Association of Washington Cities

Session is only the tip of the iceberg!

While the legislative session is often the most visible aspect of advocacy work, vital work happens during the interim period between legislative sessions, too.

Check out AWC’s new advocacy iceberg for advice on what you can be doing to advocate for your city or town now—and see all of the work going on under the surface.

https://wacities.org/advocacy/News/advocacy-news/2024/08/12/session-is-just-the-tip-of-the-iceberg

Join us for the fall Mayors Exchange in Ellensburg!

Connect with fellow mayors to share insights, experiences, and best practices. Enjoy a welcome reception and walking tour on October 3, followed by a full day of learning on October 4.

Register today—exclusively for current mayors!

https://wacities.org/events-education/upcoming-awc-events/events-details?ID=2631

🚨 Don’t delay! The hotel deadline for AWC’s Member Expo is fast approaching on September 6!

Join us in Chelan on October 9-10 for a premier conference designed exclusively for AWC Member Pooling Programs. Network with peers, dive into trends, prevention, safety, and hear inspiring keynotes on workplace mental health and longevity. Secure your spot and book your stay now to maximize your member benefits.

Register today!
https://wacities.org/events-education/conferences/member-expo

Join us for the next EOE webinar: "Social Media 101" on September 18! 📱

Learn what elected officials need to know about social media, public record laws, WA public meeting laws, and the First Amendment.

Don't miss out – register now!

https://wacities.org/events-education/upcoming-awc-events?filter=EOE

Could online shopping mean the end of potholes? 🚗

In this episode of the CityVoice Podcast, we chat with AWC Government Relations Advocate Brandy DeLange about the transportation budget and the challenges of sustainable funding in Washington. With new sources on the table, this conversation is a must-listen!

Tune in to discover more. 🎧

https://wacities.org/data-resources/cityvoice-podcast

Congratulations to our very own Deanna Dawson, AWC CEO for receiving the inaugural Academy Champion Award from the Northwest Women’s Leadership Academy! 🎉

We’re proud to see Deanna recognized for her dedication to mentoring and empowering women in local government.

Good morning from AWC staff! We’re taking part in at AWC headquarters. Let’s see yours?!

Organized by Engaging Local Government Leaders, City Hall Selfie Day brings together thousands of public servants and community members every year to celebrate local government and recognize the work of public servants in our community.

You can participate, too! Start by taking a selfie in front of a city hall, library, or other local government building, and posting the photo to social media with the hashtag . And don't forget to tag AWC, too!

We’re getting ready for City Hall Selfie Day on Aug. 15 — and you’re invited!

What is City Hall Selfie Day?

Organized by Engaging Local Government Leaders, it’s a yearly celebration of public service
when people around the world gather in front of city halls, libraries, and other local government buildings to show community pride.

To participate, just snap a selfie in front of a local government building and use on your post. And don't forget to tag AWC, too!

AWC welcomes Selah City Administrator Rich Huebner to the AWC Board of Directors.

“Rich brings a great energy and enthusiasm to his work every day. That, along with his professional perspective as a statewide leader among city managers and administrators, will make him an outstanding addition to the AWC Board,” said AWC CEO Deanna Dawson. “I look forward to building on his leadership in WCMA to strengthen the link between city leaders at all levels.”

https://wacities.org/about-us/media-center/news/2024/07/02/selah-city-administrator-rich-huebner-appointed-to-the-association-of-washington-cities-board-of-directors

AWC welcomes back Mayor Marla Keethler of White Salmon to the AWC Board of Directors.

“Serving on the AWC Board is an opportunity to bring a voice from a unique location in the state and share the perspective of a small, rural city that is navigating many of the same challenges that our larger or more centrally located Washington cities are dealing with,” says Keethler. “What I value most about being part of AWC is the opportunity to learn from examples in other communities and connect with other local leaders.”

https://wacities.org/about-us/media-center/news/2024/07/03/white-salmon-mayor-keethler-elected-to-the-association-of-washington-cities-board-of-directors

AWC welcomes back Mayor Dee Roberts of Raymond to the AWC Board of Directors.

“I understand the struggles that small cities face, from failing infrastructure to unfunded mandates,” says Roberts. “I am passionate about finding solutions to these challenges, and I know that AWC is a great partner to small cities in our efforts.”

https://wacities.org/about-us/media-center/news/2024/07/02/raymond-mayor-roberts-elected-to-the-association-of-washington-cities-board-of-directors

AWC Trust staff enjoyed interacting with members at yesterday's Trust Benefit Forum here in Olympia at the AWC building.

Looking forward to meeting with more members at the next Trust Benefit Forums!

Congratulations to Mayor Julia Johnson of Sedro-Woolley on her election to the AWC Board.

“I’m honored to represent the 19 cities and towns in my district and work with my fellow board members on behalf of all 281 cities and towns of Washington state,” said Johnson. “Helping our sister cities be successful results in us benefitting and experiencing our own success.”

https://wacities.org/about-us/media-center/news/2024/07/11/sedro-woolley-mayor-johnson-elected-to-the-association-of-washington-cities-board-of-directors

Congratulations to Deputy Mayor Amy Howard of Port Townsend on her reelection to the AWC Board.

