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09/12/2023 - Regular - AWC PresentationAssociation of Washington Cities (AWC) Port Orchard City Council Presentation September 12, 2023 By Deanna Dawson, AWC CEO About Deanna Dawson: • Joined AWC in June 2022 • First woman CEO in AWC's 90-year history • Dawson Is background includes: • 10+ years as Executive Director of Sound Cities Association (SCA) • Served on Edmonds City Council 2001-2008 • Past Director of Federal Affairs and Diversity Initiatives at Justice at Stake • Served as Executive Director of Snohomish County • Attorney with extensive public and private sector experience _ , m f I h Vr. R • Mission: Serving our members through advocacy, education, and services About AWC: • Structure: 501(c)(4) nonprofit corporation • Membership: All 281 cities and towns in Washington are members; membership is voluntary • Celebrating 90 years of service in 2023 Four separate, but related corporations Association of Washington Cities (AWC) • 501(c)(4) • Mission: Serving our members through advocacy, education, and services AWC Employee Benefit AWC Risk Management AWC Center for Quality Trust (Trust) Service Agency (RMSA) Communities • 501(c)(9) • RCW 49.62 • 501(c)(3) • Voluntary employees' • Governmental risk • Formed to promote beneficiary pool authorized by municipal leadership association (VEBA) RCW and formed by developmentand • 8 Trustees (2 trustees interlocal agreement civic engagement from AWC Board) • 7 Directors • AWC Executive • Employee Benefits • Operating Committee Committee serves as Advisory Committee Board LBEMPLOYEE NEFITRUSi nIS Port Orchard is involved in all aspects of AWC- 0 4ft The Employee Benefits Advisory Committee (EBAC) gives your city a voice in the Trust, and provides direct guidance to the Board of Trustees re programs, provisions, and operations of the Trust. • Debbie Lund, Port Orchard HR Director serves on EBAC • The RMSA Operating Committee provides guidance and RMSA Board of Directors. recommendations to the • City Clerk Brandy Wallace serves on RMSA Operating Committee • The Retro Advisory Committee (RAC) is the first line of governance for the Retro Program, making decisions on a number of issues and forwarding recommendations to the AWC Retro Board, the legal governing authority of the program • Finance Director Noah Crocker is Chair of the RAC Officers President - Betsy Wilkerson <r, Councilmember, Spokane y Immediate Past President Rob Putaansuu Mayor, Port Orchard Directors District 1 Micki Harnois Councilmember, Rockford District 5 Ron Onslow Councilmember, Ridgefield District 8 Jon Nehring F Mayor, Marysville District 11 r Tammy Morales Councilmember, Seattle District 14 Jill Boudreau Mayor, Mount Vernon -Large #3 (Eastern >5,000 population) J7At Ben Wick I- Councilmember, Spokane Valley City/County Management Association Stephanie Lucash Deputy City Manager, Kenmore WCMA Incoming President Vice President Amy Ockerlander Mayor, Duvall Past President Kent Keel Councilmember, University Place District 3 Carl Florea Mayor, Leavenworth District 6 t Josh Penner Mayor, Orting District 10 Keith Blocker Councilmember, Tacoma District 12 F_ Amy Howard Deputy Mayor, Port Townsend At -Large #1 (Western >5,000 population) Ed Prince Councilmember, Renton At -Large #4 (Eastern <5,000 population) Jose Trevino Mayor, Granger Kristi Rowland Deputy Chief Administrative Officer, Renton WCMA President Secretary & District 2 Fred Brink Mayor pro tem, West Richland �' Large City Representative & Boa rd 01• District 9 AWC Zack Zappone Councilmember, Spokane 25 members: District • President, Vice President, Past Holly ousens,Councilmemb YakimaPresident, Immediate Past President Yakima District 7 • 14 districts Wendy Weiker Counciimember, Mercer Island . t at -large eastern District11 • 2 at -large western Dan Strauss, Councilmember, Seattle • 2 WCMA (President and Past President) District 13 Nancy Backus Mayor, Auburn Meets 4x/year as governing body of AWC At -Large #2 (Western <5,000 population) Jerry Phillips Sets strategic goals for organization Mayor, Long Beach IY e Ira Rising to Excellence ❑UR THREE-YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN 2019-2022 • :• • : i • .