Bonney Lake Councilwoman Laurie Carter was recently awarded the Advanced Certificate of Municipal Leadership from the Association of Washington Cities.

The CML program is designed to enhance the ability of elected city officials by providing knowledge and skills to effectively operate within the law, plan for the future, secure and manage funds and foster community and staff relationships.

To earn this certificate, the elected official earns 30 credits by attending a variety of AWC-sponsored municipal workshops. The Advanced CML Award adds an additional 30 credits of municipal leadership workshops and an extra dimension of service on community or intergovernmental boards, committees and councils.

Carter started her council term in 2008 and serves as a member of the council’s Public Safety Committee. Her term expires at the end of this year and she is not running for re-election.

Carter, a 20-year employee of the federal government, is a former member of the city’s Park Board, a past board member and manager of Beautify Bonney Lake and was recipient of both the Robert Ceola Memorial Arbor Day Award and the Unsung Hero Award.

Her work in the community extends to the Lake Bonney Conservation Association, the Bonney Lake Food Bank, Lions 4 Kids, the Family First Coalition and Communities for Families. Carter also participated with the Shoreline Advisory Committee and the Church Lake Advisory Committee and has been supportive of domestic violence awareness and legislation as well as drug and alcohol abuse awareness.