City of Edmonds officials in Kennewick for state conference

Deanna Dawson, a former Edmonds City Councilmember, led the Association of Washington Cities annual convention in Kennewick, attended by current Edmonds officials Neil Tibbott, Vivian Olson, and Will Chen. The event featured a workshop on artificial intelligence presented by Tom Miller, another Edmonds alumnus who served as police chief and councilmember. Miller currently works at Microsoft as the U. S. state and local government growth account lead.

All attending councilmembers funded their own expenses due to the city's ongoing budget crunch, reflecting financial constraints faced by local governments. The convention provided a platform for discussing key issues relevant to Washington cities, emphasizing the importance of local governance. The presence of Edmonds officials at this event underscores their commitment to engaging with statewide challenges. Dawson's leadership role at the convention also highlights her continued influence in local politics. Such gatherings are critical for fostering collaboration and sharing knowledge among municipal leaders.