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Program |
Pre-Conference Workshops |
Workshops by Track |
General Sessions |
Legislative Committee Meetings |
Certified Municipal Leadership Credits
Workshops
All workshops on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday are at the Tacoma Convention Center.
Wednesday, June 13
9 – 10:30 am
Fiscal Legislative Subcommittee
9 – 11:30 am
Pre-Conference Workshops
- Clusters: Growing Regional Economic Development
- Engaging Youth Entrepreneurs in Your Community
- Leadership Skills: Turning Taxpayers into Citizens
10 – 11:30 am
Land Use and Environmental Stewardship Subcommittee
1:15 - 2:45 pm
Opening Keynote: Living a Legacy
1:30 – 4:30 pm
Waterfront Economic Development Boat Tour
3 – 4:30 pm
- Affordable Housing Policy
A lack of affordable housing is a barrier to economic development and increased quality of life in many cities throughout Washington. Affordable housing was a major topic of discussion in the 2007 session and is
likely to be addressed by the Legislature over the next few years. Join this solutions-oriented, interactive session to:
- Hear perspectives on affordable housing from statewide stakeholders.
- Provide input into affordable housing policy needs for the 2008 legislative session.
- Identify and share ideas on how your community can enhance affordability.
Moderator: Councilmember Mary-Alyce Burleigh, Kirkland
Speakers:
Representative Larry Springer (D-45th District)
Roberta Lewandowski, Futurewise
Mike Flynn, Washington Realtors
Casey O’Connor, Executive Vice President, Cascade Land Conservancy
Alison Van Gorp, Cascade Agenda Program Manager, Cascade Land Conservancy
- Can Small Cities Be Cool?
“Cool Cities” has increasingly become a buzzword among both community and economic development practitioners. After examining nearly 250 best practice communities in nine states, a series of actionable approaches
were identified to enhance a community’s vitality. This fast-paced virtual tour of successful initiatives in other small towns promises to provide ideas you can take home to your community.
- Learn new approaches to improving your town’s vitality as a place where people of all ages want to live, work and play.
- Gain insights on successful cultural economic development approaches.
- Identify strategies to reverse the brain drain and engage your community’s youth.
Speaker: Dave Ivan, Community & Economic Development Specialist, Michigan State University
- Government Ethics: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly
The media daily shows evidence of the ethical failures of our organizations. These failures destroy public trust, limit effectiveness and often snowball into painful and challenging consequences for individuals and
organizations. Meeting citizen expectations takes more than a checklist of right and wrong. This session takes you beyond setting rules to setting an example.
- Recognize what organizational consequences exist for ethical failures.
- Discuss how cities can promote ethical work cultures.
- Define the role leaders play in creating ethical cultures.
Speakers:
Cheryl Fambles, Ethics for Organizations
Stephen Jolin, Ph.D., Ethics for Organizations
- Innovative Public/Private Partnerships
Looking at several case studies, this interactive session characterizes the ingredients of successful and sustainable partnerships. You’ll take a look at the future of public facilities districts and examine the
sales tax driver. See how you can get the most mileage out of innovative public and private investments.
- Explore new and changing market partnership opportunities in small to major metro cities.
- Articulate the roles and objectives of private and public participants.
- Set the policy and planning framework critical for development partnerships to proceed.
Speaker: Eric Hovee, E.D. Hovee & Company, LLC
- Investing In Livable Communities: Local Solutions to Global Warming
Local governments have to power to affect the main sources of pollution directly linked to climate change: energy use, transportation, and waste. Cities control the day-to-day activities that determine the amount of
energy used and waste generated by their community – from land use and zoning decisions to control over building codes and licenses, infrastructure investment, municipal service delivery and management of schools, parks
and recreation areas.
- Explore the range of actions that can be incorporated into city operations to reduce global warming emissions.
- Hear from cities that are already taking steps reduce pollution.
- See what activities can work in your community.
