The 2020 session is finally here!

For about six months now we have been talking to you about the 2020 session—and it’s finally here! The 2020 session kicks off on January 13 and runs for 60 days to March 12. Fun fact: the Legislature doesn’t take any days off during the session—they work through the holidays (MLK and Presidents’ Day) and even some weekends. 2019 was unusual because the Legislature actually took a snow day off in February during Olympia’s “Snowmageddon.”

The start of session also means that we resume sending out this Legislative Bulletin weekly. Watch for it on Mondays for relevant updates on city issues—including things we need you to do. We also occasionally send out “Action Alerts” for particularly hot and urgent issues.

This year we are launching our AWC Advocacy 2020 app. For those of you who have used our event app, the advocacy app is based on the same application, but offers expanded information and up-to-date notifications about legislative action. Don’t have it on your mobile device? Get it here.

2020 State of the Cities report

We are excited to announce the release of our research findings in the 2020 State of the Cities report.

The report uses data, research, and trends to examine conditions in Washington’s 281 cities. One key finding: cities are taking on more responsibilities with fewer resources than ever before.

As the economic hubs of the state, cities play an important role in the health of Washington. But, as the report outlines, cities are struggling to meet the basic needs of their communities while facing new challenges and service needs.

The State of the Cities research report is revisiting a project first conducted by AWC in 2005. Fifteen years later, the new report reflects current fiscal conditions, costs, and emerging service challenges in our cities and towns. 142 cities contributed to the report by responding to a survey on major issues and challenges facing cities. We want to thank the cities that helped us with this effort by completing our City Conditions Survey and providing feedback.

Please take some time to review the 2020 State of the Cities report and share it with your community and your legislators. Stay tuned to our media channels in the coming weeks as we share information from the report in a variety of ways.

Register now for City Action Days January 28–29

City Action Days (CAD) is a great opportunity to join nearly 400 city officials in Olympia during the short 60-day session. CAD will kick off on Tuesday, January 28 with a General Session at 2:30 pm followed by Governor Inslee at 3 pm. Our ever-popular legislative reception will be Tuesday evening at 5:30 pm. On Wednesday morning we will hear from key legislators before heading to the hill. Register soon as space is limited.

City voices matter

This is the time to reach out to your legislators—while you may not always be able to connect with them in person, look for other opportunities. Send them an email, set up a time for a quick phone call (or just leave them a message), and make it a point to attend their town hall meetings.

Don’t underestimate your power to influence outcomes in Olympia. Legislators listen to and value your perspective. It doesn’t have to be complicated—just give them the kind of input you’d like to receive in your role as a city leader.

If you come to Olympia, stop by our offices! We love to see our members and AWC is conveniently located near the Capitol Campus if you need a quiet spot to plug in or grab a cup of coffee.

Please do not hesitate to give us a call or email us any time with your questions or comments. We look forward to seeing you and working on behalf of cities this legislative session and beyond.