February 28, 2024

raised hands AWC comparison of state budget proposals
Now that the legislative budget proposals have been heard in their respective committees, they’re passing off the floor of the House and Senate as budget leaders negotiate a final version of each budget. Compare AWC’s preferred provisions in the House and Senate proposals, then be sure to communicate city budget priorities to your legislators in the final days of the session. On the go? Listen to the latest CityVoice Podcast for a discussion of state budget proposals and how they may impact cities.

Congratulations, 2024 WellCities!
This year, 117 Trust members have earned the WellCity distinction by making an outstanding commitment to employee health. Each 2024 WellCity receives a 2% discount on their AWC Employee Benefit Trust medical premiums in 2025. The rewards of a healthy workplace can be felt across the organization and have a positive impact on the community. Find out who earned the 2024 WellCity distinction and how your city can become a WellCity, too.

City Action Days logo Eight takeaways from our legislative update to mayors last week
It was great to have nearly 50 mayors from around the state come to Olympia last week for AWC’s Mayors Exchange. The day was full of meaningful discussion, networking, and important updates on the legislative session as well as the six pending initiatives to the Legislature. Read our top takeaways from this fun and informative event—and be sure to check out the photos!

City Action Days logo Common cause: The cities of Aberdeen and Hoquiam demonstrate how partnership can keep floodwaters at bay
With its flat topography and the second-largest river drainage system in the state, the Chehalis Basin on Washington’s coast has always been prone to flooding. What were once 100-year floods, however, are becoming ever more common. This prompted a coalition of state agencies, conservation districts, nonprofits, tribal governments, and local governments to create a collective long-term approach to building infrastructure designed to bolster flood resiliency. Read this story from Cityvision.

Small cities unite! Register for a Small City Connector
April 24 | Napavine
May 2 | Roslyn
May 9 | Medical Lake

It's time to connect: Join your fellow small city and town leaders from across the state for an evening of food, in-person networking, and discussion. Small City Connectors provide you with a unique opportunity to focus on the roles, concerns, and voice of small cities while you meet with peers, share your best practices, and discuss common challenges. Register today.

Other news & resources

Are you passionate about strong cities? Apply to serve on the AWC Board of Directors. More

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

Three of the six initiatives to the Legislature have had hearings this week in joint House and Senate committee meetings—the others will likely head directly to the November ballot. More

Third funding round of AWC’s Alternative Response Team Grants opens March 11. Register for an information session on March 7. More

Learn about local emerging contaminants projects funded through Clean Water State Revolving Fund dollars at EPA’s March 13 webinar. More

Seattle City Light invites your utility staff to an in-person workshop on the EPA’s new water infrastructure decision-making tool on March 21. Check out the event flyer and agenda for more information.

Commerce still has funding available to help cities and counties plan together for their lowest-income housing needs. Apply by March 29. More

$67 million available for Community Decarbonization Grants from Dept. of Commerce; apply by April 5. More

Federal grant opportunity offers resources to support first responders training, administering, and distributing naloxone and other FDA-approved overdose reversal medications and devices. Apply by April 15. More

USDOT’s Safe Streets and Roads for All FY 2024 grant is open for applications; apply by April, May, or August. More

WSDOT Local Programs opens calls for projects for the Pedestrian & Bicycle Program and Safe Routes to School Program.

Clean Buildings Tier 2 incentive program kick-off postponed to June; see the new workshop dates and sign up. More

Wellness health image Elected Officials Essentials: Your first 100 days
Don’t miss AWC’s Mayor & Councilmember Handbook—an indispensable reference guide for mayors and councilmembers in Washington cities and towns. Learn about the job of a mayor and councilmember, as well as budget basics, council meetings, ethics, and more.

AWC trainings & events

AWC: City Action Calls (AWC members only) | March 1 at 12:30 | 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

AWC: Small City Connectors | Multiple dates | Multiple locations

April 24 | Napavine
May 2 | Roslyn
May 9 | Medical Lake

Other trainings & events

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

RDI: Regards to Rural conference | April 19-20 | Kennewick

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 Yakima | Associate Planner
City of Marysville | Water Quality Supervisor
City of Liberty Lake | Public Works Director