Washington
One Washington City's Innovative Approach to Transparency and Civic Engagement
- Citizen engagement is essential to building trust in local government.
- The city of Liberty Lake, Wash., has developed innovative strategies for educating residents about its workings and eliciting their input.
- The city administrator, Mark McAvoy, spoke with Governing about key elements of this work.
Mark McAvoy was serving in the Air Force, stationed at McChord Air Force Base in Western Washington, when he got in a tangle with a local planning department over a retaining wall on his property. The encounter was frustrating, but also made him want to understand more about the internal workings of cities.
McAvoy’s curiosity was strong enough to motivate him to earn a Master of Public Administration degree, an “MBA for the public sector,” as he describes it. After working for the city of Houston for nearly two decades he became city administrator for Liberty Lake, a rapidly growing city of 12,000 near the Washington-Idaho border.
Since taking the job, he’s made it a priority to ensure residents are well informed about the way Liberty Lake works, from its budget priorities to its service delivery. The city was one of the first in the nation to implement a “Rethinking Budgeting” tool developed by the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA), an assessment of budgeting processes designed to improve their speed and flexibility.
He’s been city administrator for three years now, the job he’s wanted ever since graduate school. He talked to Governing about what he’s doing to make sure citizens of Liberty Lake have a say in government decisions. The interview has been edited for length and clarity.
Governing: What are some of the things you’ve done to help residents feel they have a voice in government?
McAvoy: We’ve established a community engagement commission made up of volunteer members. Their sole purpose is to derive methods to get more of a cross section of the city’s residents to engage regularly with the city government.
We started a community satisfaction survey, tied to our strategic plan, and it allows us to gauge how we are delivering what we said we’d prioritize in our strategic plan. We ask questions to see what the level of satisfaction generally is, and we use those results to inform our budget-making process and capital facilities plan.
Every spring we have a Citizen Academy, a class where people can come in each week for eight weeks and learn about a different department within the city. We go to the fire station, to the water and sewer district, to the police department. They have an opportunity to see the inner workings of those departments, how they make decisions and allocate resources, how they deliver services.
All of our capital projects are on the city website, and there’s a widget that allows visitors to access a discussion forum about them.
We have a farmers market, and each week between May and October we have a booth there with an elected official and a member from one of our boards or commissions to answer questions about development projects, or why potholes aren’t being fixed. Kind of a living city hall.
What kinds of outcomes have you seen from this work?
At least two people who came through the academy decided that they wanted to run for City Council and were elected. We have several board and commission members who went through the academy and then decided to volunteer and become board and commission members.
We’re always looking for new techniques to be able to get more voices into the mix.
You were one of the first to use the GFOA “Rethinking Budgeting” assessment. What did you learn from that?
The budget is the policy document of the city; all things are driven from the budget. I knew that there was a better way to do it, I just wasn’t quite sure how to get there.
The assessment is designed to ask people that are touching different parts of the budget process an array of questions that are diagnostic and informative. What are we doing well? What do we think we’re doing well, but we’re not doing so well based on these opinions?
That’s eye opening. One of the things we’ve taken from it is that our staff members can help us identify areas where if we just did things a little bit differently, we could either earn more revenue or save more expense.
How does the assessment relate to ensuring your budget aligns with community needs, what some call “priority-based” budgeting?
Our priority-based budgeting implementation was not connected to the assessment. The priority system allows us to connect our budget with our strategic plan. In my opinion, it’s a better way to budget, a better way to communicate about the budget and a better way to demonstrate the return on investment.
(Glen E.Ellman)
That’s the importance of getting feedback from the survey I mentioned earlier. The survey is written in the context of the strategic plan and the strategic plan is tied explicitly to the budget. When we’re getting feedback on an annual basis, we’re able to see that people want to see more investment in, say, crime prevention, or more investment in street maintenance.
The survey is looking backward at how we performed, and the budget is looking forward at how we plan to perform.
Lately there’s been a lot of rhetoric suggesting government is wasteful and inefficient. Are your engagement efforts making it less likely that residents see you in this way?
There’s definitely an impact from what’s happening in the federal government, whether it’s on social media posts or people coming to council during citizen comment.
Assuming they still live in town, people who have gone through the City Academy are able to say to anyone they talk with, for example, “Here’s how the city really allocates tax revenue, and all of this information is on their website.” I hesitate to call them ambassadors, but they talk for us in the trenches.
We try to build trust, to have transparency in our communications, to never appear as though we’re behind closed doors. At no other level of government can you show up on a Tuesday night and get up to the lectern and tell your elected officials what you think. That gives us a tremendous advantage.
Any last thoughts?
There’s no copy-and-paste function in this. Every government is different. You have to tailor things to your local conditions, but if you’re willing to work at it and engage the community and empower staff, you can make a real difference in local government.
