January 24, 2024

City Action Days logo Sign the letter supporting AWC’s priority to revise the arbitrary property tax cap by Jan. 25
The deadline has been extended to sign the city letter in support of SB 5770, AWC’s priority legislation to revise the arbitrary property tax cap. If you haven’t already, fill out this form to add your signature to the letter no later than Noon on January 25. We need a strong showing of city support to make a difference. Watch this video to learn more about the bill and see highlights of mayors and councilmembers giving testimony in support.

Register for Healthy Worksite Summit today!
March 13-14 | Lynnwood
AWC’s Healthy Worksite Summit is the Northwest’s premier training event dedicated to health promotion and wellness programs. With excellent keynote speakers and sessions delivered by industry experts, you’ll learn ways to create a workplace where employees are connected and thriving. Check out the agenda and register by February 23 to receive early bird pricing.

AWC 101: An overview of your association
February 14 | Online
Join CEO Deanna Dawson for AWC 101, the first of our seven-part Elected Officials Essentials webinar series. Whether you’re already an active member or brand new to AWC, you’re sure to learn something new in this lively Q&A. Explore the wide range of services and resources AWC offers you and your city—from education, research, and networking to legislative advocacy and member pooling programs. Register for AWC 101, then check out the rest of the series.

Cityvoice podcast logo Talking ‘bout an evolution: Sumner models resiliency to meet the needs of its residents
When the City of Sumner founded its Sumner University community outreach program more than two decades ago, the goal was to give residents a better understanding of local government via a series of classroom sessions and behind-the-scenes tours of city facilities. As Sumner’s community engagement process evolves, the city is focused on increasing touchpoints and taking city initiatives directly to residents. Read (or listen to) this Cityvision story.

raised hands Final call! 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

Stay current with AWC’s new bill tracker to find the latest information on bills of interest to cities. More

AWC’s legislative priority fact sheets now available with bill numbers. More

U.S. Supreme Court will hear Ninth Circuit’s Grants Pass homeless case. More

Enter Jurassic Parliament’s "How to Be a Good Mayor" contest to win prizes. More

Maintaining audit timeliness is a team effort between SAO and local governments. More

Watch this informative, five-minute video for newly elected officials, courtesy of the Maine Municipal Association. More

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

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

Remember to nominate local student leaders for the Center for Quality Communities scholarship by February 8. More

State Recreation and Conservation Office has altered scoring to make competitive recreation grants more accessible to all communities. Learn more and sign up to attend a February 14 application webinar. More

Wellness health image Elected Officials Essentials: Your first 100 days
Newly elected survival guide
You were elected to serve your constituents, but if you’re new to the role, it can feel daunting. New council members—and even current ones—can be overwhelmed with the rules that meetings follow, including special dialogue, procedures, and handling public conflict.

This recorded webinar from Jurassic Parliament provides the tools, insights, and tips you need to participate actively from day one, based on key concepts from Robert’s Rules of Order.

AWC trainings & events

AWC: City Action Calls (AWC members only) | January 26 at 12:30 | Online

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

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

AWC: Mayors Exchange (Join wait list) | February 22 | Olympia

Trust: Healthy Worksite Summit | March 13-14 | Lynnwood

Other trainings & events

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

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

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

MRSC: The OPMA – Common challenges and practical considerations | February 29 | 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

Enhance your efforts to find great talent—make JobNet part of your recruiting strategy!

Featured jobs:
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