The Association of Washington Cities (AWC), an Olympia-based organization advocating on behalf of Washington’s 281 cities and towns, honored Rep. Larry Springer (D-Kirkland) with a City Champion award.

Springer was recognized Oct. 28 at the Sound Cities Association meeting. He was designated as the first City Champion “All-Star” for his longstanding support of city issues.

“I am thrilled to present this award to Representative Springer,” said Kirkland Mayor Amy Walen and a member of the AWC Legislative Priorities Committee. “He is a city champion for all seasons; constantly at the forefront of advancing issues that help cities become and remain vibrant places to live, learn, work and play.”

Springer noted his years of experience serving as a city councilmember gave him a “front row seat for what really matters to the people of Washington.”

“Washingtonians want safe neighborhoods, roads that get them where they want to go, excellent schools for their kids, toilets that flush…every time, and the sense of belonging to a community that means something,” Springer said. “I always remember this in Olympia. It helps cut through the noise so I can hear what Washingtonians have to say.”

AWC serves its members through advocacy, education and services. Founded in 1933, AWC is a private, non-profit, non-partisan corporation that represents Washington’s cities and towns before the state legislature, the state executive branch, and with regulatory agencies.

AWC Government Relations Director Dave Williams said Springer consistently speaks out on behalf of cities in public settings and behind the scenes. He is always available to confer with city representatives and provide them with “straight talk,” whether they want to hear it or not.