•r. • : • •. c• P-1 ASSOCIATION OF WASwiwGTON CiiiES r Engage Model inclusiveness and provide meaningful engagement opportunities to all members. GOAL #1 Lead Boldly and proactively drive policy on behalf of Washington's cities and towns. GOAL #4 Empower Champion innovative, high -quality solutions and resources to help cities and towns thrive. romo ffucate Inspire excellent and effective city and town leadership. Pin ASSOCIATION OF WASHINGTON CiiiES Officers PF President Vice President Secretary & District 2 Betsy Wilkerson �� Amy Ockerlander Fred Brink a Councilmember, Spokane Mayor, Duvall Mayor pro tem, West Richland /n t Immediate Past President Past President Large City Representative & Rob Putaansuu Kent Keel District 9 Mayor, Port Orchard n.Councilmember, University Place h •„ . Zack Zappone �r rJ Councilmember, Spokane AWC Executive Committee Meets monthly to provide direction between quarterly board meetings • Also serves as board of: • AWC Center for Quality Communities • AWC Workers' Comp Retro Program 0 Budget committee of the AWC Board If you're not at the table, you might be on the menu ... AWC gives cities a seat at the table! ,T ASSOCIATIc ,TO OF WAMINGT R so r 4 1 i • \wc ion: Serving ou members advocacy, education services AWC Statement of Policy, adopted 2020 Associatton of Washington Cities Statement of Po 2020 June 2020 licy ASSOCIATION OF WASHINGTON CiiiES AWC`s advocacy is guided by the following core principles: Local decision -making Fiscal flexibility and authority The most effective, responsible, and responsive government is the one closest to the people. AWC works to protect"home rule'by preserving the autonomy of cities and their authority to govern their communities in the best interest of their residents. We strongly oppose policies and actions that undermine or preempt cities' authority. Equal standing for cities In Washington's system of shared governance, cities, counties, and the state all play essential roles. AWC is committed to ensuring that the interests and responsibilities of cities are clearly recognized, valued, and respected at all levels of government. Effectively meeting cities' needs often requires the coordination and cooperation of multiple government entities such as counties, special purpose districts, and the state. AWC advocates for the vital role cities play in local and regional alliances and supports their ability to initiate, proactively lead, and participate in strategic collaborations. Strong Washington state partnerships AWC is invested in building and maintaining productive working relationships among cities, counties, tribes, and state government. We workto ensure that cities are treated as equal partners with the Legislature and state agencies in formulating policy and funding decisions. AWC recognizes that statewide approaches are sometimes necessary as long as local decision -makers have the ability to tailor them appropriately. sustainability Cities are on the frontlines of protecting communities, meeting their core needs, and ensuring quality of life. AWC works to safeguard the full authority of cities to use fiscal policy and budgetary measures to ensure sustainability and prosperity. AWC strongly supports expanding cities'revenue-generation tools as well as state investment in cities. We stand in opposition to unfunded or underfunded mandates, or legislative actions that reduce revenues or create financial burdens. Diversity, equity, and inclusion City leaders acknowledge racism and inequity exist in our communities, governments, and institutions. As racism cannot be tolerated in our communities, city leaders take seriously the responsibility to foster anti -racism and directly address racism and inequity in our policies and institutions. Cities support policy changes that eliminate systemic racism, inequity, and other disparities to build stronger and more equitable communities. AWC seeks policy opportunities as well as deliberate actions to enhance diversity, equity, and inclusion for all our residents in every community. Solutions to inequities can be as unique and diverse as our community members who have been historically excluded from full benefits and participation. Nonpartisan analysis and decision -making To advance and protect Washington's cities, we must be guided by objective and informed analysis, and thoughtful, balanced decision -making. AWC seeks to fully discover and understand relevant facts and data, consider all points of view, and act in ways that are free from political agendas and influences. AWC will seek to embody these core principles through our work on the specific issue areas. When this Statement of Policy is silent on a public policy issue affecting municipal government, AWC will support the provision of authority, autonomy, and resources to cities. 