Moderator: Mayor Mark Foutch, Olympia; AWC President
Speakers:
Mayor Dennis Hession, Spokane; AWC Director
Amy Shatzkin, ICLE
Michael Mucha, Director of Public Works, Olympia
Seattle Office of Sustainability and Environment
Amy Snover, Climate Impacts Group
Thursday, June 14
7:30 – 9 am
- Emerging Issue Breakfast
The Changing Telecommunications Landscape
Local government organizations have asked the federal courts to reverse the recent franchising order adopted by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) that restrict local governments’ franchise provisions such
as build-out, consumer channels, and rights of way management. Already this year, Congress introduced nearly a dozen bills relating to telecommunications issues. And, in Washington State in 2007, a statewide franchising
bill was advanced.
Why are long-established telecommunications policies being challenged nationally and locally?
A panel of telecommunications experts will summarize the FCC order, review state and federal bills, and discuss next steps for local governments on this very important issue.
Moderator: Mayor Bill Baarsma, Tacoma; AWC Director
Speakers:
Tim Lay, Spiegel & McDiarmid
Tom Walker, Asst. Vice President, Public Policy & Government Affairs, Qwest
Jill Novik, President, WA Telecommunications Officers Association
Ron Main, Executive Director, Broadband Communications Association of Washington
9:15 – 10:15 am
- Community Entrepreneurship Strategies
Beyond normal economic development strategies, many cities have successfully developed a community-wide environment that supports entrepreneurial activity. This session provides three levels of commitment (basic
support, advanced support, high performing communities) cities of any size can consider in creating a local environment that allows new and existing business enterprises to prosper.
- Examine the community life cycle to gain an understanding of where your community stands relative to future growth and success.
- Understand the tangible and non-tangible factors necessary to grow business enterprises in a community;
- Learn specific strategies other communities have pursued to help entrepreneurs succeed.
Speaker: Dave Ivan, Community & Economic Development Specialist, Michigan State University
- Finance 101 for Small Cities
This course covers the nuts and bolts of city finances for small city elected officials and staff. It’s guaranteed to give you a practical overview of “good” accounting practices for small cities.
- Learn what exactly is government “fund” accounting.
- Understand why some funds and their revenues are restricted.
- Get familiar with the terminology unique to government financing.
Speaker: Toni Nelson, Small Cities Specialist, WA State Dept. of Auditors
- Help Wanted: Paying for Offender Medical Costs
In recent years, cities and counties have faced a number of difficult challenges regarding offender medical costs, which have been impacted by growing costs of health care, changes in federal coverage, and
changing offender medical needs. Without a long-term solution, some cities could face costs that could significantly impact their ability to operate. Join a discussion with experts in the field to explore potential
long-term solutions.
Moderator: Craig Ritchie, City Attorney, Sequim
- Planning an Effective Legislative Agenda
What makes a successful legislative session?
- Cities working together for common goals
- Developing a clear local agenda
- Developing partnerships
- Consistency of message
Come learn what some Washington cities are doing to plan and prepare for annual legislative sessions. Discuss how legislative agendas can assist AWC’s advocacy efforts. Presenters are experienced in local legislative
advocacy and can relate to the City view from their positions as an elected official, an appointed official and a legislative consultant.
Moderator: Pete Butkus, Deputy City Manager, Sammamish
Speakers:
Mayor Glenn Johnson, Pullman
Mark Brown, Governmental Relations Consultant, Connections Public Affairs
Suzanne Dale Estey, Director of Economic Development, Renton
- Talking Infrastructure: Smart Policy Conversations
Infrastructure is at the center of growth, economic development, environmental compliance, and quality of life in communities. Join a discussion with policy leaders on the elected official’s role in good policy
development that will provide the foundation for your city to accomplish its goals. Discuss how cities can help AWC advocate for sufficient tools and funding to address the backlog in capital needs.
- Hear from city leaders about what it took to accomplish their infrastructure projects.
- Discuss what actions elected officials need to take to create and stick to a vision.
- Learn what policies help make the case to the community and funding stakeholders.
Moderator: Benjii Bittle, Economic Vitality Group
Presenters:
Mayor Cary Bozeman, Bremerton
Tom Hingson, Transportation Services Director, Everett
9:30 – 11:30 am
Salishan: Revitalized Affordable Housing
10:30 – 11:45 am
Downtown Urban Living Walking Tour
10 am – Noon
10:30 am – Noon
10:30 am – Noon
- Affinity Recruitment: Who Loves Ya, Baby?
