January 17, 2024

Help revise the property tax cap: Two ways to show your support
Sign on to the city letter in support of AWC’s priority bill to revise the arbitrary property tax cap. Let legislators know that cities can’t wait another generation to fix the structural gap in revenues that limits your ability to respond to community needs and meet new service demands. Then sign in or provide written testimony to show your support for the bill at the Senate Ways & Means Committee hearing on Thursday, January 18. More

The shifting landscape of public safety and criminal justice
The landscape of public safety and criminal justice has changed, and the role of cities continues to evolve. This week’s CityVoice Podcast explores AWC’s new State of the Cities report, The communities we serve: Evolving public safety & criminal justice services. Learn how cities are innovating to address their residents’ needs and shifting expectations, discover resources, and examine how it all applies to this year’s legislative session. Listen now!

Don’t miss the winter Mayors Exchange
February 22 | Olympia
Gather in Olympia to rally around issues that matter to cities, coordinate on legislative priorities, and share what’s happening at home. If you missed the chance to register for the sold-out City Action Days, this is a great way to connect with AWC and other mayors across the state. If you’ve never been to a Mayors Exchange, learn what makes them so special: watch the video and register today. Don’t miss out—we have about a dozen spots left. Note: This event is strictly limited to mayors.

Putting Cityvision on the map!
Did you know there’s an interactive map of Cityvision feature stories and mayor profiles going back to 2016? Just click on a topic of interest to see all the related featured stories, or—even more fun—zoom in and click on your city’s dot on the map to call up local articles or mayor profiles. Check it out!

Get involved! Apply to serve on a state board or advisory committee
AWC is currently recruiting city officials and select staff to serve on several state boards and advisory committees. View all opportunities or click on individual committees below for details. Apply by January 25.

• Citizens Committee on Pipeline Safety (city elected official)
• Community Economic Revitalization Board (city elected official)
• Public Health Advisory Board (city elected officials and senior staff) 
• Sentencing Guidelines Commission (city elected official) 
• Shorelines Hearings Board (city elected officials and senior staff)
• Washington State Board of Health (city elected official who is a member of a local Board of Health) 
• Washington State Enhanced 911 Advisory Committee (city elected officials and senior staff)
• Washington Traffic Safety Commission (city elected official) 

Other news & resources

Lend your voice to keep the Affordable Connectivity Program alive. More

Check out AWC’s new bill tracker to find the latest information on bills of interest to cities. More

Real estate excise tax proposal emerges for funding affordable housing. More

Two public safety and criminal justice bills introduced to provide cities with additional revenue tools. More

Take action: Federal PFAS legislation must include municipal liability protection. More

Local Infrastructure Hub to host informational webinar on January 23 about how cities can apply for charging and fueling infrastructure (CFI) grants. More

Submit a session proposal for AWC’s Annual Conference — now open through January 31. More

2024 AARP Community Challenge Grants: Attend online Q&A on January 31 and apply by March 6. More

Learn about EPA’s proposed lead and copper rule improvements and submit your comments by February 5. More

Spotlight civic-minded youth from your city with a Center for Quality Communities scholarship—nominate a student by February 8. More

Elected Officials Essentials: Your first 100 days
Cities are the governments closest to the people. Efficient and effective city governments are the foundation for vibrant communities and economic opportunities. But what makes a city and why does it matter to you? Use this high-level quick read to learn how cities in Washington function. It’s a great resource to share with constituents and legislators, too! Check it out.

AWC trainings & events

AWC: City Action Calls (AWC members only) | January 19 at 12:30 | Online

AWC: City Action Days | February 7-8 | Lacey

AWC: Elected Officials Essentials webinar series | Multiple dates | Online

AWC: Mayors Exchange | February 22 | Olympia

Other trainings & events

MRSC: Digging into public works fundamentals (Free)
January 24 | Everett
February 8 | Vancouver
March 21 | Wenatchee

ArtsFund: Community Accelerator Grant informational webinar | January 24 | Online

Critical Insight: Don't fall for it! Cybersecurity awareness training | January 26 | Online

MRSC: Using surplus public property for affordable housing | February 20 | Online

Grant Writing USA: Grant writing workshop | March 4-5 | Kent

NLC: Congressional City Conference | March 9-13 | Washington, D.C.

State Archives: Records management workshops | Multiple dates | Online

JobNet’s featured jobs get some of our highest click rates. Want to see your job posting right here in CityVoice? Check out our add-on options including premium featured listings, which get posted below.

Featured jobs:
City of Port Townsend | Director of Finance & Technology Services
City of Yakima | Water/Irrigation Engineer
City of Sammamish | City Clerk

AWC’s mission is to serve our members through advocacy, education, and services.
wacities.org | © Copyright Association of Washington Cities, 2024
Subscribe | Unsubscribe