Auburn City Councilmember Yolanda Trout-Manuel has received an Advanced Certificate of Municipal Leadership from the Association of Washington Cities.

The certificate recognizes city and town elected officials for completing training in four core areas: roles, responsibilities and legal requirements; public sector resource management; community planning and development; and effective local leadership.

Earning it is no small thing, according to AWC Chief Executive Officer Peter B. King.

“Our Advanced Certificate of Municipal Leadership recognizes mayors, commissioners, and council members who continue to enhance 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,” King said.

To earn the certificate, Trout-Manuel had to complete more than 60 hours of training credits and demonstrate community service.

Those who earn the advanced certificate continue to strive for excellence by attending conferences and training, serving their community, and further developing leadership skills, King said.

“Cities and towns around the state are continually transforming in light of changing laws and the need to meet new challenges and opportunities,” King said.

Founded in 1933, AWC is a private, nonprofit, nonpartisan corporation that represents Washington’s cities and towns before the state legislature, the state executive branch, and with regulatory agencies. It also provides training, data and publications, and programs such as the AWC Employee Benefit Trust, AWC Risk Management Service Agency, AWC Workers’ Comp Retro, AWC Drug and Alcohol Consortium, and the AWC GIS Consortium.