Who do you know that had to move away to go to college or get a job? Who visits your area on vacation? These people have an affinity for your community. This interactive workshop shows you how to use affinity
recruitment to grow and diversity your local economy.
- Find out why affinity recruitment works as an economic development strategy, especially in smaller communities.
- Hear stories about people who use technology to operate successful businesses in rural areas.
- See how you can develop an affinity strategy for your community.
Speaker: Monica Babine, Rural Bridges Co-Director, WSU Extension’s Center for Crossing the Digital Divide
- Courageous Leadership
Public expectations require a higher level of government accountability than ever before. As a leader, the demand for accountability and improved organizational performance require leadership that is fair, courageous,
and demanding. This session introduces you to tools and approaches that will help you meet constituent expectations and give you ways to communicate performance concisely.
- Understand the difference between courageous leadership and management.
- Learn how data driven decision making and accountability can increase public trust.
- Harness the power of planning strategically and aligning your organization toward the future.
- Bring home tools for communicating both internally to employees and externally to constituents to gain commitment and trust.
Speaker: Cindy Colvin, Principal, C.M. Colvin and Associates, LLC
- Cutting Through the Environmental Maze
Now more than ever, communities need to properly manage their environmental issues. Proper economic, infrastructure and community development rely on cities actively addressing their water, land, air and fish and
wildlife concerns. This session starts by giving foundational knowledge about environmental issues, shows how they play a role in local decision making and offers tips for how to practically manage local environmental
issues.
- Understand the basics of environmental management, including regulatory roles and influences.
- Examine the role that environmental issues play in economic and community development.
- Identify specific actions community developers and leaders can take to better manage local environmental management issues.
Speaker: Udaya Patnaik, Jump Associates LLC
- When Emergency Strikes, Are You Ready?
Whether it is a flood, another windstorm, pandemic flu, or an earthquake, is your city ready for the next disaster or emergency? Is your city in compliance with federal requirements for grant assistance from FEMA?
Learn what elected officials are required to do to make sure communities and citizens are prepared.
- Learn what partnerships and regional agreements will help your city respond quickly in an emergency.
- Discuss federal requirements that may affect your grant eligibility.
- Get materials and resources that will help make sure your city has good policies in place.
Speaker: Barb Graff, Director, Office of Emergency Management, Seattle
- What Makes A Good Place Great?
The Pomegranate Center is known for its exceptional work in creating community spaces. The center uses “place-making” design ideas and community-building processes that help transform communities, neighborhoods and
developments into more humane, unique and interesting places. These projects involve groups of people in creating gathering places, community-based plans for town squares, trails and parks, and art-making.
- Experience place-making concepts through a visual tour of Pomegranate Center’s past and current projects.
- Realize how critical it is to engage community members at every stage of a project.
- Imagine ways you can use these processes in your city.
Speaker: Milenko Matanovic, Executive Director, Pomegranate Center
1:45 – 3 pm
- Active Communities: Healthy Planning and Urban Design
Planning and urban design can have a dramatic impact on physical activity and the overall health of the community. Learn about current research used for decision-making, the latest in policies and their effect on
development, and some examples of what is happening around the state. Walk away with knowledge and resources to initiate efforts for creating more active and healthier communities.
- Learn the role policy-makers can play in creating an active and healthy community.
- Discover partnerships and resources that will support your efforts.
- Take home examples of how other jurisdictions have built environments that support healthy communities.
Moderator: Councilmember Kory Edwards, Fife; AWC Director
Speakers:
Victor Colman, Senior Policy Analyst, WA State Dept. of Health
Commissioner Steve Stuart, Clark County
Eric Shields, Director of Planning & Economic Development, Kirkland
- Innovation for Growth and Community Development
Corporations are scrambling to get better at innovation, coming up with new ideas that can have profound socio economic effects and drive revenue. Cities and towns likewise constantly need new ways to keep their
communities vital and vibrant. What does innovation for community leaders look like? Which philosophies and theories have practical impacts? What actions should leaders take to enable innovation in local systems and
development efforts?
