SOAP LAKE — Soap Lake City Council Member Susan Carson recently earned a Certificate of Municipal Leadership from the Association of Washington Cities, a program designed to enhance the skills and effectiveness of elected officials across the state, according to an announcement from Soap Lake Mayor Peter Sharp. Carson and other city leaders have completed extensive training in key areas essential to effective municipal leadership. 

The AWC's CML program recognizes elected officials who have demonstrated a commitment to continuous learning and development in five core competency areas: roles, responsibilities, and legal requirements; public sector resource management; community planning and development; effective local leadership; and diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging. 

"Being a city leader in Washington is a complex job," said AWC CEO Deanna Dawson. "Through our CML program, we are providing our 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." 

Carson completed more than 30 hours of training to achieve this certification, according to Sharp.  

"I am honored to have completed the Certificate of Municipal Leadership program, an accomplishment that equips me to better serve our community and address the challenges facing the City of Soap Lake with informed and strategic decisions,” Carson wrote in a statement. 

Having resided in Soap Lake for the past eight years, Carson has grown to deeply appreciate her community both as a resident and a council member, she wrote.  

"Serving as the Vice President of the Soap Lake Chamber of Commerce has provided me with valuable insight into both community and business needs. My involvement with nonprofits over the years, including my role as Chapter Coordinator for Grant County ABATE, has further deepened my commitment to giving back," Carson wrote. 

The impact of obtaining such certifications extends beyond personal achievement; it enhances the governance of the city as well according to Sharp. Sharp, who holds both the CML and the Advanced Certificate of Municipal Leadership, said he has completed over 300 hours of training and accrued more than 110 CML credits. 

"The elected official essentials – these are the most important things you should have as an elected official, whether it be the Open Public Meetings Act or understanding how to properly run your city council," Sharp said. "They basically make them able to do their jobs efficiently as elected officials. Some of these training sessions are actually mandatory." 

Sharp said the training is crucial for elected officials, helping them learn laws and their roles and rights as representatives.  

“They show you your roles and responsibilities for a local municipality,” Sharp said. “This knowledge helps ensure that elected officials know the legal ways they should operate and what they are allowed to say in public forums." 

The AWC's training encompasses a wide array of topics necessary for effective municipal governance, including budget management, community planning, and risk management.  

"AWC offers free training for the most part," Sharp noted, adding that these resources are instrumental in building a well-equipped council.  

He also reflected on the dynamics of the current Soap Lake City Council.

"For the majority of them, they do have training. It’s important because it helps them navigate through issues and create stronger communities."  

Each council member, including Carson, has taken the initiative to advance their education, recognizing that continuing education is critical to their roles. John Carlson has five credits. Kayleen Bryson has 19 credits. Judith Gorman has nine credits. Both Karen Woodhouse and Eli Olson are working on their certifications. JoAnne Rushton stepped down at the most recent city council meeting, however, she also had six credits.  

With Carson's new certification, the Soap Lake City Council adds to its collective strength in governance, according to Sharp, ensuring that its members are prepared to tackle the complex challenges facing the community. Carson underscored her belief that active participation in local governance leads to richer, more fulfilling lives for residents.  

"I firmly believe that the more we contribute to our community, the more fulfilling our lives become. I am excited to continue working alongside others to create a vibrant and thriving future for Soap Lake," Carson said in a statement. 

    Soap Lake City Council Member Susan Carson (second from the right) recently earned her Certificate of Municipal Leadership from the Association of Washington Cities. Other council members also have certifications and training from the AWC.