MRSC Insight Blog

Posts for MRSC Insight

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.

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.

Holding Two Public Offices: The Doctrine of Incompatible Offices

March 3, 2025 by MRSC Insight
Category: Incompatible Offices

Can a person hold two public positions simultaneously, such as mayor and county commissioner? The answer requires a two-part analysis: first, to determine whether both positions are public offices, and if so, a second analysis to determine whether they are incompatible.

The Right to Assemble: Responding to Protests, Spontaneous Gatherings, and Counterdemonstrations

January 6, 2025 by MRSC Insight
Category: Legislative Body , Public Participation

Under the First Amendment, an individual has the right to peaceably assemble and free expression, and some exercise these rights in outdoor public places and gatherings. How can local governments both protect the public's First Amendment rights as well as ensure public safety?

Feedback Needed on Proposed Changes to the Public Records Act Model Rules

December 4, 2024 by MRSC Insight
Category: Public Records Act

Washington news media have suggested proposed amendments to the model rules on public disclosure, rules that help local and state agencies meet their obligations under the Public Records Act. The state is seeking feedback on these proposed changes by January 8, 2025.

A group of elected officials assume their seats at the dais

Managing Unexpected Post-Elections Issues

October 21, 2024 by MRSC Insight
Category: Elections

From ties to contested results, unusual and unexpected situations can arise during the election process. Fortunately, state law offers solutions for such situations.

Waiving Competitive Bidding Requirements in the Event of an Emergency

September 30, 2024 by MRSC Insight
Category: Purchasing and Contracting , Emergency Management

An emergency can allow an agency to quickly make emergency expenditures, bypassing normal, sometimes time-consuming procedural requirements related to budgeting and contracting, but local government should understand when this is appropriate and what steps to take.

Announcing MRSC’s Next Executive Director, Melanie Harding

September 24, 2024 by MRSC Insight
Category: MRSC News and Updates

Melanie is currently serving on an interim basis as Deputy City Manager for the City of Tacoma. She will start at MRSC on October 21 and work closely with our retiring executive director, Tracy Burrows, during a two-week transition period. Welcome aboard, Melanie!

A person putting a ballot into a ballot box

Managing Election-Related Issues

August 14, 2024 by MRSC Insight
Category: Elections

Challenges can arise for a local government during an election season, including those involving candidates, keeping election workers safe, keeping ballot boxes accessible and secure, and regulating temporary signage.

MRSC Executive Director Tracy Burrows Is Retiring Oct. 31

April 15, 2024 by MRSC Insight
Category: MRSC News and Updates

MRSC’s board of directors extends its deepest gratitude to Tracy for her 13 years of outstanding leadership and dedicated service to MRSC. The board has initiated the search for a new executive director to build upon her legacy and ensure a seamless and successful transition.

Strategies for Managing Difficult Public Meetings

March 27, 2024 by MRSC Insight
Category: Legislative Body , Public Participation

What are some steps an agency can take before, during, and after difficult public meetings to make them less stressful and more productive for everyone?

Taking Action Using Ordinances, Resolutions, Motions, and Proclamations

February 16, 2024 by MRSC Insight
Category: Legislative Body

A governing body has several options it can use to take action on an issue. Knowing which type of action to employ and under what circumstance helps to make the process more efficient and effective.

Exterior of a town hall with flag displayed

Knowing Your Roles: City and Town Governments

January 10, 2024 by MRSC Insight
Category: Administrative and Elected Officials

Conflicts in city and town governments between the executive and the legislative branches can be the result of confusion as to these roles and their responsibilities. In such cases, the parties should revisit how power is divided between these two branches.

A backhoe shovels snow from in front of a government building into a dump truck

The Role of Cities and Counties in Keeping Winter Walking (and Driving) Safe

December 6, 2023 by MRSC Insight
Category: Snow and Ice Removal

When winter approaches, a local government should encourage property owners to maintain sidewalks and keep them safe for pedestrians while also ensuring that it has a well-thought-out plan for keeping municipal roadways safe and navigable.

A woman celebrates winning her election with her supporters

You’ve Been Elected: Now What?

November 29, 2023 by MRSC Insight
Category: Administrative and Elected Officials , County Officials , Elections

Now that you've been elected there are a number of steps you'll need to take before assuming office, as well as some resources you might want to check out to get ready for your new adventure.

The Oath of Office for Local Elected Officials

October 25, 2023 by MRSC Insight
Category: Administrative and Elected Officials , County Officials

Local governments often have questions about the oath of office, such as when it can be taken, who can administer it, what wording should be used, and whether it must be administered in person.

The Basics of Meeting Agendas

September 20, 2023 by MRSC Insight
Category: Legislative Body

For open public meetings, a comprehensive, well-prepared agenda can keep things moving while ensuring all members of the governing body are on the same page. But what should be included according to statute, who should prepare it, and what happens if it needs to be amended?

A notebook for meeting minutes, lies between a pen and an hourglass

Less Is More: Action Minutes Save Time, Serve the Agency Best

August 23, 2023 by MRSC Insight , Ann G. Macfarlane
Category: Guest Author , Legislative Body

Public meetings of a governing body can cover a variety of topics and include countless important decisions that will impact the agency and its communities. Action minutes can help the body focus on what was done during the meeting rather than what was said.

Military honor guard marching and presenting the U.S., Canadian, Washington, Oregon and MIA/POW flags

Flag Display: Requirements, Protocols, and More

May 30, 2023 by MRSC Insight
Category: Flag Display

While there are no federal requirements to fly the U.S. flag, state law does require several types of local governments (and state agencies) to fly the U.S. and Washington State flags, and, for some entities, the POW/MIA flag as well.

Two gold wedding rings on a stack of US $100 dollar bills

Conflict of Interest and the Spouse

April 11, 2023 by MRSC Insight
Category: Ethics and Conflicts of Interest

Contractual situations involving spouses or partners of local government officials can present complications that are not immediately apparent, and so elected officials and governing bodies should tread carefully.

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