4AProtect & maintain flexibility in L- COVID-19 response • Ensure that funding remains available and that Local Fiscal Recovery Funds are not swept for other purposes. Additionally, support proposals to enhance flexibility with previously appropriated COVID-19 response funding.This will maximize local impacts and benefits and minimize administrative burdens and costs. Continue investing in local public infrastructure • Purs • policy solutions that support cities' basic infrastructure needs. Protect and ensure access to federal funding identified in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) for cities of all sizes. Ensure funding is available, while minimizing costly grant application and other administrative burdens that may create a barrier to funding crucial projects. • Seek sustainable revenue sources to address the existing backlog of city infrastructure projects in Washington. While the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) has provided a much -needed infusion of funding to Washington state, cities need ongoing and sustainable investments to meet basic city infrastructure needs. • Support policies that will build resilient infrastructure capacity and invest in sustainable technologies that will serve cities into the future. • Support digital equity for our communities. Continue federal investment in universal and synchronous broadband access —universal availability, affordability, and world -class quality. Expand broadband access in unserved, under -served, and hard -to -serve areas. Affordable, reliable, accessible broadband is essential to communities, small and large, to support basic services like healthcare and education and to drive economic growth. Invest in safe communities • Support community -centered, equitable programs that improve our behavioral health system and local response to the opioid addiction crisis. Efforts to reduce the number of opioid and heroin overdoses in our cities require a strong partnership between local, state, and federal health and law enforcement programs. Support efforts to stop illegal trafficking of fentanyl. We must ensure that funds appropriated for substance abuse, treatment, prevention, and recovery programs are accessible to cities. Provide financial assistance to help recruit and retain behavioral health professionals. • Provide financial assistance to help recruit and retain first responders. Support continued federal funding for programs such as Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS), Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER), and Justice Assistance Grants (JAG). • Support passage of the HELPER Act.This act creates a home loan program to help make home ownership more affordable for first responders and teachers. ♦ Provide direct funding to cities to support violence prevention programs. more on back' Contact. Candice Bock Government Relations Director candiceb@awcnet.org ASSOCIATION OF WASNINGTON Association of Washington Cities • 1076 Franklin St SE, Olympia, WA 98501 • 1.800.562.8981 • wacities.org C i T i E S AInvest in transportation • Support a more sustainable revenue model to fund the Highway Trust Fund —one that provides adequate resources to maintain and improve our aging transportation infrastructure. • Support federal policies that enhance municipal efforts to provide essential transportation systems, including but not limited to transit and multimodal investments, with a focus on communities of color and other underserved populations. VProtect public control over public rights -of -way Uphold local control over local public rights -of - way in order to balance community interests with the need for new telecommunications infrastructure. This includes the: • Ability to regulate access to municipally owned poles and other public facilities; • Authority for permitting and siting processes that consider community safety, aesthetics, and other concerns; and • Ensure that funding for fish passage improvements is available to both local and state • Ability for cities to negotiate our own franchise governments. agreements with cable companies. Invest in affordable housing rb Protect local fiscal sustainability and regulatory efforts 81 % of Washington cities report a lack of access to affordable housing, particularly housing Washington cities oppose federal policies that affordable to those with lower incomes. Without undermine local governments'regulatory authority, substantial federal investment and technical assistance, impose unfunded mandates, or preempt local Washington's cities will not be able to solve this crisis. government revenues and revenue authorities. Support a comprehensive federal housing policy that preserves local decision -making while making substantial enhancements to federal investments in affordable housing to benefit cities. These enhancements include, but are not limited to: • Expansions of the low-income housing tax credit (LIHTC); • Direct capital investments, • Expanded access to rental assistance; • Enhancements to the housing choice voucher program; and • Other efforts to build more housing supply in cities. • Preserve the tax exemption on all municipal bonds, including Private Activity Bonds (PABs); • Eliminate the $10,000 cap on the State and Local Tax (SALT) deduction; and • Restore the tax exemption for advance refunding bonds. By restoring this essential tax exemption, cities would be able to refinance their debts to achieve lower interest rates, saving local taxpayer dollars and freeing up capital for additional infrastructure investments. 