The CityVoice Podcast

Otto Klein, of Summit Law, sat down with AWC Government Relations Director, Candice Bock to chat about his decades of work on behalf of local governments. HR Insights shares Otto's insights about his long career, specializing in labor and employment issues, and his role in establishing AWC's annual Labor Relations Institute conference, held in Yakima each May. 

We are in the final inning of the 2023 legislative session. CityVoice Podcast sat down again with Deputy Government Relations Director Carl Schroeder to get the latest on the array of housing bills still moving through the Legislature. Carl talks HB 1110 (middle housing), SB 5466 (transit-oriented development), HB 1337 and SB 5235 (ADUs), and HB 1628 (REET). He shares the latest updates and expectations for where housing is headed as the session sprints to a conclusion.

We're more than half-way through the 2023 Legislative session, and just past the house-of-origin cut off. On this episode, the CityVoice Podcast talks with AWC's Government Relations Director, Candice Bock, to get the latest (and greatest) news from the hill, including an update on some of the bills that have died—or taken on new life. Candice talks middle housing, police pursuits, and budgets too.

Washington's infrastructure system is a complex network supporting daily life in our communities. Cities are working hard to maintain and improve the statewide system through unique and innovative approaches. This week's episode takes a deep dive into AWC's 2023 publication, State of the Cities: Washington's interconnected infrastructure. We visit with the mayor of Othello and the public works directors from Pasco and Cheney—to talk about their infrastructure projects and discuss the state of infrastructure in cities throughout Washington, in a landscape of shifting climate change priorities and expanded federal support. 

AWC staff sat down with Government Relations Deputy Director, Carl Schroeder to discuss the status of housing legislation and some of the complexities facing the cities of the state. We're about halfway through the session, and have just passed the first cutoff dates, so it's a great time to get Carl's expertise and updates on what's hot (and what's not) on the topics of zoning policy, funding for more available and affordable housing, regulatory reform, and infrastructure impacts.

We sat down with AWC Government Relations Director Candice Bock to go over AWC's recent City Conditions Survey results. The survey asked 92 Washington cities and towns about current policy and fiscal conditions in cities. Survey findings highlight what cities are focusing on around community issues, city policy priorities, finance, housing, infrastructure, transportation, human resources, DEI, and more. Listen to this synopsis of interesting things we learned and how we're using that data.    

Before Thanksgiving we had the chance to sit down with Summit Law Group attorney Kristin Anger. Kristin specializes in labor & employment law and has been a regular at AWC events and trainings. In the spirit of the holiday season, this month's interview focuses on “Annual Holiday Party Pitfalls” to help cities plan end-of-the year festivities where only the fun memories live on to the New Year, and not the liabilities. Listen to learn about common holiday party mistakes, what to consider before giving holiday gifts or bonuses, how to appropriately manage party events, and more.

Your city advocates Candice, Carl, and Brandy delve into the recently adopted 2023 City Legislative Priorities. You'll hear their take on what to expect in the upcoming legislative session along with information about the Blake decision, vehicle pursuits, infrastructure funding, housing availability and affordability, and behavioral health resources. You can also learn how to get involved with us and discover how to get the most out of advocacy during the rest of the year.

It's been just over a year since cities began receiving federal funds under the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). During our Annual Conference in Vancouver this year, we held an educational session where panelists addressed complying with federal rules, how their cities are using ARPA funds, and talked through some of the lingering challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. AWC's Jacob Ewing sat down with the panelists to gather their thoughts and insights on ARPA and cities.

Cities work with public employee unions on a variety of issues, and good working relationships with unions are critical for making sure that the important work of cities continues each day. That's why at AWC we think it's important for city management to hear labor-side perspectives. We sat down with Michael Rainey, the new President of the WA Council of County & City Employees, and his colleague Staff Representative Suzette Dickerson to get their take on management/union relations, bargaining, employee discipline, and upcoming trends and changes in the world of HR.  

