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Posts for Facilities

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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Changes to Sales and Use Tax for Public Facilities in Rural Counties

November 20, 2024  by  Cheryl Grant
Category:  Facilities ,  Sales and Use Taxes

Since its inception in 1997, revenue from the Rural Counties Public Facilities Sales Tax has primarily been used for economic development purposes, but there have been a few recent legislative changes clarifying how the funds can be used.

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People practice kung fu in small Seattle park

Shared Spaces – Tips to Balance Use of Public Facilities

November 18, 2024  by  Steve Gross
Category:  Facilities ,  Inclusive Communities

Public facilities are, by their nature, open to the public. But agencies should consider some ground rules to make sure anyone using those facilities treats other users with courtesy. Here are some things to consider.

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Kids at Vancouver's Esther Short Park

The Importance of Public Space to Downtown Revitalization

April 3, 2024  by  Steve Butler
Category:  Design ,  Facilities ,  Downtown Revitalization Series

When looking to revitalize their downtowns, cities and towns can focus on innovative strategies to draw visitors in, such as adding attractive, safe, and enjoyable parks, plazas, and open spaces, or offering programming/recreational activities in existing public spaces.

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Empty outdoor public swimming pool waiting for swimmers

Ballot Measure Highlights from the August 2023 Primary Election

August 21, 2023  by  Steve Hawley
Category:  Annexation ,  Facilities ,  Elections ,  Special Districts ,  Property Taxes

Primary elections generally see some ballot measures succeed and some fail across the state. This past August, libraries, rec centers, and fire districts fared well, but public hospital districts saw mixed success. And, as always,  levy lid lift measures achieved mixed results.

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