00 Support National League of ORA Cities'National Municipal YQr Policy and Resolutions & U.S. Conference of Mayors' priorities AWC and many individual cities are members and supporters of the NLC agenda. Unless otherwise noted, AWC supports the recommendations of NLC and the U.S. Conference of Mayors. Candice Bock Contact. Government Relations Director A\A(� candiceb@awcnet.org A ASSOCIATION OF WASNINGTGN Association of Washington Cities • 1076 Franklin St SE, Olympia, WA 98501 • 1.800.562.8981 • wacities.org C i I i E S Respond to the Blake decision OO Support clarification around the crime of possessing a controlled substance so that individuals, law enforcement, and treatment providers can respond appropriately. Revise the current system of two referrals prior to criminal charges, so it can be more effectively administered across the state. Support additional investments to help cities with the costs stemming from the Blake decision on how possession of controlled substances is handled by the criminal justice system.This includes: • Funding to help offset the costs of vacating criminal convictions, repaying legal financial obligations, administering diversion programs, and mitigating municipal court impacts. • Investment in alternative response teams; treatment facilities for adults and juveniles; treatment in jails; and social workers, treatment providers, and system navigators to help direct people to treatment. Address vehicle pursuits for public safety Clarify the ability for law enforcement to conduct vehicle pursuits using a reasonable suspicion standard in specific circumstances. This is essential to allow for effective and safe pursuit of suspects when there is an immediate threat to public safety. Cities will continue to support safety standards and training for officers who engage in vehicle pursuits. Ensure basic infrastructure funding Fully fund the Public Works Assistance Account (PWAA), allow the current revenue diversions to sunset at the end of fiscal year 2023, and refrain from further fund transfers or diversions to other infrastructure programs or non -infrastructure accounts. Expand state funding opportunities to assist with maintenance and operations of local infrastructure. Increase housing availability & affordability Support a proactive approach that creates new tools, incentives, and revenues that cities can use to help increase housing supply and address affordability. Cities need resources to encourage development of housing at all income levels —especially for our lowest -income residents. Provide behavioral health resources Create greater access to community -based behavioral health services to include substance use disorder treatment and dual diagnosis treatment facilities. Support continued state funding to help communities establish alternative response programs like co -responder programs, diversion programs, and others that provide options beyond law enforcement for responding to situations that involve individuals suffering from behavioral health issues. Contact. Candice Bock Government Relations Director candiceb@awcnet.org ASSOCIATION OF WASHIHGTON Association of Washington Cities • 1076 Franklin St SE, Olympia, WA 98501 • 1.800.562.8981 . wacities.org C i T i E S Pro: Passed legislation to create a statewide criminal penalty for drug possession (SB 5536). Pro: Provided funding for new therapeutic courts, law enforcement assisted diversion programs, and substance use disorder and behavioral health treatment. Pro: Appropriated $11.5 million in continued funding to reimburse cities for vacating simple drug possession convictions, including cannabis or cannabis paraphernalia, to comply with State v. Blake. Address vehicle pursuits for c safety Pro: Passed legislation allowing for a reasonable suspicion standard for pursuits of certain dangerous crimes (SB 5352). Pro: Funded a $3 million grant program for new vehicle tracking technologies. Pro: Funded additional CJTC BLEA classes in Burien, Spokane, and at three new regional training academies. Pro: Appropriated $5 million for law enforcement wellness programs. Pro: Adopted bills exempting residential development from SEPA (SB 5412), eliminating external design review boards (HB 1293), providing state assistance for permit streamlining (SB 5290), and changes to the building codes (SB 5491). Passed a negotiated permit processing reform bill (SB 5290). Pro: Funded infrastructure to support housing, including the Public Works Assistance Account (PWAA) and the Connecting Housing and Infrastructure Program (CHIP). Pro: Adopted agreed -to zoning changes to support middle housing development while preserving