March 27, 2024
CityVoice Podcast: AWC CEO Deanna Dawson on women in leadership
As our celebration of Women's History Month wraps up, don’t miss this engaging interview with Deanna Dawson, AWC’s first woman CEO, as she discusses her path to city service, what motivates her work, and the challenges and rewards of being a woman in a leadership position. Listen to the interview on the latest CityVoice Podcast.
Register now: Hijacked by hate speech 
April 5 | Online
In the past year, many city council meetings have had their public comment periods disrupted by “Zoom-bombers” spewing racist, homophobic, and antisemitic rhetoric. In this forum, members will have a chance to discuss how their cities are balancing free speech with protecting the public from hate speech and ensuring that all members of the public feel safe to attend and participate in council meetings. Register today. This event is exclusively for elected officials from AWC member cities and towns.
GMA planning 101: Elected officials’ role in comprehensive planning
April 18 | Online
Join us for the third of our seven-part Elected Officials Essentials webinar series to gain a practical overview of land use planning in Washington state. Understand your roles and responsibilities as your city plans for growth, learn how to prepare, update, and implement your city’s comprehensive plan under the state’s Growth Management Act (GMA), and discover tools and resources to help you along the way. Register now.
Don’t miss the featured speakers at LRI
May 8-10 | Yakima
AWC’s Labor Relations Institute is the premier training event for public sector human resources professionals in Washington. Catch this year’s featured speakers to explore forward-looking topics such as AI, risk management, and civil rights with Rachel See, as well as how emerging technologies can enhance social justice and equality with Matt Scherer. Register today! Optional materials binders are available upon registration through April 19. Note: Attendance at the Institute is limited to those who solely represent the interests of management. Please keep this in mind when forwarding this announcement to others on your staff who might be interested.
Cityvision feature: A tale of two small cities
Small cities differ from their larger urban counterparts in a lot more than just size. Rural enclaves like Raymond and White Salmon represent “the historical and cultural bedrock of American life.” Mayors Dee Roberts and Marla Keethler—both elected to be “At-Large” small city representatives on AWC’s Board of Directors—reflect on the challenges and opportunities of small city governance. Read (or listen to) this Cityvision feature story.
Deadline approaching: Apply by April 8 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 Nominating Committee’s page to find out which district positions are open, see who is running, and learn about Board responsibilities and qualifications. Apply by April 8.
Other news & resources
The 2024 AWC Salary and Benefit Survey is now open. Contribute your city's data to this important tool today! More
AWC requests your input: How would the WSBA’s new standards for indigent defense caseloads affect your city’s court operations and budgets? More
U.S. Supreme Court issues important decision impacting elected officials and use of social media. More
Department of Justice publishes letter reminding state and local officials of their land use planning decision obligations under the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act. 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
Applications opening soon: $148 million in infrastructure funding available from Public Works Board. 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
Final reminder: If you took office on January 1, 2024, be sure to complete your open government training by March 30. Check out this training option from AWC. More
WSDOT requests public comment on Amtrak Cascades service development plan to improve rail service; submit input by April 18. More
Ecology requests public comment on environmental impact statements for hydrogen facilities; submit input by April 18. More
Federal Highway Administration is accepting nominations through June 7 for 2024 Build a Better Mousetrap, a national competition highlighting transportation innovations. More
Elected Officials Essentials: Your first 100 days
Earn your CML through AWC eLearnings
Anytime | Anywhere
AWC’s Certificate of Municipal Leadership (CML) program recognizes mayors and councilmembers for accomplishing training in five competency areas. Gain the knowledge you need to effectively operate within the law, plan for the future, secure and manage funds, foster strong relationships, and work to build more equitable communities. Find live trainings and webinars on our upcoming events page—and be sure to explore AWC’s eLearning library for a wide variety of on-demand options you can use to earn your CML on your own schedule.
AWC trainings & events
AWC: Hijacked by hate speech (City elected officials only) | April 5 | Online
AWC: 2024 Legislative Sesson recap (AWC members only) | April 11 | Online
AWC: Elected Officials Essentials webinar series | 2024 dates | Online
- 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
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
RMSA: Law enforcement pursuit law update | April 30 | Online
AWC: Labor Relations Institute | May 8-10 | Yakima
RMSA: Public Records Act—What you need to know | May 14 | Online
Other trainings & events
SAO: Introduction to State Auditor’s annual filing system | April dates | Online
MRSC: Public Records Act basics & more—Virtual workshop | April dates | Online
MRSC: Municipal Finance Bootcamp 2024 | June 11-13 and 25-26 | Yakima and virtual
MRSC: Municipal Finance Bootcamp 2024 | July 16-18 and August 6-8 | Spokane and virtual
State Archives: Records management workshops | Multiple dates | Online
NLC: Webinars and events | 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 Yakima | Water/Irrigation Engineer
City of Bellingham | Court Director
City of Renton | Human Resources Manager
AWC’s mission is to serve our members through advocacy, education, and services.
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