February 14, 2024

raised hands AWC loves Washington cities!
Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to say how much we love and appreciate all of our cities. Each city and town adds something unique and valuable to our state. Washington wouldn’t be as great without each and every one of you, from Anacortes to Zillah! Thank you for being a valued part of our city family.

CAD2024 City Action Days—a full house of powerful city voices
AWC held an energizing City Actions Days conference last week, with a large group of newly elected officials in attendance. We were proud to host 250 members for a variety of great panels, discussions, and a visit with Governor Inslee as he prepares to wrap up his final term in office. Check out a video and photos of your colleagues. If you couldn’t join us, don’t worry, AWC’s Annual Conference in Vancouver, WA, is just around the corner!

City Action Days logo Permanent fixtures: Leavenworth plans a more resilient tourism future
Steeped in Bavarian charm and picturesque against its mountainous backdrop, Leavenworth had long been an enticing destination for visitors. Then the COVID-19 pandemic threatened the town’s vibrant tourism industry. To keep the industry alive and promote social distancing during the pandemic, Leavenworth converted Front Street into an outdoor dining hall and pedestrian mall; the temporary street closure proved so popular it ultimately became permanent. Read more in this Cityvision article.

AWC & AG briefing: J&J opioid settlement
February 28 | Online
Cities that are eligible to sign on to the new opioid settlement with Johnson & Johnson are invited to join AWC and the Attorney General's Office for a webinar to learn more about the settlement and how to sign on before the May 11 deadline. Register now.

raised hands Are you passionate about strong cities? Apply to serve on the AWC Board of Directors
The AWC Nominating Committee is calling for applications for even-numbered positions on the AWC Board of Directors. Check out the Committee’s page to read its first report, see which district positions are open, and learn about Board responsibilities and qualifications. Apply by April 8.

Other news & resources

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

Sign on now: Keep the Affordable Connectivity Program funded. More

Contact your Congressmember: Support fixing a flaw in lead service line replacement funding. More

Building trust during polarizing times: How local government can help dispel misinformation, reduce polarization, increase engagement, and maintain a healthy, engaged democracy. More

Learn from Bend, Oregon’s winning strategy for federal infrastructure grants. More

Attend a state archives webinar on applying for a Local Records Grant on February 20 and apply by March 1. More

Water Research Center is hosting a free webinar series, starting February 22, to share how the research of their 2022-23 seed grant recipients is informing work on Washington’s water-related challenges. More

Apply by March 24 for the David Bohnett Leaders Fellowship—an intensive executive education program aimed at developing a strong cohort of LGBTQ+ public officials. More

Commerce will open capacity-building planning grant cycle for local government energy conservation projects soon—apply by April 1. More

ARPA reports are due April 3 —Take steps now to prepare. More

Wellness health image Elected Officials Essentials: Your first 100 days
State of the Cities reports
AWC’s State of the Cities research reports examine the fiscal conditions, policy issues, and service challenges of the 281 cities in Washington state and communicate the links between the health of cities and the state’s economic health. Find relevant data and research on topics ranging from public safety and infrastructure to housing and home rule. Start exploring now!

AWC trainings & events

AWC: City Action Calls (AWC members only) | February 16 at 12:30 | Online

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

AWC: AWC & AG briefing: J&J opioid settlement | February 28 | Online

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

AWC: Elected Officials Essentials webinar series | 2024 dates | Online

March 21: Ethics 101
April 18: GMA planning 101
May 16: Finance 101
September 12: Social media 101
October 17: Tribal government relations 101
November 7: Human resources 101

Other trainings & events

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

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

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

MRSC: Digging into public works fundamentals | March 21 | Wenatchee

Lake Stevens: Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification course | Thursdays March 26 to May 21 | Lake Stevens

State Archives: Records management workshops | Multiple dates | Online

Looking to fill a key position? JobNet is a great place to recruit new talent. Post your job openings on AWC JobNet today.

Featured jobs:
City of Toppenish | Police Captain
City of Walla Walla | Facility Maintenance Supervisor
City of Anacortes | Finance Manager