- Examine a few core principles that are driving innovation in business.
- Understand basic theories that continue to support successful community development.
- Begin to apply those findings by thinking about actions we can take in our own communities.
Speaker: Udaya Patnaik, Jump Associates LLC
- Navigating NPDES Phase II Stormwater Permit
The State of Washington Department of Ecology (DOE) issued the NPDES Phase II Stormwater Permit on January 17, 2007. This program will have significant city-wide impacts on 101 cities throughout Washington, including
public education and engagement. Attend this session to:
- Get an overview of what elected officials need to know about their obligations under the permit.
- Meet with other city officials responsible for overseeing this significant city-wide program.
- Find out what resources will be available for you and your city.
Moderator: Dave Williams, Municipal Policy Associate, Association of Washington Cities
Speakers:
Councilmember Paul Roberts, Everett
Mayor Pro Tem Nancy Aldrich, West Richland
Kathryn L. Gerla, Attorney, Foster Pepper PLLC
- Tapping Into Economic Development Assistance
When it comes to successful economic development, it’s all about relationships. Listen to city officials and economic development and downtown practitioners discuss some unique partnerships that have lead to
successful strategies.
- Discover how the county economic development organization can help identify tools that encourage wealth in your community.
- Understand how smaller communities can tap into regional activities that will help their businesses.
- Learn how downtown revitalization groups help foster the partnerships necessary to reduce risk and encourage investment in our downtowns.
Moderator: Maury Forman, Director of Education and Training, WA State Dept. of Community, Trade and Economic Development
Speakers:
Timothy Bishop, CMSM, Executive Director, Ellensburg Downtown Association
Joanne Schwartz, Economic Development Administrator, Chehalis
Michael Tracey, President, Grays Harbor Economic Development Council
- Top Tips for Small City Elected Officials
Why recreate the wheel? Come hear what works from small city elected officials throughout the state, and share what’s working in your city or town. Hear lessons learned and best practices on:
- Developing creative partnerships.
- Getting things accomplished.
- Connecting with citizens.
- Building valuable relationships.
- Running effective meetings, and more!
Speakers:
Mayor Katrina Asay, Milton
Mayor Katherine Bohnet, Wilson Creek
Mayor Michael Echanove, Palouse
Councilmember Micki Harnois, Rockford
Mayor Richard Hildreth, Pacific
Mayor Steve Jenkins, Bridgeport
Councilmember Meridith Wright, Eatonville
2 – 4 pm
- Joint Transportation Committee
The Joint Transportation Committee is providing an opportunity to discuss transportation topics that affect cities. Topics include:
- “East meets West” – a panel on how freight moves on our streets, and moving freight across our state.
- “Transportation Concurrency” – a discussion on local, regional and state challenges and opportunities to meeting concurrency requirements.
- Open Discussion: An opportunity for us to discuss our transportation issues with members of the Joint Transportation Committee
2 – 4 pm
Rebirth of Tacoma's Business Districts Tour
3:30 – 4:45 pm
- Bringing Retail to Underserved Markets and Plugging Retail Leaks
Community leaders are increasingly taking a more proactive role in seeking programs to attract and expand retail. It provides additional revenues from sales and property taxes as well as satisfies residents’ desire
to have more shopping and dining choices. In this session, community leaders will learn tools and techniques that can be implemented by a community regardless of size and applied in their own economic development
program.
- Understand trends in retail.
- Learn effective marketing to retailers.
- Implement a more proactive, strategic approach to recruiting retail: a WA community case study.
Speaker: Amy Wetzel, VP of Western Region, CommunityID, Buxton
- Getting the Work Done: Community Volunteers
Our cities are faced with the challenge of maintaining or enhancing services at the same time our resources are limited. One important tool to address this challenge is the use of volunteers. In this session,
dialogue with other city officials to learn how to:
- Create an effective program to recruit and maintain volunteers.
- Identify the services or programs where volunteers can be most helpful.
- Avoid common pitfalls associated with the use of volunteers.
