OLYMPIA — Mayor Terri Cooper of Medical Lake has been elected to the board of directors of the Association of Washington Cities (AWC). The election was conducted by city leaders from across Washington state during AWC’s annual conference in Kennewick, Washington, held from June 24-27, 2025.
The AWC Board of Directors is the association’s governing body. The board is comprised of 25 directors, 23 of whom are mayors or city councilmembers from Washington cities or towns, and two non-elected city officials representing the Washington City/County Management Association.
“I’m honored to join the AWC Board of Directors and represent the voices of smaller cities like Medical Lake,” said Cooper. “I look forward to working collaboratively with leaders across the state to strengthen our communities, advocate for shared priorities, and ensure that every city and town—regardless of size—has the tools and support needed to thrive.”
AWC CEO Deanna Dawson welcomed Mayor Cooper’s election to the AWC Board of Directors. “Mayor Cooper’s thoughtful leadership and deep commitment to public service are a tremendous asset as we work together to strengthen Washington’s 281 cities and towns,” said Dawson.
Cooper has over 25 years of municipal government experience, including 17 years as a court commissioner, and has served as mayor since 2022. She is actively involved in regional leadership through the Spokane County Law & Justice Commission, Washington State Emergency Management Committee, Spokane County Steering Committee of Elected Officials, Spokane County Broadband Action Team, and as chair of the Spokane Regional Broadband Development Authority Broadlinc Governing Board. Her commitment to community service includes founding roles in Cheney Youth Court, Cheney Therapeutic Court, Eastern Washington Court Management Group, Re*Imagine Medical Lake, and the Spokane Region Long Term Recovery Group.
More than 500 officials representing 162 cities and towns across Washington attended the AWC Annual Conference to learn about issues critical to the success of cities. Attendees participated in over 45 educational sessions on topics ranging from legal roles and responsibilities to budgeting, infrastructure planning, collaborative leadership, our state’s economic outlook, emerging technologies and more.
Founded in 1933, Association of Washington Cities (AWC) is a nonprofit corporation that represents Washington’s 281 cities and towns. AWC’s mission is to build connections between Washington state’s diverse cities and towns, while providing their members with the support needed to thrive through delivery of data-driven education, nationally recognized pooling programs, and nonpartisan advocacy. Membership is voluntary; however, AWC consistently maintains 100% participation from Washington’s 281 cities and towns.
A complete list of AWC Board of Directors is available on the association’s website.