About MRSC
At MRSC, we believe the most effective local government is a well-informed one, and as cities, counties, and special purpose districts face rapid changes and significant challenges, we are here to help.
What is MRSC?
The Municipal Research and Services Center (MRSC) is a nonprofit organization that helps local governments across Washington State better serve their communities by providing legal and policy guidance on any topic.
For more than 90 years, local governments have turned to MRSC for independent and reliable guidance on every topic imaginable. Originally established in 1934 as the University of Washington Bureau of Governmental Research, MRSC has operated as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit since 1969.
Our mission: Trusted guidance and services supporting local government success.
Our vision: Empowering local governments to better serve their communities.
What Does MRSC Do?
MRSC provides a wide variety of research, training, and educational services for local governments across Washington State.
We do not lobby for or against legislation, take sides on policy issues or disputes, provide legal representation for individual agencies, or serve as legal counsel.
Learn more: For a complete overview, see our MRSC Services webpage.
How Is MRSC Funded?
With the support of the Association of Washington Cities (AWC) and Washington State Association of Counties (WSAC), the majority of MRSC’s funding comes from a small portion of city and county liquor revenues distributed by the State of Washington to the Department of Commerce, which contracts with MRSC to provide city and county research services under chapter 43.110 RCW. This money is not part of the state general fund.
Pooling these resources allows us to provide services to all 281 cities/towns and all 39 counties, regardless of their size or resources, in a cost-efficient manner that saves a significant amount of staff time and legal/consulting fees.
Our services to eligible special purpose districts—such as conservation districts, fire districts, park districts, port districts, public hospital districts, public utility districts (PUDs), transit districts, water-sewer districts, and more—are funded through a variety of contracts with insurance risk pools and associations, including:
- Association of Washington Public Hospital Districts (AWPHD)
- Cities Insurance Association of Washington (CIAW)
- Enduris
- Washington Association of Sewer & Water Districts (WASWD)
- Washington Cities Insurance Authority (WCIA)
- Washington Fire Chiefs Association (WFC)
- Washington Public Ports Association (WPPA)
- Washington Public Utility Districts Association (WPUDA)
- Washington State Transit Association (WSTA)
We also receive revenues from trainings, sponsorships, MRSC Rosters, and other contracts.