AWC Legislative Bulletin - Volume 31, No. 4
February 1, 2008  (Plain Text Version)

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In this issue:
What You Need to Know Now
From the Director: Governor Gregoire and Legislative Leaders Address CLAC Attendees
Energy & Telecommunications
General Local Government
Infrastructure, Transportation & Economic Development
Land Use & Housing
Law & Justice
Municipal Finance
Personnel & Labor Relations
Online Legislative Advocacy Tools
AWC Legislative Contacts & Officers

From the Director: Governor Gregoire and Legislative Leaders Address CLAC Attendees

By Stan Finkelstein, AWC Executive Director

This past week, more than 350 city officials braved the weather to attend the AWC City Legislative Action Conference (CLAC).

They all heard positive messages from both Governor Chris Gregoire and three key legislative leaders who indicated sensitivity to the concerns of city officials on unfunded mandates, and recognition that the state and its cities should be partners in addressing the needs of a common constituency.

One Washington!

In her remarks, Governor Chris Gregoire again acknowledged that "we are one Washington" regardless of whether we’re in the Seattle metropolitan area or in Southeast Washington, and that it is incumbent on the state to respond to the problems of local governments throughout the state. The Governor expressed an awareness of the infrastructure and fiscal capacity problems of many cities, as well as the transportation funding problems confronting the state. She also expressed concerns regarding the absence of affordable housing in many areas, and the need to further invest in the most important of the state’s infrastructure responsibilities; the education of our youth.

While focusing on a number of the state’s concerns, the Governor also expressed a sincere sensitivity to city issues. She supports the Association’s recommendation that there be a comprehensive study of state, county, and city roles and responsibilities, and the resources available to provide both required and discretionary services. She concluded her comments by affirming her support for a renewed state/local "partnership" and the need for the state to work more closely with its local governments to address ongoing problems.

Do No Harm!

Attendees at the CLAC also heard stimulating presentations from House Minority Leader Richard DeBolt, Senate Majority Floor Leader Tracey Eide, and House Majority Floor Leader Larry Springer. All 3 legislators strongly acknowledged their opposition to imposing unfunded mandates on cities and towns, their recognition of the fiscal problems of many of the state’s communities, and their concerns about the rising costs of health care.

Issues regarding climate change were discussed, as were those regarding the declining capacity of local governments’ ability to maintain and improve its infrastructure systems. The consensus of the legislators was that resources will be "tight," but that state and local governments must explore ways to better address the needs of our citizenry. They all supported the AWC proposal to reexamine the roles, responsibilities, and resources of the state, counties, and cities and determine how to best address the needs of the state’s citizenry.

In Closing

It was gratifying to many of the attendees at the CLAC to recognize that our state’s leaders are aware of the problems confronting the state’s 281 cities and towns. While solutions may not be readily at hand, there appears to be a bipartisan willingness to be allies with local governments and to collegially strive to improve those situations where local officials are constantly struggling to meet the needs of their citizens. The AWC leadership was appreciative of the opportunity to share city concerns with the Governor and legislative leadership, and pleased at the support that they conveyed.