MRSC Insight Blog

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MRSC Insight Blog

Recent Posts

Countering Racial Bias and Harassment Related to the COVID-19 Outbreak

May 29, 2020 by Byron Katsuyama
Category: Inclusive Communities , COVID-19

This blog post looks at how agencies in Washington State can counter racial bias and harassment that has arisen due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

Planning for the Expiration of the State's PRA and OPMA Waivers

May 28, 2020 by Steve Gross
Category: Open Public Meetings Act , Public Records Act , COVID-19

This blog provides agencies with options for planning its June meetings, and it discusses how the expiration of the state's OPMA and the PRA waivers may affect agency operations.

New Legislation on Temporary Homeless Encampments

May 26, 2020 by Oskar Rey
Category: New Legislation and Regulations , Homelessness

ESHB 1754 takes effect on June 11, 2020, and imposes additional conditions on cities and counties when regulating religious organizations hosting the homeless.

Cities, Towns, Counties to Receive CARES Act Funds

May 19, 2020 by Toni Nelson
Category: Revenues , COVID-19

The State of Washington has now shared a portion of its CARES Act funding with certain cities, towns, and counties in the form of grants that reimburse expenses incurred. This blog post provides an overview of what an agency can expect in applying for these grants.

Unemployment Claims Fraud Rises During COVID-19 Pandemic

May 18, 2020 by Mike Bailey
Category: Cybersecurity , COVID-19

Unemployment claims fraud is rising. This blog will help you understand the issue, determine how to protect your agency, and help you provide advice to your employees.

Planning for the Safe Reopening of Public Buildings

May 14, 2020 by Steve Butler
Category: COVID-19

Local governments are in the process of planning how and when they will reopen facilities, both for staff and for the public. This blog post offers some suggestions to consider in a phased reopening.

The Fourth of July in the Shadow of a Pandemic

May 12, 2020 by Laura Crandall
Category: Administration and Management , COVID-19

As Washington local governments are still grappling with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in their communities, many across the state are deciding how to celebrate the Fourth of July in a safe and responsible manner.

Choosing the Right Annual Financial Report for Your Entity

May 11, 2020 by Mike Bailey
Category: Financial Reporting

In the final installment of this four-part series, this blog post compares cash-basis and GAAP-reporting options for filing the required annual financial report.

Sharing is Caring: The Federal CARES Act and Local Governments

May 7, 2020 by Linda Gallagher
Category: Revenues , COVID-19

This article provides an overview of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act as it applies to the needs of local governments.

COVID-19: Where Things Stand as of May 6

May 6, 2020 by Steve Gross
Category: COVID-19

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

Election Deadlines and COVID-19

May 4, 2020 by Jill Dvorkin
Category: Elections , COVID-19

This blog post looks at Washington State's upcoming elections-related filing deadlines and how these can be completed electronically rather than in person.

Annual Financial Reporting Options: Cash-Basis

April 30, 2020 by Toni Nelson
Category: Financial Reporting

This blog post describes the cash-basis reporting option available to local governments for filing an annual financial report.

Public Records Considerations in the Era of Telecommuting

April 27, 2020 by Sarah Doar
Category: Public Records Act , Operating Policies

This blog post looks at how an agency can exercise some control over its public records when these may be located — or taken — outside the workplace.

Events and Programs: A COVID-19 Community Conundrum

April 23, 2020 by Laura Crandall
Category: Programs , COVID-19

This blog looks at what Washington local governments are doing when it comes to their scheduled summer events and programs.

Engaging in a Pixelated Public Square

April 20, 2020 by Laura Crandall
Category: Legislative Body , COVID-19

This blog post looks at which video platforms are best for what use, how public comment may be made for remote public meetings, and discusses various electronic public engagement platforms.

Furloughs and More: Employer Options During the COVID-19 Pandemic

April 16, 2020 by Oskar Rey
Category: Termination , COVID-19

This blog post looks at an employer's options for managing its workforce during the region-wide shutdowns due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Additional Rights for Employees at High Risk for Coronavirus Complications

April 15, 2020 by Karen Sutherland
Category: Leave Policies , COVID-19

This blog post reviews Proclamation 20-46, which provides additional rights and protections for workers at high risk for coronavirus complications.

Using Electronic Signatures During Emergencies

April 13, 2020 by Flannary Collins
Category: COVID-19

This blog post looks at how an agency can use electronic rather than ink signatures to process documents and keep its operations going, even in the event of an emergency.

Handling Development Permitting and Inspections During the COVID-19 Pandemic

April 10, 2020 by Steve Butler
Category: Land Use Administration , COVID-19

This blog post describes different issues and strategies currently being used by local governments to handle development permitting and inspections during the COVID-19 pandemic.