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MRSC Insight Blog


From Vacant to Vibrant: Transforming Empty Downtown Storefronts

June 4, 2025  by  Steve Butler
Category:  Strategies and Programs ,  Downtown Revitalization Series

Local governments looking to transform empty downtowns can employ a variety of approaches to revitalize these areas, including allowing vacant storefronts to be used for alternative purposes, like art displays, small scale manufacturing, or pop-up commercial installations.

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Checking the Trash: Catching Public Records Requests Sent to Junk Email Folders

June 2, 2025  by  Sarah Doar ,  Steve Gross ,  Steve Hawley ,  Leah LaCivita ,  Maria Tobin
Category:  Court Decisions and AGO Opinions ,  Public Records Act

If a records request gets lost in the junk email folder, an agency might not respond timely to the request, potentially leading to a PRA lawsuit. These are real fears for an agency, but steps can be taken to make sure emailed requests are not lost or misdirected.

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MRSC Core Services Funded Thanks to Partners and Champions

May 28, 2025  by  Melanie Harding
Category:  MRSC News and Updates

While the recent legislative session included a proposal to reduce MRSC's funding, the final state budget maintains our core funding at current levels — thanks in large part to all our supporters. However, the budget cut funding for our Rosters and public works programs.

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When the Price Is Right: Price Escalation After Contract Execution

May 27, 2025  by  Julie Nicoll
Category:  Purchasing and Contracting

In this ever-changing economic landscape, agencies need to be prepared for possible price increases, even on existing contracts. Learn what proactive steps agencies can take to address potential price escalations after a contract has been executed.

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When the Price Is Right: Planning for Price Escalation in Contracts

May 21, 2025  by  Josh Klika
Category:  Purchasing and Contracting

When market conditions are in flux and the costs of materials are rising, how can local governments plan and prepare for price increases in contracts for short and long-term projects? 

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Nurse Navigator Programs Help Address 911 Overuse

May 19, 2025  by  Leah LaCivita
Category:  Emergency Medical Services

Some 911 systems have implemented a program to better manage low-acuity, non-emergency calls, which can free up dispatches and first responders for handling life-threatening emergencies. 

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Expanding Public Participation in Planning Using Digital Tools

May 15, 2025  by  Alicia Bones
Category:  Information Technology ,  Tools for Planners ,  Public Participation

Digital tools like 3D modeling, evaluation software, and interactive maps can help community members better understand proposed plans and can help planners gather more comprehensive community feedback reflecting a wider range of needs and perspectives.

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Behind Closed Doors: Recent Cases Address Requirements for Executive Sessions During Special Meetings

May 13, 2025  by  Linda Gallagher
Category:  Court Decisions and AGO Opinions ,  Open Public Meetings Act

Two recent court cases have revolved around the requirements under the Open Public Meetings Act (OPMA) for executive sessions during special meetings, offering local governments tips on how to avoid violating the OPMA. 

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A Primer on Local Government Funds

May 7, 2025  by  Cheryl Grant
Category:  Special Districts ,  Facilities ,  Programs ,  Special Districts ,  Special Districts

Does your local government need a special fund for an investment trust? How about for capital projects, enterprise, or debt service? The number and types of funds a local agency's budget includes should be tailored to that agency's needs and circumstances.

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MRSC Welcomes Legal Consultant Julie Nicoll

May 5, 2025  by  Julie Nicoll
Category:  MRSC News and Updates

A keen sense of direction led Julie Nicoll to MRSC as part of her professional journey, and we are excited to welcome her as the newest legal consultant. 

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Funding Downtown Revitalization Projects With Tax Increment Financing

April 30, 2025  by  Eric Lowell
Category:  Financing Economic Development ,  Downtown Revitalization Series

Tax increment financing is a tool local governments can use to fund the development of public infrastructure in targeted areas. This activity can then encourage private development and investment, making TIF a good source of funding for downtown revitalization efforts. 

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For Local Fireworks Regulations, Timing is Everything

April 28, 2025  by  MRSC Insight ,  Alicia Bones ,  Cheryl Grant ,  Steve Gross ,  Steve Hawley
Category:  Licensing and Regulation

While state law governs the regulation of fireworks, it also leaves some room for local jurisdictions to enact more restrictive local regulations regarding fireworks use or sales, although more restrictive local laws may not take effect for at least one year after adoption.

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Strengthening Urban Resilience to Wildfire at the Local Level

April 21, 2025  by  Alicia Bones
Category:  Emergency Management ,  Fire Protection

While many rural parts of Washington State have traditionally faced high risk of wildfire, urban areas, especially those near the wildland-urban interface, are also at risk. Urban areas can take proactive steps, such as adopting wildfire-related codes, to mitigate this risk. 

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Immigration Regulation and the Role of Local Governments

April 16, 2025  by  Harry Boesche
Category:  Court Decisions and AGO Opinions ,  Law Enforcement

Immigration issues involve a complicated web of federal, state, and local regulation. How do federal requirements apply to state and local government and are local agencies required to assist the federal government’s enforcement of immigration laws within their jurisdictions?

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Updating Local Regulations to Encourage More Accessory Dwelling Units

April 15, 2025  by  Steve Butler
Category:  Housing

Increasing the number of accessory dwelling units can build more housing stock in a community. What changes can agencies make to local zoning codes that might encourage this type of development among homeowners and developers?

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Benefits and Challenges of Non-Traditional Work Schedules in Local Government

April 9, 2025  by  Alicia Bones
Category:  Compensation ,  Personnel Policies ,  Recruitment and Hiring

Government agencies, including San Juan County, which instituted a reduced 32-hour workweek for staff in 2023, are exploring innovative approaches to workforce management. What has been the outcome and can these early adopters offer tips on what to do and what to avoid?

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Local Government Contracting and Agreements for Non-Public Works Projects

April 7, 2025  by  Flannary Collins
Category:  Purchasing and Contracting ,  Interlocal Cooperation

Local governments may opt for various types of non-public works contracts with other public agencies and private companies. Which contract types work most effectively and under what circumstances?

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Indoor of a green building under construction

Office-to-Housing Conversion Adds Vibrancy to Downtowns

April 2, 2025  by  Leonard Bauer
Category:  Development Regulations and Zoning ,  Housing ,  Downtown Revitalization Series

With downtowns still struggling to regain pre-COVID occupancy rates, some are wondering whether office-to-residential conversions can provide housing and bring people back. Can local governments remove some of the obstacles and adopt incentives that spur this type of development?

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Election Season Tips and Reminders

March 31, 2025  by  MRSC Insight
Category:  Elections

During any election season, there are a variety of common areas that can trip up candidates, elected officials, and local government agencies and their staff — so let's review some potential problems before they happen.

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Text saying "MRSC funding threatened" over a black abstract background

House Operating Budget Would Cut MRSC Funding Effective July 1

March 27, 2025  by  Melanie Harding
Category:  MRSC News and Updates

MRSC relies primarily on state funding to provide support to local governments across Washington State. While the Senate budget proposal would maintain our current funding levels, the House budget released this week threatens to significantly reduce MRSC's funding.

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