Yakima City Councilmember Patricia Byers recently earned an Advanced Certificate of Municipal Leadership from the Association of Washington Cities (AWC).
AWC’s Certificate of Municipal Leadership program recognizes city and town elected officials for accomplishing training in five core areas:
- Roles, responsibilities and legal, requirements
- Public sector resource management
- Community planning and development
- Effective local leadership
- Diversity, equity and inclusion
Those who earn advanced certificates have continued to strive for excellence by attending conferences and trainings, serving their community, and further developing leadership skills.
“Being a city leader in Washington is a complex job,” said AWC CEO Deanna Dawson. “Through our Advanced CML program we are providing our local elected officials with the knowledge they need to effectively operate within the law, plan for the future, secure and manage funds, foster strong relationships, and work to build more equitable communities.”
To earn the Advanced Certificate of Municipal Leadership, Byers completed more than 60 hours of training and demonstrated local community service.
In 2021, Councilmember Byers earned the AWC’s Certificate of Municipal Leadership which required 30 hours of training.
She represents District 3 on the Yakima City Council. She was elected to City Council in November 2019.
Previously, she served nearly six years on the City of Yakima Planning Commission, serving as chair her last two years on the commission.
Click City Council (yakimawa.gov) for more about the Yakima City Council.
AWC serves its members through advocacy, education and services. Founded in 1933, AWC is a private, nonprofit, nonpartisan corporation that represents Washington’s 281 cities and towns before the state legislature, the state executive branch, and with regulatory agencies.
Click AWC Home Page (wacities.org) for more about AWC.