- Effectively motivate and supervise volunteers.
- Develop successful approaches that have worked in other cities.
Speaker: Scott Staples, City Administrator, Grandview
- Streamlined Sales Tax – How it will Affect Washington Retailers
Under current law, retail sales tax is sourced to the location from where merchandise is shipped or delivered. Substitute Senate Bill 5089 changes that. On July 1, 2008, Washington retailers delivering goods to
customers in the state must start collecting sales tax based on where the customer receives the merchandise – the “destination” of the sale. Find out how this new law affects your business or community.
- Understand the streamlined sales tax agreement.
- Hear what’s happening with the agreement nationally.
- Find out how mitigation will work.
Speakers:
Lorrie Jo Brown, Operations Research Manager, Research Division, WA State Dept. of Revenue
Greg Potegal, Tax Policy Specialist, WA State Dept. of Revenue
- You Can Make It Happen: Infrastructure Funding
Sources for much needed infrastructure funding are growing scarcer and more competitive. Come prepared to discuss your local infrastructure funding issues and concerns. Find out how your city can benefit from state
grant and loan programs.
Moderator: Pete Butkus, Deputy City Manager, Sammamish
Speakers:
Leslie Hafford, Client Services Manager, Public Works Board
Stevan Gorcester, Executive Director, Transportation Improvement Board
Kathleen Davis, Director, WSDOT, Highways and Local Programs
Alan Bogner, Federal Grants Manager, Water Quality, WA State Dept. of Ecology
Dick Larman, Managing Director, Business and Project Development, CTED
Clare Billings, CDBG Program Manager, CTED
Friday, June 15
7:30 – 9 am
Community Safety and Justice Subcommittee
8:30 – 10:15 am
Inside Port of Tacoma Tour
8:45 – 10:15 am
- Budgeting in an Environment of Change (CML workshop)
This course will explore basic guidelines for municipal budgeting and fiscal accountability. Learn how budgets have evolved from a numbers document to one of long-range planning and accountability for results in the
community. Discuss the elected officials’ role in monitoring taxpayer dollars.
Speakers:
Gayla Gjertsen, Finance Director, Tumwater
Mike Bailey, Finance & Information Services Administrator, Renton
- Destination Tourism (CML workshop)
What is unique and authentic about your community? Tell the world! Tourism is a primary industry and increasingly important part of Washington’s economy. What already exists in your community? Showcase your history,
architecture, neighborhoods and agricultural heritage. Set your place apart and use your assets to capitalize on in the marketplace. Don’t leave dollars on the table!
Speaker: Benji Bittle, Economic Vitality Group
- Jurassic Parliament: Great Meetings Using Parliamentary Procedure (CML workshop)
Come to this workshop on running great city council meetings and never be intimidated by parliamentary procedure again. The session provides an overview of the key elements of Robert’s Rules of Order using toy dinosaurs.
Learn about the paradoxical role of the presider at a meeting; three golden rules for efficient and fair discussion; and what “precedence of motions” means.
Speaker: Ann Macfarlane, Consultant, Jurassic Parliament
9 – 10:15 am
- B & O Cities Roundtable
If you are from one of the 39 cities that have a local business and occupation (B&O) tax or your city is considering adopting one, your city will need to amend its ordinance to adopt by January 2008 income
apportionment provisions that will have significant revenue impacts. At this roundtable, we will bring you up to date on the timeline for the required adoption of the revised model ordinance and answer your questions
about the B&O tax.
Facilitator:
Jim Justin, Assistant Director for Intergovernmental Relations, Association of Washington Cities
- ED Tools Roundtable
Join state economic policy leaders in a discussion about the status and future of economic development policy in Washington state. Take this opportunity to learn how cities fit into the governor’s economic
development strategies; get an update on changes made in the 2007 legislative session and identify needs for 2008; and share your insights about economic development in your city.
Facilitator: Ashley Probart, AWC Staff
Speakers:
Mark Baldwin, Senior Policy Advisor, Office of the Governor
Tom Trulove, Chair, Community Economic Revitalization Board, Cheney Coucilmember
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