The CityVoice Podcast

AWC Deputy Director of Government Relations Carl Schroeder leads a look at several bills on housing and homelessness and their potential impacts on Washington cities and towns. He covers SB 6026/HB 2480, which would require cities to allow housing in commercial and mixed use zones as well as limit first-floor retail authority. He also discusses HB 2266/SB 6069 on STEP supportive, transitional, and emergency housing and details the practical considerations of HB 2489, which would affect cities' ability to enforce ordinances limiting activities such as camping on public property. Read more about SB 6026/HB 2480 on zoning: https://wacities.org/advocacy/news/advocacy-news/2026/01/23/a-short-bill-with-significant-consequences---requiring-housing-in-commercial-zones Learn about HB 2266/SB 6069 on STEP housing: STEP housing bill returns Follow the news on HB 2489: https://wacities.org/advocacy/news/advocacy-news/2026/01/16/homeless-response-bill-emerges-to-allow-camping-in-all-public-spaces

In our first episode of 2026, Government Relations Advocate Derrick Nunnally and Policy Analyst Emma Shepard discuss AWC's latest research report, State of the Cities: Behavioral health—Supporting vulnerable populations in our communities. They cover key takeaways, give examples of how cities are working to expand services, and explain how cities and legislators can use this report to develop a common language and shared vision for behavioral health support at the local level. Download State of the Cities: Behavioral health—Supporting vulnerable populations in our communities Subscribe to AWC's Legislative Bulletin

As fall approaches, AWC's Government Relations Team is well underway in adopting priorities and planning for Washington state's 2026 Legislative Session. In this episode of the CityVoice Podcast, Director of Government Relations Candice Bock and Deputy Director Carl Schroeder are joined by legislative advocates Derrick Nunnally and Steven Ellis to share their insights on making the most of the interim. Listen as they share tangible steps that city officials can take right now to lay the groundwork for a successful session. See why session is only the tip of the iceberg Get tips for developing your city's legislative agenda Subscribe to AWC's Legislative Bulletin

AWC Director of Government Relations Candice Bock unpacks the Washington State Legislature's 2025 budget proposals with Deputy Director Carl Schroeder. In a new twist, the Legislature is rolling out budget proposals in installments instead of by chamber. Bock and Schroeder talk about the potential gains and losses of this year's operating budget proposals for Washington cities, particularly in the areas of public safety and the Public Works Assistance Account. They also compare the House and Senate transportation budgets. With the budget reconciliation process around the corner, Bock and Schroeder urge local Washington elected officials to contact their legislators now to advocate for their cities' priorities. Get talking points for discussing the operating budget proposals with your legislators Read a comparison of the House and Senate transportation budget proposals Read and subscribe to AWC's Legislative Bulletin

In this episode, AWC lobbyist (and former journalist) Derrick Nunnally talks with AWC Director of Government Relations Candice Bock and Deputy Director Carl Schroeder about the status of bills making their way through the Washington Legislature at the midpoint of the 2025 legislative session. With the policy and fiscal cutoffs reached, Bock and Schroeder look at the remaining bills on public safety, homelessness, recycling, and more—and the potential impacts those bills could have on Washington cities. See where bills currently stand using AWC's Bill Tracker Read and subscribe to AWC's Legislative Bulletin Get information on AWC's Legislative Priorities for 2025

AWC first released a State of the Cities report back in 2005, with the goal of providing a view of the conditions and issues cities face in Washington. In early 2025, AWC published the most recent edition of the report. In this episode of the CityVoice Podcast, we sit down with Matt Doumit, AWC Legislative & Policy Analyst, to discuss the state of city workforces in Washington. We discuss the changing demands cities have for city workers, get an overview of city workforce cost drivers like salaries and workers’ compensation, and hear an update on recruitment at cities. Read AWC's State of the Cities Report here Browse a summary of findings from the City Conditions Survey here Read AWC's Municipal Workforce Report here Learn more about the Labor Relations Institute here

In part two of two of our webinar series on the AWC City Conditions Survey, we sit down with Carl Schroeder, AWC's Deputy Director of Government Relations, to discuss how cities are addressing the issues of transportation, housing, and climate. Read a summary of findings from the City Conditions Survey here. Read AWC's Homelessness & Housing Toolkit for Cities here. Read AWC's report on city infrastructure here.

Join Matt Doumit, AWC Policy Analyst, for an insightful discussion on AWC’s Salary and Benefit Survey. Since its inception in 1952, this survey has been the most comprehensive resource for understanding the salaries and benefits of city and county employees across Washington. In this episode, you’ll explore the survey’s rich history, discover the significant changes public employees have experienced over the years, and learn about the latest developments designed to benefit your jurisdiction moving forward. AWC members can access Salary and Benefit Survey data here.

Join a discussion with AWC's Government Relations Director, Candice Bock, and AWC's Deputy Government Relations Director, Carl Schroeder, as they talk about: AWC's legislative priorities for 2025; Tips for city leaders wanting to get involved in the legislative process; and What life is like as a lobbyist on the Hill. You can view AWC's legislative priorities on AWC's website: 2025 City Legislative Priorities

AWC CEO Deanna Dawson recently sat down with Betsy Wilkerson, AWC President and Spokane Council President, to reflect on her past year as AWC President and share lessons and insights she’s gained through public service. You’ll hear talk of planes, trains, and automobiles—all part of the story of this leader who’s always on the move! Please join us in thanking President Wilkerson for her contributions and service to all 281 Washington cities and towns as our 2023-2024 AWC President.

Tacoma’s deputy mayor John Hines plans to circumnavigate the city on foot, reshaping public perceptions and inspiring civic pride, one block at a time.

As our celebration of Women’s History Month wraps up, don’t miss this engaging interview with Deanna Dawson, AWC’s first woman CEO, as she discusses her path to city service, what motivates her work, and the challenges and rewards of being a woman in a leadership position.