From the Director: AWC’s Annual Conference - Membership Adopts Revised Statement of Policy

AWC delegates enjoyed an extremely educational and productive conference.  We thank Tacoma for their efforts!!

A number of legislative related workshops and meetings were held during the conference including AWC’s Annual Business meeting.  This meeting serves as the forum for the election of AWC’s Board and review and adoption of our policy documents.  Congratulations to the new AWC Board of Directors and in particular, Councilmember Richard Munson, Spokane Valley, for his election as AWC President.   AWC’s work with the Legislature is year round and we look forward to Councilmember Munson’s leadership and assistance.   A complete list of Board Members can be found at www.awcnet.org/boardroster.

The Business meeting also provides the membership the opportunity to review and revise AWC’s Statement of Policy and Resolutions.  AWC’s legislative process is a two year process.  Resolutions are advanced in the even years and serve as the basis for our legislative agenda for the following two legislative sessions.  The Statement of Policy is currently reviewed in the odd years and serves as the foundation for the Association’s general principles. 

Over the years the Statement of Policy has been amended extensively often addressing very specific issues.  This year the Resolutions Committee recommended and the members adopted significant changes to the document structuring a broader policy document half the length of the previous Statement of Policy.  A copy of the Statement of Policy and Resolutions will be mailed to each city and town hall by the second week of July. In addition, the revised document will be posted on AWC’s website by July 2.                       

Two legislative hearings were held during the conference: a joint hearing of the Senate and House Committees that address economic development issues and the Joint Transportation Committee.  Special thanks to Representatives Kenney (D-Seattle) and Clibborn (D-Mercer Island) and Senators Kastama (D-Puyallup) and Haugen (D-Camano Island) for holding these two hearings during our conference.  AWC continues to stress the need for a strong local government/state partnership.  Legislative hearings at AWC events indicates the Legislature also values a partnership as we all work to address economic development and transportation needs.

Finally, a warm thank you to Governor Gregoire for her attendance and speech during AWC’s conference.  The Governor has proven to be a strong supportive friend of cities.  She also continues to build the local government/state partnership.  We appreciate her leadership, the time she constantly gives us and the access we have to her office.

Please watch for monthly Bulletins during the remainder of the year as we update you on Legislative interim activities.

Enjoy your summer!!!

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