MRSC Insight Blog

Using "Why" to Keep Your Policies and Procedures Relevant

April 9, 2024 by Cheryl Grant
Category: Purchasing and Contracting , Finance Policies , Operating Policies , Personnel Policies

Policies and procedures can become outdated, irrelevant, or incorrect. By asking "why," local government staff and elected officials can help keep policies relevant through regular cycles of review and updating.

A surprised woman reads comments by critics on social media

U.S. Supreme Court Changes Law on Government First Amendment Liability for Social Media Activities

April 8, 2024 by Harry Boesche
Category: Court Decisions and AGO Opinions , Social Media

The recent ruling in Lindke v. Freed changes Washington law regarding government First Amendment liability in social media use and has important implications for local government officials and their agencies.

The Importance of Public Space to Downtown Revitalization

April 3, 2024 by Steve Butler
Category: Design , Facilities

When looking to revitalize their downtowns, cities and towns can focus on innovative strategies to draw visitors in, such as adding attractive, safe, and enjoyable parks, plazas, and open spaces, or offering programming/recreational activities in existing public spaces.

Prioritizing Personnel Safety: Reducing the Risk of Distracted Driving in Your Agency

April 1, 2024 by Janine Koffel
Category: Personnel Policies

Public employers can actively protect their workforce from serious car-related injuries or death by developing a focused driving policy as a component of a strong workplace safety culture that also emphasizes traffic safety.

Strategies for Managing Difficult Public Meetings

March 27, 2024 by MRSC Insight
Category: Legislative Body , Public Participation

What are some steps an agency can take before, during, and after difficult public meetings to make them less stressful and more productive for everyone?

Reducing Barriers for Childcare Facilities, Part 2

March 25, 2024 by Lisa Pool , Barbara Rosen
Category: Development Regulations and Zoning , Impact Fees , Inclusive Communities

How can local governments support the development of more childcare facilities in their community? Well-thought-out zoning and development regulations can go a long way in helping to reduce the barriers for childcare providers.

A childcare teacher works with 5 young children

Reducing Barriers for Childcare Facilities, Part 1

March 20, 2024 by Lisa Pool , Barbara Rosen
Category: Comprehensive Planning-Growth Management , Development Regulations and Zoning , Inclusive Communities

Lack of access to affordable childcare may lead to a parent dropping out of the workforce, while convenient, affordable care creates economic advantages for families and communities. How can local governments support the growth of diverse childcare options in their communities?

A woman abstains from voting on a topic by holding her hand over her mouth

Abstentions, Proxies, and Other Unusual Legislative Body Voting Scenarios

March 18, 2024 by Flannary Collins
Category: Legislative Body

MRSC gets asked about unusual voting situations that can occur during council or commission meetings, such as tie votes or abstentions. Either Robert’s Rules of Order or the agency’s local rules of procedure can offer guidance on how the legislative body should proceed.

Local Water Systems Grapple with 'Forever Chemicals'

March 14, 2024 by Leah LaCivita
Category: Water Resources , Water Utilities

Forever chemicals, or PFAS, have been detected in water systems across the state thanks to mandatory testing requirements that began in 2023. What are local agencies doing on both a short-term and long-term basis to address the problem?

Window cleaner using a squeegee to wash a window

Sunshine Week — It’s a Marathon, Not a Sprint

March 11, 2024 by Steve Gross
Category: Open Public Meetings Act , Public Records Act

During National Sunshine Week, often the focus is on what government agencies are doing wrong when it comes to transparency. While there is always room for improvement, it’s good to recognize the work that local governments are doing right to maintain and improve transparency.

Pickleball: Made with Love in Washington

March 6, 2024 by Jill Dvorkin
Category: Parks and Recreation Administration and Management

Invented on a lark in Washington in 1965, pickleball is now among the most popular national pastimes. With proper planning, local governments can ensure players have access to the game while also managing its impact on residents and other park users.

Wooden houses and heart on a blue background

What Factors Increase the Likelihood Unhoused People Will Seek Out Shelters? Part Two

March 4, 2024 by Alicia Bones
Category: Housing , Homelessness

In the second part of this blog series, we look at how local governments across Washington State are implementing best practices to reduce barriers that prevent unhoused people from accessing shelters, from funding diverse shelter types to developing regional service plans.

A woman holds a young child while both sit on a shelter bed

What Factors Increase the Likelihood Unhoused People Will Seek Out Shelters? Part One

February 28, 2024 by Alicia Bones
Category: Housing , Homelessness

How can shelter operators make their shelters more welcoming? What are some of the best practices shelters can follow to ensure that they don't enact barriers which prevent unhoused individuals from seeking help?

A website updating on a laptop and cell phone

Website Changes Make It Easier to Explore MRSC Topics

February 26, 2024 by Steve Hawley
Category: MRSC News and Updates

Have you ever found it hard to find the right information on our website even though you know it has to be there? We've now made it easier to explore all the content, including the ability to browse new topic areas or view all topic webpages in alphabetical order.

“Level Up” to Avoid Bid Splitting

February 21, 2024 by Josh Klika
Category: Purchasing and Contracting

Bid splitting, or dividing up a public works project into parts solely for the purpose of getting the individual purchase or contract award below bidding requirements, could result in a potential audit finding as well as add costs. Leveling up is one way to avoid a split bid.

Taking Action Using Ordinances, Resolutions, Motions, and Proclamations

February 16, 2024 by MRSC Insight
Category: Legislative Body

A governing body has several options it can use to take action on an issue. Knowing which type of action to employ and under what circumstance helps to make the process more efficient and effective.

SBITAs: New Reporting Requirement for the 2023 Annual Financial Report

February 14, 2024 by Eric Lowell
Category: Financial Reporting

SBITAs, or subscription-based IT arrangements, are one of the new reporting requirements public agencies must consider when filling the 2023 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report. Agencies should review all IT-related contracts to determine which qualify as a reportable SBITA.

Emojis in Public Agency Communication: Miscommunications and Records Ramifications 😱

February 12, 2024 by Sarah Doar , Alicia Bones
Category: Open Public Meetings Act , Public Records Act

Emojis may make it easy to respond quickly to professional correspondence, but public agency staff and elected officials should think twice before giving a thumbs up to that email or Teams post.

Oskar Rey seated at computer desk in MRSC's offices

Legal Consultant Oskar Rey Moves On: “Thank You for an Amazing Learning Experience.”

February 7, 2024 by Oskar Rey
Category: MRSC News and Updates

In his final days working as a legal consultant with MRSC, Oskar Rey gives thanks to the many people that helped him gain a deeper knowledge of municipal law, through debate, research, writing, and training.

a hand turning a dial to maximum 'trust'

Building Trust During Polarizing Times

February 5, 2024 by Linda Gallagher
Category: Inclusive Communities , Public Participation

Distrust, misinformation, and polarization seem to be growing at the national and local levels. How can local government build trust to help dispel misinformation, reduce polarization, increase engagement, and maintain a healthy, engaged democracy?

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