The CityVoice Podcast

In our third episode covering AWC’s 2025 State of the Cities report, we chat with Brianna Morin, AWC Legislative Policy Analyst, about the current state of city roads and infrastructure. We delve into funding challenges, PFAS issues, and ways city leaders can engage on public works matters. Additionally, we discuss innovative funding ideas under consideration by the Legislature, such as a road usage charge and a retail delivery fee. If your city has roads or pipes, this episode is a must!

• Read AWC's State of the Cities Report here.
• Browse a summary of findings from the City Conditions Survey here.
• Read AWC's report on city infrastructure here.

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

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, we sit down with Sheila Gall, AWC’s Legal Counsel, to discuss the state of city finances in Washington. We discuss the 1% property tax cap, the fiscal tools cities have to fund government services, and how cities have weathered the past few years.

• Read AWC's State of the Cities Report here.
• Browse a summary of findings from the City Conditions Survey here.
• View AWC's 1% property tax cap factsheet here.
• See how Washington cities invested ARPA-SLFRF funds 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.

AWC conducts an annual City Conditions Survey to gather information on the condition of cities and towns in our state. The survey covers a wide range of topics including finance, housing, public safety, infrastructure, and more. In part 1 or a two-part podcast, we sit down with Candice Bock, AWC's Director of Government Relations, to talk through how Washington cities are faring in the areas of finance and public safety.

Read a summary of findings from the City Conditions Survey 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.

Every two years, AWC conducts the Tax and User Fee Survey, also known as ‘TUFS’. Join Brianna Morin, AWC Policy Analyst & TUFS Lead, for an engaging discussion on TUFS and how your community can leverage this valuable data.

AWC members can access TUFS 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

We sit down with AWC Government Relations Advocate Brandy DeLange to discuss the state of the transportation budget and some of the sustainable funding challenges in this area. With several possible new sources on the discussion table, could online shopping mean the end of potholes?

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.