From the Director: Nurturing Positive Legislative Relations
By Stan Finkelstein
The 2005 legislative session was a very positive one for Washington’s cities and towns.

The Legislature responded favorably to local government issues, and worked to address a number of ongoing issues. Legislators were aware of city concerns, mindful of their fiscal needs, and inclined to pass beneficial legislation. It was a session that saw enactment of ongoing fiscal assistance for struggling cities and counties, a willingness to share with cities and counties a portion of a newly-enacted gas tax, and recognition that cities are partners with the state in encouraging economic development. Equally important, the Legislature exercised restraint in not saddling cities with new unfunded burdens or preemptions of authority.

In addition to a favorable legislative response, the newly-elected governor also demonstrated concern about local issues and encouraged access to both the Governor’s Office and to key department directors. She views local governments as allies in the delivery of governmental services and demonstrated ongoing concern for city and county wellbeing.

What Was Different in 2005?

It is my belief that the success that we enjoyed in the 2005 legislative session is not simply a result of the stars being properly-aligned, or the fact that one political party or another was in control of both houses of the Legislature and the Governor’s Office, but rather that the Legislature finally "got it." They recognized that their cities and counties are vital partners in the "intergovernmental mosaic." Local officials nurture the quality of life in their communities, they are the "safety net" when state government "drops the ball," and they are the most responsive level of government to the needs of their citizens.

So why did they finally "get it?" The success in this past session is clearly attributable to a lot of hard work and commitment by our city officials. Many mayors, council members, and key staff members went the extra mile to meet with their legislators, convey an understanding of the city’s needs and concerns, and seek their assistance. Often during the session, legislators would mention to AWC lobbyists that they’d met with their city officials and were sensitive to their needs.

Additionally, without question, the AWC State of the Cities report documented the fiscal and infrastructure problems of the state’s 281 cities. The validity of that report was never questioned, and it set the tone for the need to address city fiscal problems. The report’s data-driven conclusions reflected feedback from officials throughout the state, within whose cities reside 94 percent of the state’s incorporated population. Legislators responded to this approach.

Also, I would be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge that a major factor in the Association’s success in 2005 was due to the hard work and skill of AWC’s lobbyists and those who represent individual cities. We were organized and coordinated and told the city story.

Finally, those ongoing contacts from home often made the difference. While legislators could escape their constituencies by being in Olympia, they couldn’t get away from their emails and phone calls. We are especially grateful to those city officials who went the extra mile to make the 2005 session the success that it was.

Where Do We Go From Here?

As an association and as local officials, we cannot rest on our laurels. While we had great success this past session, there is still much to be done. The 2006 session is the shorter 60-day session.

While the state has "money in the bank" for the first time in four years, it is unlikely that the Legislature will be inclined to expand programs or initiate new services. We must, however, prevail upon legislators to continue to respond to our needs and avoid the passage of harmful legislation. There are a number of issues such as the streamlined sales tax, modifications to the Growth Management Act, and sex offender housing which will likely be before the Legislature in 2006.

If we are to succeed in advancing beneficial issues and derailing harmful ones in next year’s session, we need to build upon the positive relationships which most legislators have with their local officials. Now, during the legislative interim, is the best time for city officials to meet with their legislators. They are more relaxed, not under the pressure of a legislative session, and more available. They’re appreciative of the opportunity to become better informed about their communities, and do wish to be helpful.

On behalf of the AWC Officers and Board of Directors, I would encourage city officials to schedule meetings with their legislators, thank them for their help during the 2005 session, and be forthcoming regarding the state of their city. If we can provide any background material or assistance don’t hesitate to contact me.

 
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