February 21, 2024

raised hands State budget proposals invest additional funds in housing, behavioral health, and other city priorities
The recently released House and Senate supplemental budget proposals focus on housing, climate change, law enforcement, and behavioral health. The House supplemental operating budget proposal is $72 billion, while the Senate operating budget proposal is $71.7 billion. For more information on city budget impacts, read our update and budget matrix. More

Ethics 101: Local decision-making and ethics essentials
March 21 | Online
Join us for the second of our seven-part Elected Officials Essentials webinar series. The mayor and council have separate powers, but the line between policy and administration isn’t always clear. Learn about the laws that help leaders prevent conflict, build trust in your city, and work together more effectively to accomplish your community’s goals, including government policymaking, local decision-making powers, and ethics rules. Register for Ethics 101, then check out the rest of the series!

Register for the 2024 Legislative Session recap webinar
April 11 | Online
Join the AWC Government Relations team for a full recap of city-related issues from the 2024 Legislative Session. AWC’s lobbyists will provide an overview of the outcomes of AWC’s legislative priorities, summarize the impacts of passed legislation on cities, and talk through the adopted state budgets. Stay to the end to learn how to make the most impact during the legislative interim in preparation for 2025. Register now!

City Action Days logo Building resilience through DEIB pandemic response efforts: Examples from seven local jurisdictions
AWC’s Benita Horn reflects on diversity and resilience with help from the cities of Spokane, Kirkland, Auburn, Shoreline, and Vancouver, as well as the Washington State Patrol and the Port of Seattle. Horn discovered that the work to achieve DEIB became more vital as cities responded to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, which in turn furthered the resilience of our communities. Read more in this Cityvision article.

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 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

Transit-oriented development bill is amended as it passes the next hurdle. More

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

Under the IRA, cities can monetize energy credits through an elective pay provision—registration is now open. More

The Town of Malden celebrates its new municipal building, a symbol of recovery after the devastating wildfire in 2020. More

Listen to DOJ’s new “Justice Today” podcast on employing mental health clinicians to improve police outcomes. More

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

The Bureau of Justice Assistance is kicking off the FY 2024 funding season with grants to help communities address chronic and emerging criminal justice challenges. More

Commerce opens Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates (HEAR) Program to provide funding for local governments to establish or expand incentive programs for the installation of high-efficiency electric equipment. More

Apply by March 1 for a Local Records Grant from the Secretary of State. More

ARPA reports are due April 30—Take steps now to prepare. More

Elected Officials Essentials: Your first 100 days
Ask the experts: Legal Q&A with MRSC and AWC
Those who attended AWC’s Elected Officials Essentials Workshop know that the liveliest parts of the day were the legal scenario discussions and question-and-answer sessions, hosted by multiple municipal attorneys. Because there were more questions than the attorneys had time to answer, we've selected some to share, along with the responses from a few stalwart legal experts. (As always, consult with your city attorney to get advice specific to your city.)

AWC trainings & events

AWC: City Action Calls (AWC members only) | February 23 at 12:30 | Online

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

AWC: 2024 Legislative Sesson recap | April 11 | Online

Other trainings & events

PIEP : DNR’s Community Wildfire Resilience Team: Roles, programs, & resources | February 27 | Online

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

PDC: Understanding the F-1 Personal Financial Affairs Statement | March 14 or on-demand | Online

U.S. DOE: Energy code enforcement challenges and opportunities in rural communities | March 21 | Online

MRSC: PRA deep dive: Personnel and employment records | March 26 | Online

State Archives: Records management workshops | Multiple dates | Online

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Featured jobs:
City of Yakima | Planning Manager
City of Stanwood | Finance Analyst
City of Pacific | Community Development Director