decision -making flexibility for cities (HB 1110). Incomplete: Invested nearly $1 billion in funding for low-income housing and related services, but did not dedicate ongoing state revenues, nor establish local authority for new revenue. Dedicated and sustainable revenue is still needed. more on back' ock Contact. Government Government Relations Director candiceb@awcnecorg AWC o5wIOCxmTION Association of Washington Cities • 1076 Franklin St SE, Olympia, WA 98501 • 1.800.562.8981 • wacities.org C I I I E S Pro: Funded the PWAA at $400 million for the 2023-25 biennium. Expiring revenue diversions will sunset, restoring full funding to the account. Pro: Maintained commitments made in the Move Ahead WA package for city preservation and maintenance. Appropriated $9 million for the Transportation Improvement Board and $14.6 million for the Complete Streets Program. Provide behavioral healt resources Y,'HE1 Other significant issues: Y, Y .. r Pro: Standardized and increased procurement limits (HB 1621).The Capital Projects Advisory Review Board must review and make recommendations on the proposed increases. Pro: Clarified that cities may use impact fees to fund improvements to bicycle and pedestrian facilities not within road rights -of -way (SB 5452). Pro: Modified small works roster requirements, addressed issues of equity in public works procurement, and revised the small and limited works roster process to increase administrative efficiency (5B 5268). Con: Did not address legislation to reduce the impact of unnecessary and costly public records litigation (HB 1597/SB 5571). Pro: Passed legislation to phase out the PERS 1 unfunded accrued actuarial liability (UAAL) surcharge resulting insignificant savings for cities over time (SB 5294). Pro: Improved the 988-behavioral and mental health Pro: Passed balanced legislation and associated crisis line (HB 1134), and established certification funding to help cities integrate climate change criteria for23-hour crisis relief centers (SB5120). considerations into the Growth Management Act Pro: Appropriated $1.17 billion for behavioral health (HB 1181). treatment expenses statewide, including provider Pro: Reinstated the annexation sales tax credit rate increases, funding for 988-crisis response, and to support cities annexing large areas with fiscal substance use disorder treatment and prevention. support to provide urban levels of service (HB 7425). Appropriated $884 million for behavioral health facilities. Of this funding, $224 million is for Pro: Funded the Fish Barrier Removal Board at community -based behavioral health facilities, and the highest level in the state's history. This critical $613 million is allocated for a new 350-bed forensic funding source helps cities correct fish -blocking hospital wing at Western State Hospital, Pro: Provided $4 million in grant funding for local alternative response programs. Contact. Government Relations Director A,A, candiceb@awcnet.org AWC ASSOCIATION OF WASH —TON Association of Washington Cities • 1076 Franklin St SE, Olympia, WA 98501 •1.800.562.8981 • wacities.org C i I i E S �r,*sMa zmyi.�.nawa�eoai.�uiM�.m.m.l oV.Wv culverts to support salmon recovery. Con: Did not revise the arbitrary 1 % property tax cap to instead tie it to inflation and population growth up to 3% (HB 1670/SB 5770). Candice Bock ��'aCy Pd�'A . is a year-roo,, Att d AWC's en City Action Days Conference during legislative session Talk to your legislators throughout session and particularly at , key deadlines Request legislative updates from your local legislators Share your ideas with the AWC Legislative Priorities Committee as they identify priorities for the next session Mwftft Set up meetings and tours to talk about your city's needs/ challenges / opportunities AWC 'Board adopts Legislative Priorities for the following year • Conferences like the Annual Conference and City Action Days • Online training programs • Certificate of Municipal Leadership (CML) Program Mayors Exchanges Elected Officials Essentials, giving newly elected officials resources they need to succeed And More! Earn at least 30 CML credits and attend at least one workshop in five competency areas: • Roles, responsibilities, and legal requirements • Public sector resource management (finance) • Community planning and development • Effective local leadership • Diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging fj cml AWC's Certificate of Municipal Leadership (CML) program recognizes mayors and councilmembers for accomplishing training in five core areas. The trainings offered by AWC provide city elected officials with the knowledge they need to effectively operate within the law, plan for the future, secure and manage funds, foster strong relationships, and work to build more equitable communities. Elected