October 2021

Handling Unexpected Elections Issues

October 28, 2021 by MRSC Insight
Category: Elections

Local elections can sometimes be straightforward affairs but unexpected issues, like a tie vote, can arise. This blog reviews a few uncommon scenarios and how to properly handle them.

What Is a 15-Minute City? (And Why You Should Care)

October 25, 2021 by Steve Butler
Category: Comprehensive Planning-Growth Management , Cycling and Walking

What types of amenities and services can you get to within 15 minutes of leaving your front door? The 15-Minute City concept encourages the development of walkable neighborhoods where a variety of services are within easy reach.

Local Governments Now Required to Have Data-Sharing Agreements

October 21, 2021 by Eric Lowell
Category: New Legislation and Regulations , Cybersecurity

Local governments will share data with other agencies for a variety of reasons. ESSB 5432 now requires agencies to have data-sharing agreements for highly sensitive data, such as HIPAA information or any information that is protected from release/disclosure by law.

Seven Hills, LLC v. Chelan County: When Does a Nonconforming Use come into Existence?

October 18, 2021 by Oskar Rey
Category: Court Decisions and AGO Opinions , Development Regulations and Zoning

This blog reviews the recent state Supreme Court decision in Seven Hills LLC v. Chelan County, which looked at whether a marijuana company established its business before the county placed a moratorium on marijuana production.

October 14, 2021 by Leah LaCivita
Category: Climate Change , New Legislation and Regulations

The 2021 legislative session produced several bills on issues related to the changing climate. This blog discusses a few, including bills that focus on reducing pollution statewide, encouraging alternative fuel use, and promoting greener commuting options.

MRSC Releases Results of Local Government Climate Response Survey

October 12, 2021 by Jill Dvorkin
Category: Climate Change , MRSC News and Updates

MRSC's Local Climate Response Project surveyed local government staff about their agency's concerns and actions related to climate change, and the results are available in this blog.

Vaccine Mandates: Accommodating Disability and Religious Belief Exemptions

October 11, 2021 by Linda Gallagher
Category: COVID-19

At this point in the pandemic, vaccine mandates of some form can be found at the national, state, and local levels. For those employees seeking exemptions from the mandate, what is the process employers must undergo to review and possibly accommodate such requests?

As the Pandemic Recedes, Ghost Kitchens Are Here to Stay

October 7, 2021 by Lisa Pool
Category: Licensing and Regulation , Development Regulations and Zoning

Ghost kitchens proliferated during the pandemic once dine-in options were curtailed and restaurants sought to make up lost revenue. With consumer demand still strong, local governments should assess whether their zoning codes address this concept.