MRSC Insight Blog

Posts for Inclusive Communities

Building Bridges, Not Walls: Conflict Resolution Tools

December 30, 2024 by Linda Gallagher
Category: Administration and Management , Inclusive Communities

While workplace conflict is unavoidable for a variety of reasons, there are many tools teams and individuals can use to navigate challenges more constructively, and to end with results that promote reconciliation rather than reinforce divisions.

Social media symbols set up like a slot machine

Social Media and Public Agencies: Strategies to Harness Communication Potential and Avoid Legal Challenges

December 2, 2024 by Harry Boesche
Category: Social Media , Inclusive Communities , Public Participation

Social media has proven to be an effective communication tool for local governments but not without its challenges. Proper guidance for staff and elected officials can help agencies avoid potential legal issues, such as violating the Open Public Meetings Act.

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.

Building Trust: Effective Tools for Local Government

August 12, 2024 by Linda Gallagher
Category: Leadership and Management , Inclusive Communities , Public Participation

Building trust with community members can be accomplished in many ways, and Washington local governments have implemented innovative strategies to increase transparency, build relationships with diverse communities, and demonstrate responsiveness to community needs.

A person sitting in front of a computer with a bag over their head decorated with a picture of a troll

Not What You Were Expecting To Hear: More Strategies for Handling Hate Speech During Public Comment

June 25, 2024 by Jill Dvorkin
Category: Inclusive Communities , Legislative Body , Public Participation

What can an agency do to minimize the harm caused by a speaker whose goal may be to disrupt a public meeting? After some high-profile zoom bombing incidents, local governments are exploring strategies such as public comment rule changes and setting expectations for speakers.

Local Government-Supported Urban Agriculture Adds Equity and Climate Change Benefits for the Public

May 1, 2024 by Alicia Bones
Category: Climate Change , Programs , Inclusive Communities

Urban agriculture is more than just raising fruits and vegetables in a city setting: It can bring new economic opportunities, act as a small business incubator, be a source of fresh and healthy produce in food deserts, and reduce a community's greenhouse gas emissions.

Reducing Barriers for Childcare Facilities, Part 2

March 25, 2024 by Lisa Pool , Barbara Rosen
Category: Guest Author , Development Regulations and Zoning , Impact Fees , Inclusive Communities

How can local governments support the development of more childcare facilities in their community? Well-thought-out zoning and development regulations can go a long way in helping to reduce the barriers for childcare providers.

A childcare teacher works with 5 young children

Reducing Barriers for Childcare Facilities, Part 1

March 20, 2024 by Lisa Pool , Barbara Rosen
Category: Guest Author , Comprehensive Planning-Growth Management , Development Regulations and Zoning , Inclusive Communities

Lack of access to affordable childcare may lead to a parent dropping out of the workforce, while convenient, affordable care creates economic advantages for families and communities. How can local governments support the growth of diverse childcare options in their communities?

a hand turning a dial to maximum 'trust'

Building Trust During Polarizing Times

February 5, 2024 by Linda Gallagher
Category: Inclusive Communities , Public Participation

Distrust, misinformation, and polarization seem to be growing at the national and local levels. How can local government build trust to help dispel misinformation, reduce polarization, increase engagement, and maintain a healthy, engaged democracy?

Active senior couple running outdoors in park along lake

Is Your Community Age Friendly?

January 31, 2024 by Lisa Pool
Category: Development Types , Housing , Inclusive Communities , Transportation and Land Use

What can planners do to make their communities more welcoming for residents as they age? Research shows that investments in transportation infrastructure, compact, mixed-use land use patterns that support walkability, and diverse housing options can help people age in place.

A diverse group of happy adults and kids sitting in a garden

Whatcom County Boosts Engagement Efforts to Build a More Equitable Advisory Board

January 17, 2024 by Allison Williams
Category: Guest Author , Inclusive Communities , Public Participation

In order to contribute to building the health and well-being of young children and their families, Whatcom County developed a diverse, community-driven Child and Family Well-Being Task Force through innovative policies and increased community engagement.

When Hate Comes to Town: Addressing Racist and Anti-Semitic Public Comment at Meetings

November 6, 2023 by Oskar Rey
Category: Inclusive Communities , Legislative Body , Public Participation

In recent months, some city council meetings have had their public comment period hijacked by bad actors whose purpose is to make hateful comments. Local governments have some options for minimizing the chance that their meetings are compromised in such a manner.

A vendor stall at an outdoor market featuring produce, cut flowers, and potted plants

Planning for Local Food Systems: A Whatcom County Case Study, Part 2

June 1, 2023 by Lisa Pool , Ali Jensen
Category: Guest Author , Planning , Climate Change , Inclusive Communities , Public Participation

After extensive planning and community engagement, Whatcom County is developing a comprehensive local food system plan. See Part 2 of the series on the plan's development and lessons learned.

Many hands in a multitude of colors surround and stretch towards the earth

Centering Equity in Climate Plans and Programs

May 17, 2023 by Helen Ippolito
Category: Guest Author , Climate Change , Inclusive Communities , Public Participation

As new legislation (HB 1181) has added equity components to the Growth Management Act, it is essential to understand what climate equity means and how it is successfully being carried out by local governments across the state.

A thermometer showing a temperature of 100+ against a background of an urban street

Protecting Communities When the Heat Is On

May 10, 2023 by Leah LaCivita
Category: Climate Change , Inclusive Communities

How can local agencies prepare for extreme heat events, including protecting those populations most vulnerable to heat-related illnesses and death? By looking carefully at how heat impacts various neighborhoods, an agency can take a variety of approaches to maximize services.

View of a little public park with trees and greenery along Seattle's city hall exterior

For More Equitable and Livable Cities, Consider Trees

March 27, 2023 by Lisa Pool
Category: Climate Change , Forests and Trees , Inclusive Communities

As cities and other urban areas in Washington State continue to grow and change, an urban forestry management plan can provide a coordinated, long-term vision for managing the urban tree canopy to ensure the continued livability of local communities.

A man is excited to have received a gift card

Safely Using Incentives in Public Engagement Activities

February 8, 2023 by Eric Lowell
Category: Gift of Public Funds , Inclusive Communities , Federal Funding

Can gift cards be given as an incentive for completing a local government survey? Can stipends be provided to volunteers participating in local government projects or advisory boards? With proper procedures in place, incentives can be a way to boost community participation.

Equitable Community Engagement in Comprehensive Plan Updates

September 21, 2022 by Rosie Cullen
Category: Guest Author , Comprehensive Planning-Growth Management , Inclusive Communities

Many local governments are updating their comprehensive plans, and in doing so, some are looking at how to develop intentional strategies that actively engage underrepresented communities in order to build a more equitable plan update in the process.

Closed Captioning: A Language Access Tool

August 16, 2022 by Linda Gallagher
Category: Inclusive Communities , New Legislation and Regulations

SB 5027, which passed during the 2021 legislative session, requires closed captioning be used on televisions in public places, including in local government-owned facilities, when the technology is available.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Initiatives in Washington State – 2021 Update

January 11, 2022 by Nick Fisher
Category: Guest Author , Inclusive Communities

This blog looks at the many ways that local governments can build diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in their communities by highlighting specific policy examples from across Washington State.

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