July 29, 2020


Congress debates more coronavirus relief – No help for cities in Senate proposal
On July 27, Senate Republicans introduced an initial proposal for the next round of federal coronavirus relief. Referred to as the HEALS Act, unfortunately the proposal does not include additional funds for state and local governments. With the release of the bill, negotiations between the Senate, House, and administration are beginning with the hope of passing Congress before the August recess. AWC issued a statement urging federal lawmakers to include additional fiscal support for local governments in the act.

CARES-act-CV-art-072920Six takeaways from the CARES Act update from Commerce and the Auditor’s Office
AWC recently hosted a webinar with representatives from the Department of Commerce, the State Auditor’s Office (SAO), and three local mayors. Mayors shared how their cities are using CARES Act funds to support their communities, while Commerce and the SAO provided guidance and tips on how to properly use and track the use of CARES Act funds. Check out these six quick takeaways from the presentation, then watch the full recording if you missed it!

REAL 101 and 102: Understanding and advancing racial equity in local government Certificate of Municipal Leadership program
August 19 & September 16 | Online
AWC has partnered with the National League of Cities (NLC) to strengthen local government leaders’ knowledge and capacity to eliminate racial disparities, heal racial divisions, and build more equitable communities. Join us for a special two-part webinar series to gain an overview of the history and impacts of institutional and structural racism in America, a shared language for exploring racial equity, and an introduction to racial equity tools. Space is limited – register today!

Eviction moratorium extended through October 15
Governor Inslee announced an extension of the eviction moratorium through October 15 as COVID-19 continues to impact the finances of Washingtonians. The extension makes minor clarifications to existing restrictions, such as clarifying that law enforcement may serve eviction orders that are based on a court's findings, as listed in the proclamation. It also creates a workgroup to help inform potential changes to the moratorium in the short and long term, if needed. The workgroup is specifically asked to consider how future extensions could address options to increase rent.

0720WildfireTipsScreenshotWildfires triple the usual number this year
Public Lands Commissioner Hilary Franz said that Washington has seen nearly triple the usual number of wildfires already this year. AWC Risk Management Service Agency (RMSA) recommends that entities put proper mitigation procedures in place, develop or review emergency plans with local/county fire departments, and inform the public of their responsibility to prevent wildfires from starting or spreading. Watch this video for tips to reduce wildfire risks to your property before a wildfire starts. RMSA members can also access RMSA’s wildfire risk management guide.


ballot-box-icon-75PDC guidelines for election season
Next week’s August 4 primary election kicks off the fall election season, with a number of state and local elections on the ballot. Elected officials and city staff should understand Public Disclosure Commission (PDC) restrictions on the use of public facilities and guidelines for elections before participating in election activities. AWC’s summary of PDC guidelines is a good place to start.


AWC training & events

REAL 101 & 102: Understanding and advancing racial equity in local government | August 19 & September 16| Online Certificate of Municipal Leadership program

Municipal budgeting & fiscal management workshop | August 20 | Online Certificate of Municipal Leadership program

Mayor as CEO (morning) | September 17 | Online Certificate of Municipal Leadership program

Mayors Exchange (afternoon) | September 17 | Online Certificate of Municipal Leadership program

AWC Annual Conference – Recorded sessions | On demand | Online Certificate of Municipal Leadership program

Other trainings

NLC: City strategies to support homeless and at-risk residents in light of COVID-19 | July 30 | Online

MRSC: COVID-19 budgeting strategies (Part 2) – Revenue forecasting under COVID-19 | August 4 | Online

MRSC: Making your job easier with MRSC's services | August 12 | Online

MRSC: The ins and outs of online permitting & plan review | August 18 | Online


JobNet-logoOver 1,200 individuals have set alerts so they can view your new posting the moment it's made. Post your jobs on AWC JobNet today! Job seekers can also see your jobs highlighted on social media. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!

Featured jobs:
City of Issaquah | Transportation Engineering Manager
City of Longview | Parks Maintenance Manager
City of Mill Creek | Chief of Police


Other news & resources

OPMA & PRA emergency proclamation update. More

MRSC publishes 2021 Budget Suggestions to help cities and counties with budget development. More

Reminder: Complete the Tax and User Fee Survey before July 31! For help, contact Maggie Douglas.

FEMA issues new guidance on duplication of benefits. More

State & Local Legal Center publishes 2020-21 Supreme Court Preview for Local Governments. More

New vital records law to change requirements for ordering birth and death certificates beginning January 1, 2021. More

HartBeat of Main Street grant program helps small businesses respond and adapt to COVID-19. More


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