MRSC Insight Blog

Posts for December 2020

Police, Mental Health Professionals Partner to Improve 911 Response

December 31, 2020 by Leah LaCivita
Category: Law Enforcement , Emergency Medical Services

This blog looks at the co-responder law enforcement model, which brings social service responders and mental health professionals into the 911 crisis response.

Trial by Zoom: Using Online Platforms in Administrative Proceedings, Trials, and Oral Arguments

December 28, 2020 by Clara Park
Category: Land Use Administration , Courts, Criminal Justice and Corrections , COVID-19

This blog post discusses the current state of virtual proceedings and offers pointers for anyone navigating the shift from in-person to virtual proceedings.

Meet Eric Lowell, MRSC's Newest Finance Consultant

December 17, 2020 by Eric Lowell
Category:

MRSC welcomes Eric Lowell onto the team as our newest Finance Consultant. Prior to joining MRSC, Eric served as the Finance and IT Director for Timberland Regional Library.

The Role of Cities and Counties in Keeping Winter Walking (and Driving) Safe

December 14, 2020 by Flannary Collins
Category: Snow and Ice Removal

What is a local government's responsibility when rain, ice, or snow create treacherous road or sidewalk conditions? This blog covers the basics.

Protecting Public Works Projects from COVID-19 Economic Impacts

December 11, 2020 by Lane Powell
Category: Administration , COVID-19

This blog post reviews how local governments can protect public works projects from COVID-19-related economic impacts.

In-Person Public Meetings Put on Hold for Now

December 9, 2020 by Jill Dvorkin
Category: Open Public Meetings Act , Legislative Body , COVID-19

This blog post reviews Proclamation 20-28.14, which extends and modifies the temporary rules governing open public meetings and ties the in-person meeting requirements to Proclamation 20-25 and the "business meetings" guidance for Miscellaneous Venues.

Social Equity in Cannabis Program

December 7, 2020 by Linda Gallagher
Category: Marijuana , New Legislation and Regulations , Inclusive Communities

This blog post offers an overview of E2SHB 2870, 2020 legislation creating a social equity in cannabis program for Washington State.

Strategies for Managing Difficult Public Meetings and Hearings

December 3, 2020 by Byron Katsuyama
Category: Public Participation , Legislative Body

This blog offers some steps you can take before, during, and after difficult public meetings and public hearings to make them less stressful and more productive for everyone.