March 20, 2024
City outcomes for the 2024 Legislative Session
The legislative session adjourned earlier this month after an intense 60 days of work. Great progress was made in several high-priority areas for cities. Read about the pros and cons of the Legislature’s action on our four priorities and other significant issues. For more details on what’s next and what it means for your city, register for our legislative session recap webinar on April 11.
Work begins soon to update AWC’s Statement of Policy
AWC’s Statement of Policy is the foundational policy guidance that drives our legislative work. We review the Statement of Policy every four years to identify areas potentially in need of an update—2024 is one of those years. The work will kick off in April, led by a committee of city officials from across the state. If you aren’t familiar with this policy document, please review it and share any feedback you’d like the committee to consider by Monday, April 8.
Collective wisdom: Navigating the shift from campaigning into governance
From the campaign trail to city hall, city leaders bring a wealth of new ideas, perspectives, and collaborations to their roles. But the transition to elected office is sometimes difficult to navigate—which is where the wisdom of experienced local electeds can be invaluable. Catch the Spring 2024 issue of Cityvision for stories of lessons learned and insights shared from Washington’s cities—large and small.
Healthy Worksite Summit thrives
More than 350 attendees from across the state recently gathered for the Healthy Worksite Summit—presented by the AWC Employee Benefit Trust—to network and discover how to create healthy workplaces where employees are connected and thriving. Hear from our keynote speaker, Jessica Grossmeier, who discussed the loneliness epidemic, social connections, and well-being in this KIRO 7’s Healthier Together featured segment, sponsored by Regence BlueShield. Want to learn more about how to support a healthy workplace? Save the date for next year’s Healthy Worksite Summit, March 12-13, 2025.
Washington city leaders go national
AWC Board leadership and nearly 100 city officials from Washington state ventured to Washington, D.C., last week to attend the National League of Cities Congressional City Conference and meet with members of Washington’s congressional delegation. Check out AWC’s social media channels for highlights. Don’t follow us? Now is a good time to start! Find us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter).
Interested in running for the AWC Board of Directors? Learn more and apply!
March 26 | 2-3 pm | Online
Have you considered running for the AWC Board of Directors, but aren’t sure what serving on the Board entails? Join current AWC Board members and CEO Deanna Dawson for an informal Q&A to get answers, learn about Board member roles and responsibilities, and find out how to apply and run for a position. Mark your calendar and register now.
The AWC Nominating Committee is calling for applications for even-numbered AWC Board districts through April 8. Members of the AWC Board play a critical role in AWC’s success—learn how you can join in this important work.
Other news & resources
AWC requests your input: How would the WSBA’s new standards for indigent defense caseloads affect your city’s court operations and budgets? More
Update to lead service line replacement funding issue: IRS fixes flaw in federal tax code. More
U.S. Department of Transportation announces historic $3.3B for locally-led projects that reconnect communities as part of President Biden’s Investing in America Agenda—Seattle and Tacoma are among the awarded projects. More
U.S. Supreme Court adopts new test to determine when “state action” occurs for public officials’ social media use. More
Need help with public defense costs related to drug possession cases? The Washington Office of Public Defense has funds remaining to award to local governments. 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
Coming soon! The 2024 AWC Salary and Benefit Survey is scheduled to launch the week of March 25. Check out our tips to make sure your city is ready. More
Reminder: March 30 is the deadline for new elected officials who took office on January 1, 2024, to complete open government training. Here’s an option from AWC.
Commerce launches a second round of funding for the Industrial Site Readiness grant program, to expand the state’s portfolio of project-ready industrial sites and incentivize private investment. Apply by May 15. More
Apply by April 12 for third-round funding of AWC’s Alternative Response Team Grants. More
The sign-on deadline for the Johnson & Johnson opioid settlement is May 11. Read an update on this and other opioid settlements. More
JLARC’s public records reporting system is open for 2023 data reporting through July 1. More
Elected Officials Essentials: Your first 100 days 
What is a City? An overview of Washington cities’ functions and services
Looking to understand the basics of how cities operate? This eLearning module examines forms of government, public policy, budgeting, city services, and more. It’s a great resource for new city staff and elected officials—and for sharing with community members, teachers, and others. (City elected officials who complete this eLearning will earn 1 credit toward their Certificate of Municipal Leadership in the roles, responsibilities, and legal requirements competency area.)
AWC trainings & events
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: Hijacked by hate speech | April 5 | Online
AWC: 2024 Legislative Sesson recap (AWC members only) | April 11 | Online
D&A: Drug & alcohol supervisor training | Multiple dates | Multiple locations
AWC: Small City Connectors | Multiple dates | Multiple locations
- April 24 | Napavine
- May 2 | Roslyn
- May 9 | Medical Lake
AWC: Labor Relations Institute | May 8-10 | Yakima
Other trainings & events
MRSC: PRA deep dive: Personnel and employment records | March 26 | Online
MRSC: Annual Financial Reporting Webinar Series—Report Year 2023 | March 27 & 28 | Online
MRSC: Public Records Act basics & more—Virtual workshop | April dates | Online
RDI: Regards to Rural conference | April 19-20 | Kennewick
State Archives: Records management workshops | Multiple dates | Online
NLC: Webinars and events | Multiple dates | Online
Check out this quick video to see how AWC JobNet connects you with the most qualified job seekers for public service!
Featured jobs:
City of Yakima | Public Works Safety & Training Coordinator
City of Moses Lake | Fire Marshal
AWC | Research Assistant
AWC’s mission is to serve our members through advocacy, education, and services.
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