Transportation Network Companies: New Legislation Addresses Long-Standing Issues

July 27, 2022 by Steve Gross
Category: Licensing and Regulation

ESHB 2076 creates uniform statewide regulations for Transportation Network Companies to ensure vehicles are safe and fares are transparent, but also to establish minimum per mile, minute, and trip rates for company drivers and provide them with benefits like paid sick time.

Read more

Read the Signs: New Ruling Clarifies On-/Off-Premises Sign Regulation

July 25, 2022 by Jill Dvorkin
Category: Sign Control

The 2015 ruling in Reed v. Town of Gilbert made on-/off premise sign regulation more challenging for local governments. A new ruling in City of Austin v. Reagan National Advertising clarifies content-based regulations, giving local governments some breathing room. 

Read more

Saying Yes to Responsive & Responsible Bids

July 20, 2022 by Josh Klika
Category: Purchasing and Contracting

In awarding contracts for public works projects or contracts for goods and services, a local government must determine both if the bid is responsive and the bidder is responsible. Fortunately, there are guidelines to help with this process. 

Read more

Church and State: U.S. Supreme Court Makes Changes to Establishment Clause Analysis

July 18, 2022 by Oskar Rey
Category: Court Decisions and AGO Opinions

In light of the recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling in Kennedy v. Bremerton School District, what can a local government do to ensure that its policies are written and applied in a manner that does not discriminate based on an employee’s religious belief?

Read more

Taking Action Using Ordinances, Resolutions, Motions, and Proclamations

July 13, 2022 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.

Read more

Regulating Firearms in Washington State

July 11, 2022 by Flannary Collins
Category: Licensing and Regulation

Washington State mostly preempts the field of firearm regulation under state law but there are a handful of areas in which local governments can adopt measures to regulate the sale, possession, use, and storage of firearms within their jurisdictions.

Read more

Fire Season Brings Renewal of Certain Worker Protections, More Action, and Funding

July 6, 2022 by Leah LaCivita
Category: Emergency Management , Fire Protection , Administration

Temporary rules are in place to protect outdoor workers from excessive heat or hazardous air quality. Meanwhile, some local governments are adopting provisions of the International Wildland Urban Interface Code, and state and federal governments are boosting firefighting efforts.

Read more

Dealing with Difficult Behavior

July 5, 2022 by Linda Gallagher
Category: Management

Dealing with people who exhibit difficult behavior can be a challenge, whether they are coworkers, acquaintances, or members of the public. Here are some strategies that can help local government staff and officials make the next encounter less stressful. 

Read more