Mayors from across the state convened in Olympia on February 12 for a sold-out Mayors Exchange. During the always-popular event, attendees got the latest updates from the Capitol, heard from legislators and peers, and shared their news from home. Here are six things we learned.
- Budgeting is not a last-minute operation. Money was on everyone’s mind—and in particular, the lack of it. Olympia Mayor Dontae Payne helped kick off the day with a reminder that building a sustainable budget takes time and a lot of planning. “We’re all having very difficult times right now with municipal budgets,” Payne said. “Start looking at your budgets earlier.”
- Legislators are important partners. While cities are feeling the pressure of budget shortfalls and declining revenues, the state is feeling its own pressures. “I truly understand the collaboration we need between the state, counties, and cities,” said Sen. Manka Dhingra (D-Redmond). “It’s a tough budget year. We have to all work together.”
- Having a vision matters. Mayors play a key role in charting their city’s future. “Having a vision gets you out of reaction mode and allows you to be more responsive to the true needs of your city,” said Marysville Mayor Jon Nehring. “Remember, if you don’t define the vision of your city, there are a lot of people who will step in and do that for you.”
- Communication is part of the job duties. In today’s changing media landscape, mayors must proactively communicate with and on behalf of their cities. “You need to set the parameters of the conversation. Even if you’re doing great on your priorities, if you can’t communicate about them, it doesn’t matter,” said Natasha Jones, partner with Engaged Public Affairs. “Whenever you deliver for your city, let them know.”
- Advocate early and often. While it’s important to be engaged during the legislative session, your representatives should know how you feel about an issue before they step foot inside the Capitol. “Once session starts, the arrow is already flying through the air,” said Rep. Josh Penner (R-Orting), a former mayor himself. “The best time to make a policy better is before the legislative session starts. That requires a good relationship with your legislators.”
- Piecing together the funding puzzle takes strategy. You have to be strategic when it comes to funding your infrastructure projects. The better your strategy is, the more successful you will be. “You need to tell a compelling story,” said Port Orchard Mayor Rob Putaansuu. “Know your audience, and craft your message to your project.”
Check out the video below to hear what attendees had to say about their experience. And don’t forget to mark your calendar for the fall Mayors Exchange, coming up October 23!