September 9, 2020

Register today! AWC Member Expo online
October 19-23 | Online
We will always remember 2020. In the time of COVID-19, uncertainty, unrest, and the struggle for equity and equality, AWC’s Member Pooling Programs are focused on the topics that are most important to all of us. This year’s AWC Member Expo features relevant topics and engaging speakers. Each program picked just one topic, and each session is infused with the theme of resilience and moving forward. Register now! Member Expo is exclusively for members of the AWC Employee Benefit Trust, Risk Management Service Agency, Workers’ Comp Retro, and Drug & Alcohol Consortium.

New Treasury guidance for CARES CRF funds
Last week, the U.S. Treasury updated its Coronavirus Relief Fund (CRF) guidance and FAQ regarding documentation to prove an employee’s time was ‘substantially dedicated’ to responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. New language in the guidance document focuses on the use of funds to cover payroll and begins on page five. The FAQ document adds questions A.53-A.56 and revises questions A.34 and A.38. We encourage cities to review the document with their legal counsel to ensure compliance with the new guidance.

Check out our COVID-19 FAQ sheet for public employers
Now is an ideal time for public employers to examine these frequently asked questions and learn about factors to consider when reducing the risk of claims due to COVID-19. Guidance on employer responsibilities to employees in relation to COVID-19 changes often. It is important to consult with legal professionals about any questions you may have. RMSA members can contact RMSA staff for RMSA’s five steps for managing a positive COVID-19 case in your workplace.

Last call! Apply to serve on the Sentencing Guidelines Commission
AWC is recruiting one city elected official to serve on the state Sentencing Guidelines Commission. The commission promotes accountability and equity in adult and juvenile sentencing, provides information about sentencing, and recommends improvements in the criminal justice system. Learn more and submit an application to AWC by September 13.

Washington ranks second in 2020 Census self-response rate 
Washington state is tied for second place with Wisconsin at a 71.5% self-response rate for the 2020 Census! The Census Bureau also reports that it has accounted for another 24.7% of Washington households. This means a total of 96.2% of households in the state have been counted to date. Nonresponse follow-up work will continue over the coming weeks from the Everett, Olympia, Seattle, Spokane, and Tacoma Area Census Offices. Even with these stellar response rates, we encourage cities to continue community outreach to ensure that every Washington resident is counted in the 2020 Census.

Other news & resources

CDC imposes eviction moratorium on residential rental properties. More

JLARC extends 2019 public records reporting deadline to September 25. More 

Brace for impact
The pandemic downturn in local economies imperils city budgets, staff, and services. Read more in this article from the latest issue of Cityvision magazine.

AWC training & events

Mayor as CEO (morning) | September 17 | Online

Mayors Exchange (afternoon) | September 17 | Online

Wellness Planning Forums | Multiple dates | Online

AWC Member Expo online | October 19-23 | Online

Cities on Tap | Multiple dates | Online

AWC Annual Conference – Recorded sessions | On demand | Online

Other trainings

Short Course on Local Economic Development (presented by Planning Association of Washington) | September 18 | Online

Grant management workshop (presented by Grant Writing USA and Washington CJTC) | September 22-23 | Online

MRSC: First Amendment considerations for local governments: Protests, petitions, social media, and signs | September 23 | Online

RuraLead Northwest Learning Journey (presented by Rural Development Initiatives) | Multiple dates | Online

MRSC: PRA deep dive – Law enforcement records | October 2 | Online

Washington Association of Public Records Officers – 2020 Virtual Fall Conference | October 15-16 | Online

2020 Infrastructure Assistance Coordinating Council (IACC) Conference | October 20-22 | Online

Solve your hiring needs. Strong candidates. Great jobs. Low cost. Check out AWC JobNet today!

Featured jobs:
City of Shoreline | Budget and Tax Manager
City of Kelso | Senior Engineer
City of Bellingham | Systems Process Analyst

AWC’s mission is to serve our members through advocacy, education, and services.
wacities.org | © Copyright Association of Washington Cities, 2020
Subscribe | Unsubscribe