MRSC - Publications

2023 Budget Suggestions

Budget Suggestions has the latest information about things that might impact your city or county budget, including state shared revenue distributions, new legislation, economic trends, budget procedures, and more. Published July 2022.

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Accessory Dwelling Units

A report to help local officials as they consider proposals to allow ADUs in their communities. Includes discussion of potential benefits, policy issues and options, as well as a discussion of common zoning regulations. Sample ordinance language is included. Published October 1995.

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Annexation by Washington Cities and Towns

This publication provides an in-depth review of annexation of territory by Washington cities and towns, including pros and cons, the consequences and impacts of annexation, and the various annexation methods. Published June 2020.

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Appearance of Fairness Doctrine in Washington State

Provides an overview of the appearance of fairness statute, ch. 42.36 RCW, including suggestions for assuring compliance with the law. Contains a section on commonly asked questions and a summary of cases. Published April 2011.

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City Bidding Book - Washington State

Discusses competitive bidding requirements for city and town purchases, services, and public works contracts. Includes competitive bidding exemptions, piggybacking, small public works rosters, bidding errors and irregularities, and more. Revised December 2020.

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Closest Governments to the People

This publication, written by Steve Lundin and edited by the Washington State University Division of Governmental Studies and Services, is a comprehensive general reference and resource guide to the complex and varied systems of local governments in Washington State. Topics covered include the historical development of local governments, home rule, local government finance, and the local judiciary. Revised 2015.

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Code City Handbook

Provides essential information for code city officials and incites their powers, duties, and alternatives that are available under the applicable forms of municipal government. Published June 2009.

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Contracting for Services - Guidelines for Local Governments in Washington State

This publication is intended to provide guidance to local government agencies in Washington State on contracting for services. It includes guidance on selecting architectural and engineering consultants under chapter 39.80 RCW and on contracting for personal and purchased services. Revised May 2021.

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County Bidding Book - Washington State

Discusses competitive bidding requirements for county purchases, services, and public works contracts. Includes competitive bidding exemptions, piggybacking, small public works rosters, bidding errors and irregularities, and more. Revised July 2018.

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County Commissioner Guide

A brief introduction and overview of county government in Washington State and specifically the role of the county commissioners and county councilmembers within county government. It also covers the key legal doctrines, such as the Public Records Act and the Open Public Meetings Act, that county officials should be familiar with. Published April 2015.

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Getting into Office: Being Elected or Appointed into Office in Washington Counties, Cities, Towns, and Special Districts

This publication addresses issues relating to: qualifying and running for elective office in cities, towns, counties, and special districts; assuming office; vacancies in office; and appointments to fill vacancies. Revised January 2020.

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Homelessness and Housing Toolkit for Cities

Created in partnership between the Association of Washington Cities (AWC) and MRSC, this publication provides real-world examples of tools and actions Washington cities have used in responding to the issues of homelessness and affordable housing, including articles on housing levies, tenant protections, and more. Revised June 2022.

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Initiative and Referendum Guide for Washington Cities and Charter Counties

Reviews the powers of initiative and referendum as they are exercised in cities and charter counties in Washington. It includes information on how to adopt these powers and which types of municipal activities are subject to these powers. Revised August 2022.

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Knowing the Territory - Basic Legal Guidelines for Washington City, County and Special District Officials

Describes how local officials can keep out of legal trouble, including information on roles and responsibilities, conflicts of interest, Open Public Meetings Act, Public Records Act, Appearance of Fairness Doctrine, use of public funds, and more. Revised January 2022.

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Local and Road Improvement Districts Manual for Washington State

This manual is intended to provide an overall perspective of detailed LID and RID procedures, to show the chronological order of responsibilities, to describe routine processes from initiation to the conclusion of financing, to reduce employee training time, and to identify potential problems and issues. Published October 2009.

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Local Government Citizen Advisory Boards

The primary focus of this publication is on local government citizen advisory boards, but the publication also includes a brief discussion of statutory boards that are administrative in nature. For simplification, the use of the term advisory board in this publication generally includes boards, commissions, committees, and task forces. Published August 2008.

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Local Government Policy-Making Process

The purposes of this publication are to describe the local government policy-making process, outline effective roles for local officials, and to provide practical tips to make the local policy-making process for satisfying and productive. Revised October 2017.

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Local Ordinances for Washington Cities and Counties

This report has been prepared to assist Washington county, city, and town officials in the drafting and adoption of ordinances, resolutions, motions, and related devices. Revised September 2015.

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Master Planned Resorts "Washington Style"

This guidebook provides suggestions for guiding the development of master planned resorts, and small-scale recreational and tourist uses. These are among the new options available for broadening economic opportunities in rural areas, while respecting traditional rural character. Published May 2003.

