On January 24th and the 25th, class 27 met with a panel of government officials across Washington State.

During this multi-day session, Class 27 learned about city, county, and state government operations directly from elected and appointed leaders. The session included an overnight trip to Olympia, where class members experienced the State Capital during a legislative session.

The session featured a comprehensive and engaging agenda courtesy of our Session Day Sponsors, Benton PUD and Franklin PUD. We want to thank Jamie Harbert (Class XXI) for leading the class throughout the panel sessions.

First Day: January 24th

Leadership in Local Government

To begin the first day, the class heard from three local City Managers:

• John Amundson, Richland City Manager
• Lisa Beacon, Kennewick Interim City Manager
• Adam Lincoln, Pasco City manager

The City Manager serves as the primary administrative leader for the different cities, overseeing its various operations and representing its interests. Their responsibilities, determined by the City Council, the City Charter, and state laws, encompass planning, directing, and managing all city activities.

This entails coordinating programs and services within city departments and with external agencies, ensuring financial stability, and providing expert policy guidance and administrative support to the Mayor and City Council.

Budgeting in Local Government

The class heard from Brandon Allen – the Finance Director for the City of Richland. Brandon previously worked at Trios Health as a Controller and the Utah State Commission as a senior auditor.

The class got a crash course in budgeting for city government. With the City of Richland, Brandon’s Finance Department manages the city’s finances, ensuring responsible handling and reporting. The City of Richland budget aligns with the City Council’s Strategic Leadership Plan – Seven Keys to Unlock the future.

County Government Overview

Government Collaboration | Fire & EMS Agencies

The next panel discussed how the different fire and emergency service agencies work together. The panel included:

• Chief Kevin Crowley, Pasco Fire Department
• Chief Chad Michael, Kennewick Fire Department
• Chief Mike Harris, Franklin County Fire District #3

Getting Involved | Boards, Commissions, Committees and City Council

A panel consisting of city council discussed how the community could get involved in the boards, commissions and committees. The three panel members included:

• Terry Christensen, Former Mayor, City of Richland
• Gretl Crawford, Mayor Pro Tem, City of Kennewick
• Blanche Barajas, Councilmember, former Mayor, City of Pasco

Tri-City Legislative Council Panel

Two chamber of commerce executives discussed the activity on the Tri-City legislative council.  They included:

• Lori Mattson, CEO Tri-City Regional Chamber of Commerce
• Colin Hastings, Executive Director, Pasco Chamber of Commerce

The purpose of the Tri-Cities Legislative Council is to share resources and avoid duplication of efforts among the membership with respect to monitoring legislative information and events. The Tri-Cities Legislative Council provides a means to work cooperatively and speak with one voice for the Tri-Cities region on legislative issues.

Many Ways to Serve: Planning Committees

The final presentation from day 1 included a discussion with Matt Watkins the Executive Director with the Pasco Public Facilities District. Matt discussed the different ways that LTC class members could serve on the planning committees.

Second Day: January 25th

24^th District Senator

In the first presentation of the day, Class 27 heard from Senator Kevin De Wege. The Senator is a resident of Lake Sutherland and serves as the Chair of the Senate Agriculture, Water, Natural Resources and Parks Committee.

A Day in a Lobbyist Life

The class had a conversation with 2 lobbyists.

• Bud Ziemore, WSCFF Lobbyist
• Isaac Kastama, Water Street Public Affairs

The class learned how the two lobbyists persuade lawmakers to support specific polies and legislation that are favored by the groups they represent.

Office of the Lieutenant Governor

Denny Heck is the Lieutenant Governor of Washington State. He was first elected in 2020, and has previously served as the first United States Representative of Washington’s 10^th Congressional District. In 1993, he cofounded TVW, Washington State’s first statewide public affairs program – it’s goal was to provide the people of Washington State greater accessibility to their state government.

Office of the Secretary of State

During this fun visit with Steve Hobbes, the Secretary of State of Washington, the class got to create the official Seal for the State of Washington!

The primary responsibilities for the secretary state is to oversee elections, maintain official state records and regulate corporations and charities.

Senate Hearing

The class then moved to the Senate hearing room and listened into a few bills being discussed

• Business, Financial Services, Gaming & Trade – SHR2
• Health and Long-Term Care – SHR4
• Local Government, Land Use & Tribal Affairs – SHR 3

Meetings with Representatives and a Supreme Court Justice

During the final part of the day, the class met with several state representatives who represented parts of the Tri-Cities region.

1. Senator Matt Boehnke, 8^th Legislative District
2. Senator Nikki Torres, 15^th Legislative District
3. Justice Sheryl Gordon McCloud, Washington State Supreme Court
4. Representative Stephanie Barnard, 8^th Legislative District
5. Representative April Connors, 8^th Legislative District 
6. Representative Skyler Rude, 16^th Legislative District