While the ink is barely dry on the bills signed into law from the 2022 session, AWC is preparing for the 2023 session. We already began last month by asking city officials to share their ideas for 2023 city priorities with us. Thanks to everyone who participated
in that survey. Those suggestions will be shared with AWC’s Legislative Priorities Committee at its May meeting. We will keep you posted on the committee’s work as they meet through the spring and summer.
On a related note, last week the Board Executive Committees from both AWC and Washington State Association of Counties met in-person for the first time since 2019. The main topic of discussion was our partnership on legislative issues. The two associations
committed to continuing to work collaboratively and look for issues so that we can closely partner on a joint agenda in 2023.
Pictured left to right – AWC President Kent Keel, WSAC Second Vice President Lisa Janicki, AWC Vice President Rob Putaansuu, WSAC Immediate Past President Michael Largent, WSAC President Jamie Stephens, WSAC First Vice President Mary Kuney, AWC
Secretary Betsy Wilkerson, AWC Past President Ed Stern
Campaign season kickoff
2022 is a legislative election year with all of the House seats and half of the Senate seats up for election this fall. Several current legislators have already indicated that they aren’t planning on running for re-election or are running for a
different seat. Redistricting also created some changes. This week is filing week, where we will find out what the field will look like for the election season.
Candidates
for legislative office often ask city leaders for support and or endorsements. Keep the rules in mind that govern your involvement in campaigns and elections. And remember: Your support is valuable – it’s worth the effort to make sure
that any candidate you support or endorse understands the needs and priorities of your community. This is a good opportunity to educate candidates on your community.
Your support is valuable – it’s worth the effort to make sure that any candidate you support or endorse understands the needs and priorities of your community.
Legislative wrap-up webinar
Did you miss our legislative recap? If so, don’t worry! You can check out our recent recording whenever you’d like.
If you have any questions about bills, please feel free to reach out and ask anyone on our team.
Advocacy is a year-round job – invite your legislators to share their own recap
Now is a good time to invite your local legislators in to provide your council with a legislative recap. If you have already done that, another good advocacy tool is to schedule a tour and invite your legislators to view key projects in your community.
