53 Suggestions for Successful Public Service (pdf)
A quick read for city officials who want to improve their leadership skills.
AWC Annual Report (pdf)
A look at AWC highlights and annual financials, shared with city members at the association’s June annual meeting. City officials are encouraged to contact the AWC Board of Directors or AWC CEO Mike McCarty with questions, comments or suggestions.
Budgeting for Cities and Towns in Washington State (pdf)
A practical handbook for policymakers, chief appointed officials and others involved in the budget making process
Cityvision
A bi-monthly magazine exploring key issues facing Washington cities, with ideas to share from communities that are making a positive difference.
CityVoice
Your single source for the latest AWC news and services. You’ll see it in your inbox every Tuesday.
Clerk-Treasurer's Reference Tool (pdf, 455 kb)
A one-stop collection of materials for both new and veteran clerks, in one place to make your job easier and give a place to start looking for answers.
Councilmembers Handbook (pdf, 366 kb)
Budget basics. Parliamentary procedures. Roles and responsibilities. Resolving conflict. Open public meetings act. Appearance of fairness. Citizen participation. That’s just the start of the resources and advice you’ll find in the Councilmembers Handbook. It’s an essential foundation for a successful council meeting.
Forming Successful Partnerships (pdf)
A step-by-step guide to identifying and sizing up potential partners, negotiating agreements, estimating costs of service, and implementing and managing the partnership.
Legislative Bulletin
Published on-line weekly during legislative session, monthly during the interim. Hightlights and analysis of issues and legislations impacting cities, tracking key priorities identified by AWC’s members.
Mayors Handbook (pdf, 414 kb)
A reference guide for both strong mayors and mayors in council-manager cities and all mayor pro tems. Covers everything from presiding over meetings and resolving/ preventing mayor-council conflict, to budget basics and an overview of statutes defining the mayor’s authority.
Red Flag Checklist – Communicating About Your City’s Financial Condition (pdf)
A series of red flag conditions that could indicate a problem in your city’s fiscal future, and trigger strategic problem-solving discussions with city leaders, local business and your community.
Small City Resource Manual (pdf)
As a small city, you face your own unique set of challenges. This manual helps you make policy decisions, give you tips on how to work together as a council, provides fiscal management resources, and much more.
So you want to be an elected official... (pdf)
Practical information for people running for office in Washington’s cities and towns.
State of the Cities
The State of the Cities is an ongoing research effort by AWC to explore the fiscal health and trends of Washington’s cities and towns. Now in its sixth year, the survey presents a wealth of reliable benchmark data.
Statement of Policy and Resolutions (pdf)
Outlines positions AWC holds on fundamental municipal issues and serves as the framework for developing the association’s legislative priorities and positions.
Tax & User Fee Survey
Published every two years, the survey is an important resource for cities and towns in comparing municipal tax rates and fees, land use fees, parks and recreation fees and utility rates. The survey’s on-line reporting tool requires log-in and password .
The Ten Commandments of Community Leadership (pdf)
An energizing dose of practical tips for local leaders, giving them a framework for making decisions and taking actions based on what is right for their communities
Washington City & County Employee Salary & Benefit Survey
Extensive information on salaries and benefits for Washington’s cities and counties. The survey’s on-line reporting tool requires log-in and password .
Washington’s Cities and Towns handout
In summer 2012, AWC created a valuable handout that provides a snapshot look at our state’s cities and towns. It includes statistical and background information for AWC members to use in conveying city-focused information to policymakers. A printer-friendly version of the Washington’s Cities and Towns handout is available for your use.