The CityVoice Podcast

CityVoice - S05E02: HR Field Notes: Summit Law’s Kristin Anger on “Annual Holiday Party Pitfalls”

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.

CityVoice - S05E01:Three lobbyists discuss five legislative priorities

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.

CityVoice - S04E20: One year later: How cities are using ARPA funds

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.

CityVoice - S04E19: HR Insights discussion with the WA State Council of County & City Employees (AFSCME Council 2)

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.

 

CityVoice - S04E18: Tell me more: From conflict to conversation

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.

 

CityVoice - S04E17: HR Insights interview with Rod Younker

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.

 

CityVoice - S04E16: What’s happening in the legislative homestretch?

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. 

CityVoice - S04E15: Distance Learning

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.

CityVoice - S04E14: Cities and the four corners

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.

CityVoice - S04E13: A housing update with AWC’s Carl Schroeder

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