How to communicate city issues to the Washington state congressional delegation

Keep your congressional delegation informed of our federal priorities and hot topics detailed in this Bulletin – as well as those federal issues of particular interest to your city.

If you are attending the NLC Congressional Conference in Washington, DC, March 13 – 17, please discuss these issues when you meet with your U.S. Senators and Representatives.

AWC has scheduled two events for Washington city officials during the NLC conference. On Monday, March 15 from 5:30 – 7 pm, please join us for a reception at the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel. On Wednesday, March 17, AWC has scheduled meetings with Senators Patty Murray (11:30 am) and Maria Cantwell (Noon) at the Russell Senate Office Building. These meetings are to address general issues that impact all cities. For more information about these events, please contact Jim Justin or Mike McCarty.

Many times, individual cities also schedule their own meetings with senators and representatives to discuss specific issues. If your city is scheduling its own meeting, please be sure to do so in advance of your trip. NLC has suggested that attendees request meetings for anytime on Wednesday, March 17, during City Lobby Day. Check the conference schedule on the NLC website to minimize conflicts. Contact information for Washington’s delegation can be found in this Bulletin.

Here are a few tips when meeting with members of your delegation:

• Plan your visit & know what issues you want to discuss.
• Know how much time you have & make sure you get to the issues before it runs out.
• There is nothing more persuasive than the firsthand accounts of how legislation will impact your community and local citizens. And who knows better than city mayors and councilmembers. Identify these impacts and share the stories – in your own words.
• Bring information & materials that support your position – bring extra copies for staff.
• Follow up with a thank you letter.

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