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Mayor and Councilmember Handbook

Reference guide for mayors and city councilmembers. Covers city council meetings, resolving and preventing conflict, budget basics, parliamentary procedures, Open Public Meetings Act, Appearance of Fairness Doctrine, citizen participation, and more. Revised October 2021.

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Municipal Incorporation Guide

This publication is designed to assist residents of unincorporated communities in Washington to understand
the process by which a community can become incorporated as a city and to help a community decide
whether to incorporate. Revised March 2016.

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New City Guide - How to Start a City in Washington

Designed to assist newly incorporating cities with the process of establishing a functioning and viable municipal government. Revised March 2013.

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Open Public Meetings Act

Covers who is subject to Act, procedural requirements, executive sessions, exemptions, and penalties, and identifies relevant case law and attorney general opinions. Revised November 2016.

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Personal Services Contracting Manual for Washington Ports

In 2008, the Washington State Legislature adopted legislation (codified primarily in Chapter 53.19 RCW) designed to improve public contracting for port districts. Published January 2009.

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PRA and Records Management Technology Guide

This guide, created in partnership with the State Auditor’s Office Center for Government Innovation, is intended to help Washington government agencies to identify, evaluate, and select records management technology solutions that are best matched with their needs, goals, and budgets. Offers key questions to consider before purchasing records management software, an overview of software options, including descriptions of selected software, and more! Published March 2019.

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Public Records Act for Washington Cities, Counties, and Special Purpose Districts

This publication provides a basic outline of the Public Records Act (PRA) and the procedures to follow when responding to PRA requests for documents. The primary exemptions and prohibitions are reviewed, and the appendices provide a wealth of additional information, including materials that are especially relevant for public records officers and legal counsel advising local governments. Because the legislature routinely updates the PRA statutes, and because the courts issue many decisions each year interpreting the statutes, MRSC updates this publication frequently. Revised March 2019.

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Revenue Guide for Washington Cities and Towns

Detailed and up-to-date information on most of the revenue sources available to cities and towns, including property taxes, sales taxes, B&O taxes, lodging taxes, REET, and much more. Revised March 2022.

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Revenue Guide for Washington Counties

Detailed and up-to-date information on most of the revenue sources available to counties, including property taxes, sales taxes, lodging taxes, REET, and much more. Revised March 2022.

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Small Works Roster Manual

This publication provides a comprehensive overview of all aspects of small works rosters including maintenance vs. public works, bid limits, shared rosters, sales tax issues, prevailing wages, and more. We’ve also included a number of practical resources, checklists, and quick tips, which offer at-a-glance information and get you answers fast. Published October 2014.

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Special Purpose Districts in Washington State

Special districts are local governments that enable citizens to obtain a variety of services not otherwise available from a city, town, or county. Published August 2003.

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Suggested Guidelines for Purchasing, Bidding, and Contracting for Washington State Conservation Districts

Includes general guidance for procuring goods, services, and public works for conservation districts, as well as prevailing wage considerations unique to such districts. Revised November 2016.

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Publications

Homelessness and Housing Toolkit for Cities

Alphabetical List of All Available MRSC Publications

2023 Budget Suggestions

Accessory Dwelling Units

Annexation by Washington Cities and Towns

Appearance of Fairness Doctrine in Washington State

City Bidding Book - Washington State

Closest Governments to the People

Code City Handbook

Contracting for Services - Guidelines for Local Governments in Washington State

County Bidding Book - Washington State

County Commissioner Guide

Getting into Office: Being Elected or Appointed into Office in Washington Counties, Cities, Towns, and Special Districts

Homelessness and Housing Toolkit for Cities

Initiative and Referendum Guide for Washington Cities and Charter Counties

Knowing the Territory - Basic Legal Guidelines for Washington City, County and Special District Officials

Local and Road Improvement Districts Manual for Washington State

Local Government Citizen Advisory Boards

Local Government Policy-Making Process

Local Ordinances for Washington Cities and Counties

Master Planned Resorts "Washington Style"

Mayor and Councilmember Handbook

Municipal Incorporation Guide

New City Guide - How to Start a City in Washington

Open Public Meetings Act

Personal Services Contracting Manual for Washington Ports

PRA and Records Management Technology Guide

Public Records Act for Washington Cities, Counties, and Special Purpose Districts

Revenue Guide for Washington Cities and Towns

Revenue Guide for Washington Counties

Small Works Roster Manual

Special Purpose Districts in Washington State

Suggested Guidelines for Purchasing, Bidding, and Contracting for Washington State Conservation Districts