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City lobbyists report progress on waste‑to‑energy exemption and other bills; budgets next focus after March revenue forecast
Summary
City representatives told the committee that key legislative priorities — including an adjusted waste‑to‑energy exemption and emergency communications excise tax — have passed committee cutoffs and are awaiting floor action; attention now shifts to operating and capital budgets after the March 19 revenue forecast.
Eric (city legislative staff) and council members reported on work in Olympia. The city’s waste‑to‑energy issue advanced out of policy and ways‑and‑means committees after proponents agreed to narrow the request to a time‑limited exemption (a 10‑year exemption was proposed in committee) so Climate Commitment Act provisions would not immediately affect the city’s waste‑to‑energy facility while the city continues mitigation work.
City staff said the emergency communications excise tax legislation also cleared committee and is awaiting floor action. Growth Management Act six‑month delay bills were likewise reported as in good shape and awaiting rules/floor scheduling. The legislative effort will shift to budget negotiations after the state revenue forecast on March 19, when capital and operating proposals will be revealed — including transportation projects and funding the North Spokane Corridor, in which the city indicated concern about possible delays.
Council members described face‑to‑face meetings in Olympia as useful for relationship building and for advancing city priorities. Staff cautioned that work remains — bills that pass one chamber still need to be negotiated in the other, and some items face organized opposition. Council members asked for continued coordination and said they will follow up with letters or advocacy on specific priorities.
