April 2018

New Bills Addressing Gender Discrimination and Sexual Harassment in the Workplace

April 25, 2018 by Flannary Collins
Category: Personnel Policies , New Legislation and Regulations

The Washington State Legislature passed several bills in the 2017-2018 legislative session related to gender equality and sexual harassment that local governments should be aware of.

Conestoga Huts Offer More Options for Housing the Homeless

April 23, 2018 by Subir Mukerjee
Category: Homelessness , Guest Author

A housing for the homeless program in Eugene using Conestoga Hut program is immensely popular with long waiting lists. Learn more about this program and the city regulations that have allowed it to flourish.

Is Your City Ready for the New Business Licensing Requirements?

April 17, 2018 by Toni Nelson
Category: New Legislation and Regulations , Business Licenses and Taxes

EHB 2005, which was passed last year, is intended to simplify the administration of municipal general business licenses for the applicant. This post looks at the actions cities and towns must take to comply.

New Legislation Targets E-Bikes

April 16, 2018 by Leah LaCivita
Category: Cycling and Walking , New Legislation and Regulations

As Seattle prepares to make its dockless bike share program permanent, new legislation recently signed by Gov. Jay Inslee set statewide standards and regulations for riding using electric assist bikes (e-bikes).

Where Do Our Sales Taxes Go?

April 9, 2018 by Steve Hawley
Category: Sales and Use Taxes

Have you ever wondered exactly where local sales taxes go or why one jurisdiction has higher (or lower) sales taxes than another? A new tool from MRSC can help provide some answers.

Why Are We (Sometimes) So Protective of Public Records?

April 6, 2018 by Jim Doherty
Category: Public Records Act

There are strong reasons for not disclosing information in public records that appears to be covered by the statutory exemptions and prohibitions. However, MRSC Legal Consultant Jim Doherty argues local government staff should lean toward disclosing records rather than withholding them.