We will soon welcome Matt Lehrman to the AWC Annual Conference stage in Vancouver, Washington, to talk to 400 city officials and staff about how to think about community interactions in a new way. This podcast offers an inspiring sneak peek at his Friday closing keynote session. AWC Member Services Director Tonia Sugarman sits down with Matt for a preview of his most popular training, which helps city elected officials and staff learn how to better engage and understand their residents. Explore how to approach community conversations using emotional intentionality—responding to someone's emotion, getting them to tell you more, and ultimately making them feel heard, respected, and empowered. This podcast will get you thinking about community engagement and leave you wanting more. Register for Annual Conference to see Matt's full keynote in person on Friday, June 24, at 9:30 am.  

On this edition, we've produced an episode for our HR & Labor Relations newsletter, HR insights. AWC's Candice Bock sat down with Rod Younker, CEO and attorney at Summit Law Group, to talk about current trends in HR and labor relations law and to give a sneak peek at Summit Law's content for the upcoming AWC Labor Relations Institute conference in the first week of May.  

The end of the 2022 legislative session is coming into view. The AWC Government Relations team sat down to talk housing, transportation funding, policing, the victories and challenges cities have faced so far, and what battles are still being fought. 

Are introverts more successful at working from home than extroverts? How can managers best support their teams? AWC spoke with Ken Zuckerberg, VP of Training at ComPsych, about how to navigate the challenges of remote work. Listen in and read the article here: https://wacities.org/news/2022/01/27/distance-learning.

At City Action Days this year, we had the rare opportunity to welcome leaders from all four corners of the Legislature—that's the caucus leaders of the Senate Democrats, Senate Republicans, House Democrats, and House Republicans. They joined together to talk candidly about their priorities and their work on city issues. Listen in to hear their thoughtful and insightful discussion about housing, public safety, transportation, infrastructure, and civility.

We sat down with AWC Government Relations Deputy Director Carl Schroeder to get his expert take on the status of key housing-related bills he's been tracking and working on this session. Carl offers us a deep dive into the issues that's both informative and easy to follow. Listen in to learn what's at stake, what's our stance, hear our proposed solutions, and discover why we need your help. More

Listen in to what has become our most popular podcast episode each year, the legislative kickoff! You'll hear our four lobbyists Candice, Carl, Sharon, and Brandy discuss their predictions for the short, remote legislative session. This is a quick and informative explainer of the issues that each lobbyist covers and what they expect to see. They also answer a few fun questions at the end about how they destress during a busy legislative session, with some snack-related surprises.

AWC's own Candice Bock recently sat down (virtually) with Greg Prothman of the Prothman Company, a recruitment consulting firm that specializes in local government hiring. After serving as city manager at the City of Des Moines, WA, Greg went on to found the Prothman Company in 2001 where he helps local governments across the state and country find top talent for their executive-level and managerial posts. Candice talked with Greg about how recruiting has changed during the “Great Resignation,” and he shared insights for recruiting successfully in the current labor market.

This episode offers an audio version of two stories from the Fall 2021 issue of Cityvision magazine. Find out how Long Beach converted municipal sewage sludge into pay dirt and how Kenmore hatched a plan for long-term financial sustainability.

Interviewed on location at AWC's Member Expo, Jim Kilmer of the Opal group gives sobering warnings and practical advice for cities and towns in Washington facing cybersecurity threats.

After a 45 year career in association management, Peter King announced his retirement as CEO of AWC. Before he left, he sat down with Brian Daskam and the CityVoice podcast to relive his worst memories while discussing infrastructure, economic development, and more. 

Check out our state of transportation in cities infographic and listen is as we take an even closer look at city transportation systems and our urgent need to partner with the state and pass a transportation revenue package. We explore the state of transportation and welcome two special guests from Tacoma and Ephrata to hear about local transportation funding efforts in their cities.

