MRSC Insight Blog

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MRSC Insight Blog

Recent Posts

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Efforts in Washington State

August 6, 2020 by Laura Crandall
Category: Inclusive Communities

This blog post offers an overview of how some Washington State local governments have approached efforts to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion.

MRSC Guidance for CARES Act Grants to Small Businesses

August 5, 2020 by Linda Gallagher
Category: COVID-19

This blog provides resources, samples, and suggestions for a basic approach to establishing a local small business financial assistance grant program using CARES Act funds.

COVID-19: Where Things Stand as of August 3

August 3, 2020 by Steve Gross
Category: COVID-19

This blog post provides an overview of the governor's and the legislature's most recent actions in response to the COVID-19 outbreak in Washington.

2021 Budget Suggestions is Here!

July 28, 2020 by Toni Nelson
Category: Budgets and Budgeting

MRSC has just published our annual 2021 Budget Suggestions publication for cities and counties. This blog post provides an overview of publication highlights.

When First Amendment Rights and Public Meetings Clash

July 23, 2020 by MRSC Insight
Category: Legislative Body

This blog post looks at the authority a governing body has to establish and carry out procedures that can prevent the interruption or delay of a public meeting due to disruptive or irrelevant comments from the public or from members of the governing body itself.

2020 Legislative Update — The Big List

July 21, 2020 by Steve Gross
Category: New Legislation and Regulations

MRSC has compiled a list of new legislation from the recent 2020 Regular Session, with special attention paid to those bills that impact Washington local governments.

Fire Season, Meet Coronavirus

July 15, 2020 by Laura Crandall
Category: Fire Protection , COVID-19

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, wildland firefighting will be following updated guidance to combat wildland fires but also reduce the chances of transmitting the virus among firefighting crews.

Staying Ahead of Overdose Spikes

July 14, 2020 by Leah LaCivita
Category: Human Services

This blog post looks at the Overdose Detection Mapping Application Program, a free tool that collects real time fatal and non-fatal opioid overdose data from ambulance teams, hospitals, and law enforcement agencies across the country.

FCC Declaratory Ruling Expands Guidance for Certain Existing Wireless Facilities

July 6, 2020 by Laura Crandall
Category: Telecommunications

This blog post reviews the major points of a new FCC ruling that affects a local government's review of modification proposals to existing wireless infrastructure.

Disaster Zone: Emergency Management’s Role in COVID-19 Response Logistics

July 6, 2020 by Eric Holdeman
Category: COVID-19

This blog looks at how the national emergency supply logistics chain has been altered in the response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

COVID-19: Where Things Stand as of July 2

July 3, 2020 by Steve Gross
Category: COVID-19

At the beginning of July, a number of waivers and proclamations expired, were renewed, or were amended. Here are some of the highlights for local governments, including Proclamation 20-28.6 allowing limited in-person meetings for jurisdictions in Phase 3.

Possession and Carrying of Firearms in Washington State: What’s Allowed?

July 1, 2020 by Flannary Collins
Category: Licensing and Regulation

This blog provides a general overview of firearm regulation in Washington State.

COVID-19 Facial Coverings — What’s Required?

June 30, 2020 by Steve Gross
Category: COVID-19

This blog post summarizes the current rules related to wearing face masks in public as outlined in Order 20-031, Proclamation 20-25.7, and the Safe Start Guide. It has been updated periodically to include new and expanded requirements.

2020 Legislative Update on Firearms Regulations

June 29, 2020 by Steve Gross
Category: New Legislation and Regulations

This post summarizes recent legislation related to firearms regulation in Washington State.

2020 Legislative Outcomes for Planning and Land Use-Related Issues

June 25, 2020 by Steve Butler
Category: Land Use Administration , New Legislation and Regulations

This blog post summarizes major planning/land use-related bills that were passed during the 2020 Washington State legislative session.

CARES Act Funds Can Be Used for Small Business Grants

June 24, 2020 by Toni Nelson
Category: COVID-19

This blog reviews how CARES Act funds can be used to support local, small business assistance programs.

New Regulations for the Use of Facial Recognition Technology

June 22, 2020 by Flannary Collins
Category: Administrative and Elected Officials , New Legislation and Regulations , Administrative and Elected Officials-County

The purpose of this blog post is to highlight the requirements in ESSB 6280, Washington State's new law regulating the use of facial technology software.

Quickly Switching Over to an Online Permitting/Plan Review System

June 18, 2020 by Steve Butler
Category: Land Use Administration , COVID-19

This blog post highlights local planning/building departments that quickly converted from a traditional permitting/plan review process to an online system.

Elections – What’s New in 2020

June 18, 2020 by Linda Gallagher
Category: Elections , New Legislation and Regulations

This blog post looks at election-related legislation passed during the Washington State Legislature's 2020 Regular Session.

Proclamation 20-23.4 Directs Utilities to Develop Customer Support Programs

June 17, 2020 by Toni Nelson
Category: Utilities - Billing and Collection , COVID-19

This blog post reviews Governor Jay Inslee's recent proclamation that directs public utility service providers to create support programs for their residential customers.