officials are automatically enrolled in the CML program, earning credits as they attend AWC workshops and conferences. AWC tracks credits, which can be viewed on AWC's website. When you meet the CML or Advanced CML requirements, you will receive your certificate and be recognized in our CiryVoice newsletter and at AWC's Annual Conference. You may also request a CML logo for use on your business cards, website, and social media. Certificate of Municipal Leadership To receive the Certificate of Municipal Leadership, you must earn 30 CML credits and complete at least one training in each ofthe five areas below. A minimum of 5 credits in each competency area is recommended. AWC offers many ways to earn CML credits throughout the year. You can attend live events or webinars, learn on your own schedule through eLearnings, or explore sessions across all competency areas at AWC's Annual Conference. Here arejust a few examples: Roles, responsibilities, and legal requirements Elected Officials Essentials Open GovernmentTrainings Act (eLearnings) Effective local leadership • City Action Days • Mayors Exchange Community planning and development • Short Course on Local Planning -Department of Commerce Infrastructure Assistance Coordinating Council (IACC) Conference Public sector resource management • Municipal Budgeting & Fiscal Management Workshop • Federal broadband funding for cities (eLearning) Diversity, equity, and inclusion Social justice inaction: Addressing race relations in the 21 st century (eLearning) Options available at all major AWC conferences Advanced Certificate of Municipal Leadership The Advanced Certificate of Municipal Leadership recognizes mayors and councilmembers who continue to strive for excellence by attending conferences and trainings, serving their community, and further developing their leadership skills. City elected officials receive the Advanced Certificate of Municipal Leadership after they earn an additional 30 CML credits (including at least one in the DEI competency area) and demonstrate a minimum of six months of community service completed within the last five years. Advanced CML credits can be earned by participating in: AWC CML workshops and conferences • National League of Cities conferences • Non-AWC workshops - Up to 15 credits can be earned from non-AWC workshops with a direct city focus Examples of accepted community service include: • Board or committee positions with AWC, National League of Cities, or community organizations Service on statewide commissions, committees, councils, and task forces Leadership on projects such as fundraising efforts, campaigns, and majorevents AS 41 11?200+ attended 10 in -person trainings and events 96% of attendees rated their experience as good or excellent Over 1,000 city officials connected to 29 live webinars and online events eLearnings available 24/7 in AWC's online library 344people attended AWC Annual Conference in June Kid CM L certificates awarded 208cities were represented at AWC Trainings and Events Advanced certificates awarded AWC is your best resource for data and publications about Washington cities- • AWC Salary and Benefit Survey • Municipal taxes and fees survey • City conditions survey • The state of transportation in cities • Mayor & Councilmember Handbook • State of the Cities: Housing report • Home rule in Washington • Equity Resource Guide: Tools and case studies • Homelessness and housing toolkit for cities • AWC Data Story Portal • Onrl mnrol 11 . TL. a I I IRA ti AZ e i n g a n member lir IV active AWC Ways to get involved with AWC • Board of Directors • Legislative Priorities Committee • Nominating Committee • Statement of Policy Committee • Audit Committee • Bylaws Committee • Education and Training Advisory Committee (ETAC) • Small Cities Advisory Committee • Large Cities Advisory Committee • Other ad hoc internal AWC committees • Various statewide boards, committees, and legislative task forces to which AWC has appointing authority Ways to,..sta engaged wi AWC ANNEMEN.. ��.. • Read CityVoice emails, CrtyVision digital magazine, and other communications, and follow u� social media ft— Op • Join our online education training sessions • Check out all the resources website • Attend in perso eve s Mayors Excha , Sm Connectors, Ci i the Annual Con y r r klLrey91,1.t@LLLtI '^� 111 tl[ i1 I f n i LI.LLypA� e li f[f [Iflll 1. I.Itt I5.L�1✓ [!i`I [flliltiil Ll.�t(IrV Mark youl calendars! AWC Elected Off iciaol-M _Arow rg Ess Decem J r -- � I This Saturdaytrainingis available fo?"%, newly elected mayors, councilmembers, and those currently in office. The content -covers important . information about roles and responsibilities, and basic lega obligationsand atch our website for mor as t date app ■ Iis Ilk 's 9 Follow up questions? C CEO Deanna Dawson, deannad