Starting in 2021, cities began receiving direct federal funds under the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). Many cities quickly set to work determining how funds should be used in their communities. During this episode of CityVoice, we hear from three cities – Lakewood, Walla Walla, and Lake Stevens – as they share where they are at in their planning process as well as some ideas of how they are using ARPA funds.

This episode offers an audio version of three stories from the Summer 2021 issue of Cityvision magazine. Find out how you can provide leadership even when you're not in a leadership position, assess how you present yourself in those numerous online appointments, and learn how the city of Granite Falls was able to improve their police station without costs getting out of control.

Listen to part two of a two part episode. Excerpted from a presentation at this year's Annual Conference, you'll hear an update from the AWC Government Relations team on advocacy skills and actions you can take here at home during the legislative interim.

Listen to part one of a two part episode. Excerpted from a presentation at this year's Annual Conference, you'll hear an update from the AWC Government Relations team on advocacy skills and actions you can take here at home during the legislative interim.

This episode offers an audio version of three stories from the Summer 2021 issue of Cityvision magazine. Find out how Fife dealt with a potentially volatile housing protest, learn about Darrington's new Wood Innovation Center, and get the back story on AWC and NLC working together on the American Rescue Plan Act. 

At Annual Conference, we spoke with planning professionals from across the state about the local impacts of climate change. Climate influenced events can add significant risks and costs to cities, impacting operations, finances, and budgets as well as local economies. Listen to our discussion to examine how climate change may affect your city, learn how to identify, and prepare for risks and costs, hear how some jurisdictions are using climate action plans to prepare for climate change, and much more.   Registration for Annual Conference on demand sessions will remain open until Sept 22.

We welcome our four AWC lobbyists to discuss the remaining two weeks of session. Get insider information about current legislation with city impacts, including tax increment financing, open public meetings, fiscal flexibility, multifamily tax exemption, growth management, city planning, police reform, the Blake decision, broadband, utilities, and transportation revenue.

Listen to this recorded briefing by Sen. Patty Murray and Sen. Maria Cantwell on important policy such as COVID-19 response and recovery, infrastructure and transportation funding proposals, and broadband expansion assistance. The health and vitality of local economies are critical to a robust and dynamic national economy. Local leaders must build strong relationships with Congress to help shape federal policies. Annually, city leaders travel to Washington D.C. to meet with Washington State's senators to strengthen the city partnership. Since travel is not an option this year, Washington's senators have come to you.  

Congress is close to agreement on passing the American Rescue Plan Act with good news for cities. Unlike the CARES Act from last year, this federal package includes direct and flexible aid to cities totaling $65 billion. If it passes, how much will your city receive? When can your city expect funds? How will they be distributed? Listen to our latest CityVoice podcast to find the answers as we welcome a first-time special guest to the podcast, AWC's CEO Peter King.

Police reform roundtable podcast At City Action Days, Representatives Debra Entenman, Jesse Johnson, and Jacquelin Maycumber joined us for a roundtable discussion about police reforms and their goals for this legislative session. Rep. Johnson discussed how his police reform bills came together through community outreach and input from law enforcement officers. Rep. Maycumber spoke to the need for community policing in our cities. And Rep. Entenman reminded us that our voices are important in the ongoing police reform discussion. Listen in as the legislators share their thoughts on community policing, accreditation, and supporting our officers on the latest episode of our CityVoice podcast.

Grab your copy of AWC's new housing report and join us as we welcome AWC's Carl Schroeder to the podcast and get his inside take on the housing affordability crisis throughout the state. We explore the report's research findings to bust some common myths and misconceptions about affordable housing in cities. You'll gain a big-picture understanding of cities' challenges and solutions, hear about city planning efforts, discover tools that cities use, and find out what resources we still need from the state.

Hear from AWC's Government Relations team and glean insights into the 2021 Legislative Session.

This episode offers an audio version of a recent Cityvision article. Listen to “Maintaining your rep: how cities can mitigate political risk with enterprise risk management.”