There’s nothing like it.
Mick Cronin and the No. 12 UCLA Bruins officially tip off the highly-anticipated 2025-26 season against the Big Sky’s Eastern Washington Eagles.
Backed by UCLA’s star-studded transfer portal addition of Donovan Dent, the Bruins’ ceiling is higher than it’s been in recent season, and yet Westwood still has its fair share of doubters.
The Bruins also have some key returners, like Tyler Bilodeau, Eric Dailey Jr. and Skyy Clark, who are all primed to elevate their games next to Dent.
With that being said, let’s get into our first UCLA men’s basketball preview of the season.
UCLA is the start of EWU’s gauntlet non-conference schedule, which includes the Bruins, Washington State, Utah and No . 8 BYU.
The Eagles’ leading scorer from last season, Andrew Cook, returns this season. Cook averaged 15.8 points, 3.5 rebounds and 1.9 assists per game.
This is the second time the Bruins are matching up with Eastern Washington all time. The last matchup came during the 2011-12 season when UCLA beat the Eagles 60-47 in the Los Angeles Sports Arena.
What: UCLA Bruins vs. Eastern Washington Eagles
When: Monday, Nov. 3
Time: 7:30 p.m. (PT)
Where: Pauley Pavilion (Westwood, California)
TV: Big Ten Network
Radio: AM 790 (KABC)
1. Donovan Dent, PG
What more is there to say about Dent? The 2024-25 All-American was one of, if not the, most impactful transfers of the offseason, and he is poised to raise Cronin’s offensive ceiling this year.
The elite playmaking guard showed flashes of his impact in UCLA’s two preseason exhibition games, where, despite struggling from the field, showed the poised scoring and facilitating ability that drew Cronin’s eyes to him.
Against an opponent like Eastern Washington, elite guards like Dent can really flex their guns. Look for Dent to set up his teammates more rather than trying to get his own bucket on Monday.
2. Eric Dailey Jr., Forward
Dailey is one of UCLA’s most impactful returners, and he’s primed for a big season next to Dent. He averaged 11.4 points and 4.0 rebounds in 33 games last year, showing flashes of his potential as a scorer.
Ahead of this season, Dailey has been named to the 20-person watch list for the Julius Erving Small Forward of the Year award. Dailey’s scoring is integral to UCLA’s success. Last season, the Bruins were 16-2 when he scored at least 10 points in a game.
Dent elevates the players around him. Don’t be surprised if we see a leap year for Dailey.
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Scenes from the Nassau Class A field hockey championship between Massapequa and Port Washington on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, at Adelphi.
Credit: Kelvin Loarca
Kali Humann of Massapequa dribbles past the Port Washington defense during the Nassau Class A field hockey championship on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, at Adelphi.
Credit: Kelvin Loarca
Mia Holihan of Massapequa during the Nassau Class A field hockey championship against Port Washington on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, at Adelphi.
Credit: Kelvin Loarca
Kali Humann of Massapequa dribbles past the Port Washington defense during the Nassau Class A field hockey championship on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, at Adelphi.
Credit: Kelvin Loarca
Massapequa defeats Port Washington to win the Nassau Class A field hockey championship on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, at Adelphi.
Credit: Kelvin Loarca
Tatum Brennan of Massapequa battles for possession with Lily Longaro of Port Washington during the Nassau Class A field hockey championship on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, at Adelphi.
Credit: Kelvin Loarca
Kali Humann of Massapequa takes a shot on goal against Port Washington goalkeeper during the Nassau Class A field hockey championship on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, at Adelphi.
Credit: Kelvin Loarca
Kali Humann of Massapequa dribbles past the Port Washington defense during the Nassau Class A field hockey championship on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, at Adelphi.
Credit: Kelvin Loarca
Massapequa defeats Port Washington to win the Nassau Class A field hockey championship on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, at Adelphi.
Credit: Kelvin Loarca
Sophia Bolognini, left, and Ella Van Nostrand of Massapequa during the Nassau Class A field hockey championship on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, at Adelphi.
Credit: Kelvin Loarca
Aliya Hassett of Massapequa battles for possession with a Port Washington defender during the Nassau Class A field hockey championship on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, at Adelphi.
Credit: Kelvin Loarca
Kali Humann of Massapequa controls the ball in the first half during the Nassau Class A field hockey championship against Port Washington on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, at Adelphi.
Credit: Kelvin Loarca
Lily Longaro of Port Washington controls the ball during the Nassau Class A field hockey championship against Massapequa on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, at Adelphi.
Credit: Kelvin Loarca
Lexi Raskin of Port Washington controls the ball during the Nassau Class A field hockey championship against Massapequa on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, at Adelphi.
