working to solve the problems of the day. You’re doing the best you can with what you’ve got, and that’s great!
