April 3, 2024

Washington State capitol building Learn about 2024 Legislative Session outcomes
Thanks to the efforts of all who worked together with AWC to advocate for cities, we made great progress in several high-priority areas in the latest legislative session. Wondering how things turned out?

Read a high-level overview of outcomes on AWC’s four priorities and other significant issues.
Read session recap articles for each policy area.
Check AWC's bill tracker for final updates on specific bills.
Register for our 2024 legislative session recap webinar on April 11.
Find ideas for continuing your city advocacy through the legislative interim.

Who’s on the latest CML honor roll?
Congratulations to all of the mayors and councilmembers who have recently earned their core or advanced Certificate of Municipal Leadership (CML). Our CML trainings provide city elected officials with knowledge in five key competency areas to help you become the most effective leader possible. Curious how close you are to earning your CML? You can track your progress online anytime!

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, including development of our annual legislative priorities and agenda. 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 begin in April, led by a committee of city officials from across the state. Please review this policy document and share feedback you’d like the committee to consider by Monday, April 8.

Tell us how you like our new bill tracker
This year, we implemented a new bill tracker tool to better assist cities in following legislation and engaging with the legislative process. We’d love to hear about your experience with the tracker, how you used it, and if it enhanced your ability to engage during the session. Please take a few minutes to provide your input and help us improve the tool. Take the survey.

AWC RMSA: Law enforcement pursuit law update
April 30 | Online
The rules regarding police pursuits in Washington have been constantly changing over the past few years, making it difficult for officers to know what they can and cannot do. AWC’s Risk Management Service Agency (RMSA) invites law enforcement officers, elected officials, and select city staff to learn about the current state of Washington law, understand the legal standard for police pursuit litigation, and prepare to defend claims and lawsuits arising from pursuits. Register now.

AWCboardrecruitmentbrochure24 Final call: Apply by April 8 to serve on the AWC Board of Directors
There's still time to apply 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

Help shape AWC’s 2025 legislative agenda: Complete this survey to share ideas for the Legislative Priorities Committee to consider. More

The 2024 AWC Salary and Benefit Survey is open through May 3. Contribute your city's data to this important tool today! More

AWC sends letter to Washington Supreme Court on Proposed Public Defense Standards. More

Attend the Office of Public Defense's budget development listening sessions to share your input on public defense, including proposed caseload standards, and the kinds of funding you would like to see in the future. Join on April 22 or May 10.

MRSC explores how local governments can support the growth of diverse childcare options in their communities, and what role planners can play in this process. Check out Part One and Part Two of this blog series.

What local leaders should know about the Affordable Connectivity Program wind-down. More

Looking for strategies to help manage difficult public meetings? Check out these tips from MRSC. 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

Commerce extends deadline through April for new housing planning grant program. More

USDA opens application cycle for the Revolving Funds for Financing Water and Wastewater Projects program. Apply by May 1. More

WaTech’s State & Local Cybersecurity Grant Program accepting applications through May 10. More

CityVision cover Elected Officials Essentials: Your first 100 days

Cityvision: Your source for city stories and inspiration
Even the most experienced city officials benefit from learning about the successes and challenges faced by their colleagues in other cities. Cityvision magazine features city stories, spotlights city leadership around the state, and is sure to both inspire and delight readers in cities large and small.

Check out the current issue on collective wisdom, browse the Cityvision archives, and explore this interactive map of Cityvision stories by city, region, and topic, going all the way back to 2016.

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

USDN: Inflation Reduction Act Elective Pay: Learn how to claim and receive payment | April 18 | Online

MRSC: Apprentice utilization requirements and prevailing wage reporting | April 24 | Online

MRSC: Successfully managing change in the workplace | May 16 | Online

State Archives: Records management workshops | Multiple dates | Online

NLC: Webinars and events | Multiple dates | Online

Did you know? 1,200+ individuals have alerts set so they can view your new posting the moment it goes live. Post your jobs on AWC JobNet today!

Featured jobs:
City of Chelan | Community Development Director
City of Wenatchee | Director of Public Works
City of Sequim | Director of Community and Economic Development