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Washington's Invisible Backbone

Infrastructure Systems in Washington's Cities and Towns

Washington’s cities and towns provide vital public infrastructure systems for residents, businesses and visitors. Yet, data collected by AWC from city officials in surveys, focus groups discussions and interviews reveal that although cities work hard to maintain their infrastructure systems, many lack the needed resources to provide infrastructure for a growing population. Additional challenges arise from cities’ ability to maintain aging infrastructure systems and meet higher environmental regulations.

This report explores the following city infrastructure systems:

• Streets, bridges and street elements such as sidewalks, lighting and
  bicycle lanes;
• Utilities such as drinking waters, sewer/waste water, and stormwater;
• Parks and recreational facilities;

• Jails;
• Municipal buildings such as city halls, fire states, police stations, and
  community centers; and
• Emerging infrastructure systems such as technology that supports
  e-governance, and interoperable communications systems.

Executive Summary (pdf, 793 kb)

Full Report (pdf, 841 kb)

Additional Information
Infrastructure Grant and Loan Opportunities for Cities (xls, 84kb)

Send questions to Alicia Seegers Martinelli, Research Coordinator, at aliciam@awcnet.org.

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State of the Cities © 2008 Association of Washington Cities