Below is a list of our accomplishments and key items discusses while in Washington, D.C.
1. Advocacy for Funding Resources and Earmarks: One of the primary objectives of this trip was to address the recent changes to federal grant funding, particularly through the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Oak Harbor’s delegation worked closely with our legislators, including U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen’s office, to discuss the impact of the EPA’s decision to shut down their grant application portal and how this will affect our city’s earmarked funding. Similarly, we discussed FEMA’s changes to fire training funding and their potential consequences for our fire department.
2. Protecting Taxpayers with Municipal Bond Exemptions: The delegation also worked to protect Oak Harbor homeowners by advocating for the tax exemption on municipal bonds. This exemption saves Oak Harbor homeowners an average of $107.32 per year on their property taxes. Without it, the new fire station project would cost homeowners an additional $2,146.46 each. Oak Harbor’s elected officials are fighting to maintain this vital exemption, ensuring that local taxpayers continue to benefit from reduced costs on essential infrastructure projects.
3. Securing New Grant Opportunities: We participated in in-depth sessions with federal agencies to explore new grant and funding opportunities. These discussions will help secure future funding to continue saving money for Oak Harbor taxpayers, while also ensuring the city can carry out its priorities effectively.
4. Direct Meetings with Senators and Federal Agencies: We met face-to-face with key senators and their staff members to stress Oak Harbor’s priorities, while also discussing ongoing federal legislation that affects small cities. The opportunity to have these meetings in person offered a unique perspective and allowed for more direct and impactful advocacy than could be achieved through virtual means.
5. Spin Café and Local Issues: I used this opportunity to address local issues such as the challenges with Spin Café. I had productive conversations with state representatives and senators to highlight these concerns and push for solutions that benefit our residents and the business community.
6. Oak Harbor’s Influence on National Policy: Oak Harbor is one of the few cities with representation on the National League of Cities (NLC) Finance Advocacy Committee, which plays a significant role in shaping the legislative direction of the NLC. Oak Harbor is also represented on the NLC Small Cities Council, which provides an important platform to collaborate with other small cities across the nation to share insights on how to maximize limited resources and stretch taxpayer dollars.
7. We also attended meetings with Navy officials at the Pentagon and met with the Office of Ports and Waterways and the Office of Port Infrastructure Development.
There's more, but this is just a brief summary. I understand that you may have more questions about the trip and its purpose. This visit was a necessary step so our city continues to benefit from federal resources, protect taxpayers, and advocate for essential programs and projects. I would like an open dialogue with the public, so I encourage you to attend “The Wright Blend-Coffee & Conversation with Mayor Wright this Friday at 10am at The Book Rack.
I look forward to seeing you there.
Mayor Wright