Jim Ransier Awarded Certificate of Municipal Leadership
Olympia, Wash. March 5, 2024 — City of White Salmon Council Member Jim Ransier recently earned a Certificate of Municipal Leadership from the Association of Washington Cities (AWC).
AWC is a private, nonprofit, nonpartisan corporation that represents Washington's 281 cities and towns before the state legislature, the state executive branch, and regulatory agencies. AWC also provides training, data publications, and programming.
Ransier received the certificate in recognition of accomplishing training in five core areas:
Roles, responsibilities, and legal requirements
Public sector resource management
Community planning and development
Effective local leadership
Diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging
Ransier completed more than 30 hours of training to earn his certification.
“Councilor Ransier achieving this designation speaks not only to his commitment to our community but also his belief in the role of good governance. We’re fortunate to have such leadership within our City Council,” said Mayor Keethler.
Ransier said his main takeaway from the experience is the importance of approaching leadership from the right mindset
”My main takeaway from this experience extends beyond the content of the courses themselves. It's the understanding that effective governance requires a continuous learning mindset,” said Ransier.
”Engaging with this program has not only equipped me with valuable knowledge and skills but has also reinforced the importance of adaptability and empathy in leadership. Governance, at its core, is about serving and responding to the needs of the community. This program has sharpened my ability to do so with a more informed and holistic approach.”
“Since the City of White Salmon is a member of AWC, all city employees and elected officials have access to their resources and programs,” said Ransier
”For many elected officials in small cities, the work of governing is a new experience, often unpaid or lightly paid. Nothing can replace on-the-job experience, but the program gives an excellent foundation for those interested in putting their best foot forward as an elected official,” said Ransier.
“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.”
A Look at Raniser’s Time in the Office
Ransier joined the city council in July 2020 and was re-elected in 2022.
Under Rainsier’s leadership, the Community Development Committee has overseen the mural installation in Rheingarten Park, the launch of the Community Halloween event in 2022, the council’s Heritage Month presentations, the Memorial Bench program, and continued partnerships with the Downtown Business Alliance and Mt. Adams Chamber of Commerce to support community-wide events. As a founding member of the CityLab Board, Ransier has been a strong advocate for completing the city’s Climate Action Plan and addressing inequities in proposed housing code changes.
Ransier was quick to share the spotlight with his community, emphasizing his gratitude for all the support he’s received over the years.
“My gratitude extends in many directions. First and most importantly, I'm very thankful for the support of the city staff. They are the unsung heroes of government because they take what hope to do as elected officials and then implement it, often with limited resources. City staff are the ones doing the real work to keep the city moving forward, so I'm extremely thankful for their support.
I also want to thank the residents of White Salmon for their trust and engagement. Their feedback, concerns, and participation are what guide our work and make our achievements meaningful. I am also immensely grateful to my fellow council members and the mayor for their collaboration and shared commitment to our community's well-being.
Lastly, I'd like to express my deep appreciation for local businesses, non-profits, and community organizations, including the Downtown Business Alliance and Mt. Adams Chamber of Commerce. Their partnership and contributions are invaluable to our city's vibrancy and resilience.” said Ransier
Support Local News
Available for Everyone; Funded by Readers
