OLYMPIA — Mayor Terry Carter of Bonney 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.
“I’m honored to join the AWC Board of Directors and represent the cities and towns of Pierce and Thurston counties,” said Carter. “I look forward to collaborating with leaders from all across the state to strengthen our communities, advocate for shared priorities, and ensure that every city and town has the tools they need to succeed.”
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.
AWC CEO Deanna Dawson welcomed Carter’s election to the AWC Board of Directors. "Mayor Carter’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.
Carter was appointed mayor in 2024, having previously served two years as Deputy Mayor and six years on the Bonney Lake City Council. He has served the wider region on the Pierce County Regional Council and Puget Sound Regional Council. A 25-year law enforcement veteran, Carter serves full-time as a Lieutenant at the Pacific Police Department. His community service includes serving as a Boy Scout Troop Master, White River Recreational Soccer Coach, and a volunteer at GoodRoots Northwest (Bonney Lake Food Bank).
Carter has earned AWC’s Advanced Certificate of Municipal Leadership and serves on AWC’s Legislative Priorities Committee. He also completed the Washington Collaborative Elected Leaders Institute training program.
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.