skip navigation
MRSC logo

Have a Research Question?

Ask MRSC

Have a Research Question?

Ask MRSC
About Our Blog Our Authors

MRSC Insight Blog


Posts for Strategies and Programs

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.

Read more

Hands are protecting a logo

Protecting Your Local Brand: Federal, State, and Local Strategies

March 20, 2023  by  Michael Incorvaia
Category:  Guest Author ,  Strategies and Programs ,  Tourism

Local governments wishing to trademark a logo or seal may find an uphill battle in getting federal protection, but other options exist for protecting local brands.

Read more

Revisiting C-PACER Two Years Later (Part 2)

May 5, 2022  by  Steve Gross
Category:  Strategies and Programs

In 2020, Washington counties were offered the chance to adopt a C-PACER program that would encourage capital improvements for commercial properties in order to increase water and energy efficiency. This blog follows up on program implementation two years later.

Read more

Six Suggested Actions for Planners during the Extended COVID-19 Pandemic

January 28, 2021  by  Steve Butler
Category:  Development Regulations and Zoning ,  Streets and Sidewalks ,  Strategies and Programs ,  Land Use Administration

This blog suggests some action items planners can undertake during the COVID-19 pandemic to encourage commerce, promote recreational opportunities, and streamline the planning process. 

Read more

COVID-19 Pandemic Makes Economic Development More Important Than Ever

November 19, 2020  by  Steve Butler
Category:  COVID-19 ,  Strategies and Programs

This blog looks at what activities local governments can undertake to assist local businesses. 

Read more

New Economic Development Tool Promotes Clean Energy, Resilience Improvements (Part 1)

November 2, 2020  by  Steve Gross
Category:  Strategies and Programs

This blog summarizes the Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy and Resilience (C-PACER) program, which offers resources for qualifying energy efficiency, renewable energy, water conservation, and resiliency improvements for buildings.

Read more

Promising Practices for Washington Local Governments: October 2020

October 29, 2020  by  Byron Katsuyama
Category:  Strategies and Programs ,  Law Enforcement

This post highlights promising practices in revitalizing downtown cores, reimagining the functions of law enforcement, and paperless approval processes.

Read more

Encouraging Small-Scale Manufacturing During the COVID-19 Pandemic

September 25, 2020  by  Steve Butler
Category:  COVID-19 ,  Strategies and Programs

This blog post looks at small-scale manufacturing, its role in a strong local economy, and how local governments can encourage the growth of these critical businesses. 

Read more

Now Is the Time to Look at Opportunity Zones

March 6, 2019  by  Sam Alcorn
Category:  Guest Author ,  Strategies and Programs

This post describes Opportunity Zones, how the zones work, what municipalities are doing to attract investment, and how to make sure investment is in the community’s best interest.

Read more

A New Economic Development Strategy for Clallam County

September 11, 2015  by  Jim McEntire
Category:  Guest Author ,  Strategies and Programs

A Clallam County commissioner writes about how the county and other local governments can work with the private sector to encourage economic development.

Read more

maker-space.jpg

Made in Washington: Encouraging Local Industries

March 10, 2014  by  Carol Tobin
Category:  Strategies and Programs

Contrary to popular opinion, the U.S. is still the top manufacturing nation in the world. And there is renewed interest here in local industries, driven by the rising...

Read more