From the Director: City Legislative Action Conference - Governor Gregoire Reaffirms State/Local Partnership

This week more than 400 city officials gathered in Olympia to attend the annual AWC City Legislative Conference (CLAC).

The purpose of the CLAC is to review critical legislative issues before the Legislature; to hear from key administration and legislative leaders regarding matters of significance to city officials; and to encourage city officials to communicate their concerns to their legislators. Equally important, it provides an opportunity for city officials from throughout the state to gather together, discuss local issues, and share solutions. The City Legislative Action Conference is the single largest advocacy event that the Association sponsors, and serves as a reminder to the Legislature that their city officials share responsibility with the state to provide those vital services necessary to provide a high quality of life for our citizenry.

In many respects, the 2006 CLAC achieved its purposes. The attendees indicated that the meeting provided both the background information and the encouragement to address legislative issues with their legislators. Many delegates suggested that this year’s CLAC was one of the best they’ve attended, and were appreciative of the opportunity to meet with their colleagues and gain a more global understanding of issues throughout the state.

Governor Gregoire Addresses CLAC Attendees

One of the highlights of CLAC was the luncheon presentation by the Governor. In that presentation, she strongly affirmed her commitment to forging a true partnership with cities and to making her administration accessible to the state’s local government leaders. She expressed support for the streamlined sales tax measure "with full mitigation" and was pleased that the city family had come to agreement and was in strong support of the proposed legislation. The Governor also acknowledged the need to address a number of city concerns, and her desire to have her administration work with the Association’s leadership to address those issues. While a number of city officials indicated that they may have differences of opinion with the Governor, they expressed appreciation for her desire to address city issues in an open and positive fashion.

Streamlined Sales Tax Legislation Passes Senate

We were also very pleased that the Streamlined Sales Tax legislation SSB 6594 passed the Senate by a vote of 48-0 on the first day of the conference. Thanks to Senator Debbie Regala (D – 27th District), who is the prime sponsor of the bill and who spoke to the conference session on the streamlined sales tax, for her time and effort on behalf of local governments and the business community. See the Municipal Finance section for more information.

Legislature Moving Towards First "Cut-Off"

According to the joint rules adopted by the Legislature, Friday, February 3 is the first "cut-off" for the Legislature. All non-fiscal and non-transportation measures that have not approved the subject matter committee by that date are deemed to be technically "dead" for this year. Consequently, as described in this Bulletin, there will be a flurry of activity the week of January 30. Many committees are scheduling both day and evening meetings to move as many measures as possible and clear their dockets. City officials are urged to pay special attention to the write-ups in this issue of the Bulletin, and assist us by communicating their concerns to their legislators.

In Closing

As a final note regarding the CLAC, on behalf of the AWC Officers and Board, I would like to thank those of you who came to Olympia and helped tell the "city story." As always it was a pleasure visiting with so many of you, and we look forward to seeing you at the AWC Conference in June, or sooner.

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