Credit: Kelvin Loarca
Lyla Grosso of Port Washington battles for possession with Massapequa defense during the Nassau Class A field hockey championship on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, at Adelphi.
Credit: Kelvin Loarca
Olivia Pennacchia of Port Washington battles for possession with Sophia Bolognini of Massapequa during the Nassau Class A field hockey championship on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, at Adelphi.
Credit: Kelvin Loarca
Aliya Hassett of Massapequa battles for possession with a Port Washington defender during the Nassau Class A field hockey championship on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, at Adelphi.
Credit: Kelvin Loarca
Lyla Grosso of Port Washington battles for possession with Massapequa defense during the Nassau Class A field hockey championship on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, at Adelphi.
Credit: Kelvin Loarca
Brooke Donnellan of Massapequa dribbles past a Port Washington defender during the Nassau Class A field hockey championship on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, at Adelphi.
Credit: Kelvin Loarca
Massapequa defeats Port Washington to win the Nassau Class A field hockey championship on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, at Adelphi.
Credit: Kelvin Loarca
Kali Humann of Massapequa dribbles past the Port Washington defense during the Nassau Class A field hockey championship on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, at Adelphi.
Credit: Kelvin Loarca
Kali Humann of Massapequa battles for possession with the Port Washington defense during the Nassau Class A field hockey championship on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, at Adelphi.
Credit: Kelvin Loarca
Sophia Bolognini of Massapequa faces Lexi Raskin of Port Washington during the Nassau Class A field hockey championship on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, at Adelphi.
Credit: Kelvin Loarca
Olivia Pennacchia of Port Washington controls the ball in the first half during the Nassau Class A field hockey championship against Massapequa on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, at Adelphi.
Credit: Kelvin Loarca
Massapequa defeats Port Washington to win the Nassau Class A field hockey championship on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, at Adelphi.
Credit: Kelvin Loarca
Aliya Hassett of Massapequa battles for possession with a Port Washington defender during the Nassau Class A field hockey championship on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, at Adelphi.
Credit: Kelvin Loarca
Massapequa defeats Port Washington to win the Nassau Class A field hockey championship on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, at Adelphi.
Washington
Juvenile curfew declared in Washington DC; Mayor Muriel Bowser announces nighttime curfew after Halloween ruckus | Today News
Juvenile curfew order was imposed in Washington DC on Saturday after Halloween evening misbehaviour. Executive Office of Washington DC Mayor on November 1 announced restrictions on movement of those below 18 during nighttime over the next few days, in the wake of disorderly behaviour in the past weeks.
The decision follows Halloween-related incidents where young people engaged in brawling, blocked streets and endangered public safety. “The behavior on Halloween evening – which included young people brawling, blocking streets, and moving into commercial establishments in large groups, endangering both themselves and others in the area – follows several weekends of similar behavior by youth in neighborhoods across the District,” the notice issued by Mayor Muriel Bowser states.
Curfew time: From 11:00 PM till 6:00 AM
Curfew last date: November 5
‘All juveniles are subject to a curfew’
Muriel Bowser in a post on X stated, “We are declaring a limited juvenile curfew in Washington, DC. Effective immediately, all juveniles under the age of 18 are subject to a curfew from 11PM until 6AM, which will extend through 11/5.”
Clarifying the reason for the curfew, Muriel Bowser added, “This is in response to several weeks of disorderly juvenile behavior which endangered both themselves and others.”
This comes after five youth were arrested on October 31 by the police and one officer suffered minor injuries. Besides the curfew, the police will designate special zones which are at high risk for disorderly conduct. These locations will have longer curfew times, beginning as early as 6:00 PM.
Furthermore, the notice warns the youths against declaration of temporary curfew zone in case of a group gathering of more than seven youth citing threat to “safety of the youth, residents, or the public.”
List of Special Juvenile Curfew Zones
On Saturday night, Chief of Police Pamela A Smith announced several of the above mentioned “Special Juvenile Curfew Zones” as specified here:
- Navy Yard
- near the U Street Coridor
- Banneker Recreation Center near Howard University
- Union Station
The Navy Yard juvenile curfew zones covers the stretch between Interstate 695 and the Anacostia River on the north and south. It covers the area between 8th Street SE in the east and South Capitol in the west, FOX5 reported
The designated zone near the U Street Corridor covers the stretch between 9th Street NW and Florida Avenue in the east and 15th Street from T Street to V Street NW in the west. It covers the area between V Street and Vermont Avenue NW in the north and T Street NW in the south.
The zone at Banneker Recreation Center stretches between Georgia Avenue NW and 9th Street NW to the east and west. It covers the area between Euclid Street NW and W Street NW to the north and south.
The zone at Union Station covers the stretch 3rd Street NE and North Capitol Street NE to the east and west. It covers the area between H Street NE and D Street NE to the north and south.
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