Top 10 things we learned at the 2022 fall Mayors Exchange

In mid-September, more than 40 mayors gathered in the beautiful Tri-Cities to network, share resources, and learn from each other.

Read the top 10 things we learned:

1. You are not alone
   Making decisions on behalf of your community can be difficult. But you don’t have to do it alone. Time spent together is invaluable for making connections with other elected officials and sharing successes and challenges of being an effective local leader. Check out one of AWC’s many upcoming events to cultivate your own connections this fall.
2. Social media takes careful strategy
   Create a clear strategy and engagement plan for your social media channels. Making posts that engage your community won’t happen on its own. Take the time to decide who you are talking to and what you want them to know. Write down a plan that includes public records compliance and share it with others who are involved with social media. A careful strategy will help you communicate better with your community.
3. Take the next step to operationalize DEI
   What does it take to operationalize diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI)? It starts with intentional efforts to keep the conversation moving. It also takes year-round efforts to evaluate and improve programs and practices through a DEI lens. As one example, many cities are taking steps to elevate Title VI programs on city websites that include methods for filing complaints.
4. Hiring and retention is a major challenge at city and town halls
   All over the country, employers are experiencing labor loss and a tight hiring market. Cities are not immune—it’s tough right now for cities and towns to fill staff vacancies. Cities particularly struggle to compete for talent because they may be unable to offer incentives such as hiring bonuses.
5. Many cities are experiencing growing pains
   The state population is growing at a fast rate and many of those residents choose to settle in cities. Further, the pandemic shifted where people choose to live, with some communities experiencing population “Zoom booms” of residents who can work from home. Communities that want to grow or need to accommodate new residents are struggling to keep up with the infrastructure needed to support it.
6. Sustainability is not just about the environment
   Cities are facing economic stressors such as crime, transportation, and traffic issues. Sustainability is about considering the entire picture of your individual city and determining your best course of action at the local level, while bringing partners along the way. When you determine what conditions are both sustainable and unsustainable in your community, you can work toward solutions—by focusing on proactive long-term planning and preparation.
7. Collaboration is key
   Develop relationships with your councilmembers outside of chambers to build a stronger bond for the whole community. Something happening in your city does not stop at the city limits. Be proactive when reaching out across the community to engage partners on a shared issue.
8. Cities are eager to address housing
   Every city is struggling to address housing in their communities that is available, affordable, and accessible. Cities know that one size does not fit all. Cities are working with their communities to evaluate local circumstances and develop and implement specific housing action plans. Cities are looking for a strong state partnership to help address the complex issue with a holistic approach.
9. It’s more important than ever to engage our youth
   We need to invite the next generation to serve their communities at city hall. Cities should cultivate strong relationships with youth to build our bench of future public leaders. Look for youth partnership programs in your community and intentionally invite young minds to the table. They will remember those inclusion efforts as they choose a future career path. Learn how AWC engages young leaders via Center for Quality Communities scholarships.
10. Economic development is a long-term vision
    Success in spurring robust economic development often requires a long-term vision and commitment. Changes often take more than a typical term of office to transpire. Develop your vision and invest in it. Additionally, pay attention to the nuts and bolts—an easy-to-navigate permitting system can go a long way to building bridges with business, builders, and developers.