For this episode of the CityVoice podcast, we sat down with Lakewood's Police Chief, Mike Zaro, to discuss the issue of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in law enforcement. Listen in and find out about Lakewood's leadership on the issue of PTSD and what city leaders can do to help. 

Hear a recent article from Cityvision magazine about how Washington communities are pursuing a balance of financial resilience and public health by reframing and refocusing their core economic identities.

Listen in to a recent AWC-hosted discussion with city leaders across Washington as they discuss how they've used CARES funding in their cities and towns. 

Hear part of the recorded 2020 conference session on advancing racial equity. 

Hear highlights from the session, Rethinking local government after COVID-19, from AWC's Annual Conference Online. Now is the time to reflect on the challenges cities have faced, the lessons cities have learned, and new ideas and programs that cities can implement to support their communities.

We focus on one of this year's legislative priorities: medication-assisted treatment for incarcerated individuals with opioid use disorder. We sit down with Jessica Blose and Tony Walton, two representatives from the Washington State Health Care Authority, to get a clearer picture of the opioid crisis in Washington. We also talk with AWC's own Sharon Swanson to learn how city-owned jails are affected.

At the start of the year we released our 2020 State of the Cities report, which found that cities are the economic drivers of our state and play an important role in the health of Washington. But cities are struggling to meet the basic needs of their communities and are facing new challenges. We sat down with Sheila, Candice, and Maggie to go over these and other report findings. Find out more about the CityVoice podcast here.

  New year, new season! We're back for Season 2 with our first episode about what cities can expect during the 2020 legislative session. Listen in as we sit down with Candice and Carl from our Government Relations team to discuss the details of our seven legislative priorities. P.S. Don't miss the end! We have some fun making four lighthearted predictions about what's to come this session. Find out more about the CityVoice podcast here.

In this episode of the CityVoice Podcast, we cover articles from the CityVision magaizing. The first article, Race Pace, covers the city of Tumwater as they adopt a long-term approach to diversifying their fire service. The second article, Business School, follows the city of Walla Walla as they cater to a neglected niche of the city's would-be entrepreneurs. Find out more about the CityVoice podcast here. Find out more about the CityVision magazine here.

This special episode of the CityVoice Podcast was recorded at AWC's Annual Conference in Spokane. We sit down with Rhys Roth, Director of the Center for Sustainable Infrastructure to learn how Washington cities can become environmentally friendly economic hubs through “industrial symbiosis.” Find out more info here.

It's a feud Shakespeare himself could have conjured: Two cities - Bingen and White Salmon - locked in a bitter rivalry dating back to their founding in the late 2800s. The issue? Access to the Columbia River. Read the entire CitiVision magazine here.

Do rural communities face unique challenges? How do you realize economic growth when you can't afford an economic development department? Interviewed on location in South Bend, AWC talks with Heidi Khokhar, Executive Director of Rural Development Initiatives, about these questions and more. Find out more info here.

We sit down with Carol Wilmes to discuss how drugs and alcohol are impacting municipal workplaces across our state. Find out what counts as “reasonable suspicion,” who is subject to random drug testing, and more. For more information about Drug & Alcohol testing and training, visit the D&A consortium.

Get the inside scoop from Candice Bock, Logan Bahr, Sharon Swanson and Carl Schroeder as they discuss the most interesting and unexpected happenings from the Legislative session, including popular footwear during this year's “snowmageddon,” and what's happening with the Legislature in the run-up to adjournment. Also, find out what you can do after session ends. Find out more info here.

This week, AWC's Candice Bock and Sheila Gall discuss and compare the proposed House and Senate budgets. Find out more about the budget process, how it affects Washington cities, and what you can still do.

This week we interview AWC's Carl Schroeder about what's going on with affordable housing in the latter half of the legislative session. You'll hear about a group of bills that AWC has been tracking, along with Carl's open take on what tools cities are looking for to increase their affordable housing stock. Find out more info here: https://wacities.org/data-resources/cityvoice-podcast