November 6, 2019

Thank you, mayors and councilmembers!
Election Day has come and gone. Regardless of the results, we extend our sincerest thanks to all of you who have served to make your city or town a better place to live, learn, work, and play. We thank you for your time and talent, and your commitment and dedication to your city or town.

Looking for ways to get involved in AWC? Deadline approaching!
Help AWC set policy and provide advice on programs and services. AWC is seeking volunteer applicants for the following: Equity Workgroup, Nominating Committee, Small Cities Advisory Committee, State and Federal Policy Committee, and Temporary Bylaw Review Committee. Deadline for applications is November 13. Find more information about specific qualifications and how to apply.

Applications to serve on state councils due November 8
AWC is recruiting candidates for the following three state councils:

• Forensic Investigations Council
• Emergency Management Council
• Active Transportation Safety Advisory Council

Seeking city leader feedback on PFML rulemaking
The Employment Security Department (ESD) has released draft rules impacting the new Paid Family Medical Leave law. Currently the law states employers must continue employer-paid health insurance if required by the federal Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA). ESD’s draft regulations would require employers to continue paying for health insurance for employees meeting FMLA requirements (employed for 12 months and worked 1250 hours in the last year), even after FMLA leave has been exhausted. If these rules are adopted, city employers could be required to pay employee health insurance for up to 30 months.

Cities can provide feedback by leaving a comment on the rulemaking portal or by attending the public hearing at 9 am on November 26. Visit the PFML website for more details including public hearing call-in information.

Labor & Industry rates
The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) announced their average proposed rate change for the 2020 rates will be a 0.8% decrease. While L&I's announcement of rate changes has been good, and sometimes great for the statewide average, the rate change was generally worse for city and county budgets. 2020 is no different. The 2020 rate change for police and sheriffs is the first double-digit increase in more than a decade. AWC will reach out to L&I to get more information about the law enforcement injury data that drove this need for a double-digit increase and see if there are ways we can work with the department to reduce increases in the future.

Gang Repression, Intervention and Prevention (GRIP) Project
The Department of Children, Youth & Families (DCYF) is seeking proposals for the administration of effective criminal street gang reduction, prevention, and intervention programs to youth and their families. Successful bidding coalitions will have a documented history creating and administering relevant programs and will be comprised of nonprofit, nongovernmental, and local governmental entities. Work is expected to begin on or about January 1 and be completed by June 30, 2020. Deadline for proposals is November 14, 2019. More

Grant funding offered for fish passage projects
The Fish Barrier Removal Board (FBRB) is soliciting proposals for grant funding for fish passage projects statewide and in designated priority watersheds. Funding is intended to leverage fish passage investments that have been made by the Washington Department of Transportation, forest industry, local governments, and other entities by funding barrier corrections near or in coordination with other fish passage investments. Proposals for either planning/design projects or for restoration/construction will be considered. Visit FBRB for more information about this grant program. Deadline for submittal is January 15, 2020.

Sign up for AWC’s Initiative 976 webinar
With over 300,000 votes still left to count, it appears as if Initiative 976 will pass. To prepare for its potential passage, AWC will hold a webinar on Nov. 22 to explain the impacts and requirements of the new law. Sign up now!

Open Data Portal – Exploring the election

Visit our new city election dashboard to see who won in local elections across the state, along with data on voter turnout and demographics.

Paid Family and Medical Leave – Is your organization ready?
November 20 | Webinar
This year, Washington employers began paying premiums for the new paid family and medical leave law. Beginning in 2020, benefits will be available to employees. With the new law comes new and complex requirements for employers. Explore the details of the new law, dive deep into new requirements for employers, and discuss practical considerations and options for modifying existing policies. Attendance is limited to individuals that represent the interests of management. Register now!

Election results are in! Tell newly-elected officials to attend Elected Officials Essentials
December 7 | 11 locations
With Election Day behind us, now is the time to invite your newly-elected (and experienced) mayors and councilmembers to attend Elected Officials Essentials. This AWC workshop covers the most critical legal and functional responsibilities of local elected office including basic legal obligations and liabilities, and statutory roles and responsibilities. Register now!

Guidance on registration and payment options for incoming elected officials
Cities should confirm with their legal counsel that the city can cover the cost of this training for an incoming elected official prior to their taking office. Reach out to incoming elected officials in your jurisdiction to explain registration and payment options, including:

• The city registers and pays for incoming elected official; or
• The incoming elected official registers, and may be allowed to request reimbursement (in accordance with the city's policy).

If you have questions, please confirm with your city's legal counsel.

Census 2020: Ready, set, count!
December 13 | Webinar
In March 2020, communities across the nation will take part in the 2020 Census. With over $600 billion in federal funding and grant money on the line, cities across Washington have already begun preparing to ensure their community will be accurately counted. Join AWC for a webinar to learn about new resources and insights on how the 2020 Census can benefit your city. This webinar is for elected officials, city administrators, and other city leaders. Register now!

AWC's JobNet is the place for cities and towns to post job openings. Prices for AWC JobNet ad postings vary based on AWC membership. Cities get job postings for as low as $35 and Associate Members for as low as $70 when purchased as a 10-pack. Great jobs. Strong candidates. Low cost.

Featured jobs

City of Stevenson | Deputy Clerk-Treasurer II

City of Walla Walla | Director of Development Services

City of Fife | City Engineer

AWC’s mission is to serve our members through advocacy, education, and services.
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