“Howard’s deep understanding of community issues combined with her dedication to service and ability to bring people together are an asset to the AWC board,” said AWC CEO Deanna Dawson. “She is a leading voice in AWC’s work to improve civic health and collaborative leadership, and I look forward to continuing to work with her to advance these efforts on behalf of all 281 Washington cities.”

https://wacities.org/about-us/media-center/news/2024/07/02/port-townsend-deputy-mayor-howard-reelected-to-the-association-of-washington-cities-board-of-directors

Tomorrow, Today: Planning for your city’s future with the GMA

Cities are gearing up for a crucial update to their comprehensive growth management plans. While it might seem mundane, this process sets the stage for a thriving future through a holistic, bottom-up planning approach.

Dive into the details in our latest Cityvision article. Read or listen now!

https://wacities.org/data-resources/cityvision/articles/2024/06/11/tomorrow-today

AWC CEO Deanna Dawson paid a visit to the City of Colville yesterday.

Our thanks to Mayor Jack Smith, Councilmember Robin Kurowski, and Councilmember Ben Nielsen for the warm welcome.

AWC welcomes Mayor Brett Gailey of Lake Stevens to the AWC Board.

“I’m deeply honored by the opportunity to contribute to the continued success of AWC and I’m grateful for the support of my peers as we strive to build a brighter future for all of Washington,” said Gailey.

https://wacities.org/about-us/media-center/news/2024/07/02/lake-stevens-mayor-gailey-elected-to-the-association-of-washington-cities-board-of-directors

Congratulations to Mayor Josh Penner of Orting on his reelection to the AWC Board of Directors.

“I’m honored to continue representing my fellow cities from Pierce and Thurston counties on the AWC board of directors,” said Penner. “I also look forward to continuing to work with city leaders from across Washington to address shared challenges and build vibrant communities.”

https://wacities.org/about-us/media-center/news/2024/07/03/orting-mayor-penner-reelected-to-the-association-of-washington-cities-board-of-directors

“No elected official or candidate should be attacked, threatened, or intimidated because of their office or the political positions they hold.”

City of Shoreline Mayor Christopher Roberts shares his thoughts on the importance of restoring civility to public discourse.

"It’s too easy to forget that our local leaders are also human. Along with their titles of ‘mayor,’ ‘council member,’ or ‘commissioner’ — they are also ‘parent,’ ‘friend,’ ‘neighbor,’ and so much more." - Clarence Anthony, National League of Cities CEO

Elected officials are all too often the targets of intimidation | Op-Ed Elected officials who are threatened or harassed are less likely to work on controversial topics or run for reelection.

AWC welcomes back Mayor Matthew Lundh of Cle Elum to the AWC Board of Directors.

“I’m grateful for the support of my peers and the privilege to serve on the AWC board,” said Lundh. “I look forward to continuing to work with my fellow board members and city leaders from across the state to building safe, supportive, and enriching communities for the next generation.”

https://wacities.org/about-us/media-center/news/2024/07/02/cle-elum-mayor-lundh-elected-to-the-association-of-washington-cities-board-of-directors

Until 2021, Washington lacked the tax increment financing (TIF) tool, putting our cities at a competitive disadvantage.

Read this Cityvison article for an overview of the tool, important considerations, and examples of how Washington cities are using it to support transformational change.

https://wacities.org/data-resources/cityvision/articles/2024/06/11/tif-101

Learn more about Councilmember Jillian Henze of Waitsburg, one of our newly elected AWC Board members.

“Councilmember Henze is an active and engaged member of AWC, and her perspective representing a small, rural community in Walla Walla County will be a great asset as we work to bring together the diverse perspectives of all 281 cities and towns in Washington,” said AWC CEO Deanna Dawson. “By working together, we can create strong cities, and a great state.”

https://wacities.org/about-us/media-center/news/2024/07/02/waitsburg-councilmember-jillian-henze-elected-to-the-association-of-washington-cities-board-of-directors

The AWC Civic Service Recognition honors city officials retiring after 20+ years of service to cities. Congrats & thank you to the more than 60 retiring city officials! Your dedication to our communities is deeply admired.

Do you see any familiar names on the list? Be sure to congratulate them! 👏🎉

https://wacities.org/data-resources/city-awards/civic-service-recognition

Learn more about Marysville Mayor Jon Nehring, newly elected secretary of the AWC Board of Directors.

“I am committed to ensuring that all of our cities and towns are represented as we advocate for and enact common sense solutions to the pressing issues facing our communities” said Nehring.

https://wacities.org/about-us/media-center/news/2024/06/28/marysville-mayor-nehring-elected-secretary-of-the-association-of-washington-cities

Secretary of State Steve Hobbs welcomes attendees to the WA State Sister Cities Leadership Meeting this morning at the Association of Washington Cities.

AWC welcomes Mayor Pro Tem Fred Brink of West Richland as the newly elected vice president of the AWC Board of Directors.

“I’m honored by the opportunity to work with my fellow city leaders to ensure AWC continues to deliver timely, relevant, and impactful advocacy, education, and services to every one of our state’s 281 cities and towns,” said Brink.

https://wacities.org/about-us/media-center/news/2024/06/28/west-richland-mayor-pro-tem-brink-elected-vice-president-of-the-association-of-washington-cities

Thanks to your generosity, we raised over $9,000 for the CQC scholarship fund at Annual Conference! It’s not too late to support future scholarships.

Your gift today supports our civic leaders of tomorrow. 🙌

https://wacities.org/cqc-home/donate

The AWC offices are closed today for the July 4th holiday.

We wish all our members and partners a happy and safe Independence Day!