Mayor Patricia Byers Earns Certificate of Municipal Leadership

City of Yakima Mayor Patricia Byers recently received a 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 four core areas:

  • Roles, responsibilities and legal requirements
  • Public sector resource management
  • Community planning and development
  • Effective local leadership

“Cities and towns around the state are continually transforming in light of changing laws and the need to meet new challenges and opportunities,” said AWC Chief Executive Officer Peter B. King. “Our Certificate of Municipal Leadership program helps mayors and councilmembers sharpen the tools they need today to understand the legal landscape, plan for the future, manage their resources, and foster strong relationships. The elected officials who earn this certificate demonstrate a commitment to continuous learning and a desire to bring new ideas back to their community.”

Mayor Byers completed more than 30 hours of training credits to earn this distinction.

She represents District 3 on the Yakima City Council. She was elected to City Council in November 2019 and the Council appointed her mayor in January 2020.

Previously, Mayor Byers 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.