On February 13, 2025, during a City Council meeting, City Attorney Jeff Taraday led a training session that highlighted the crucial difference between education and advocacy for elected officials. This session was designed to equip councilmembers with the knowledge needed to navigate the complexities of local governance effectively. Taraday stressed that while advocacy is vital for addressing community issues, it must be conducted within ethical and legal parameters. This distinction is particularly significant in light of recent discussions surrounding public engagement strategies and the role of government transparency. Local officials are often faced with the challenge of balancing their advocacy efforts with their responsibilities to educate the public about pertinent issues.

The insights shared during this meeting are not only relevant for current councilmembers but also serve as a guide for future leaders in the community. Understanding these boundaries will enhance the integrity of public service and ensure that advocacy efforts resonate positively with constituents. Overall, this training session marks an important step toward fostering responsible and transparent governance in Edmonds.