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MRSC Insight Blog


Posts for April 2025

Funding Downtown Revitalization Projects With Tax Increment Financing

April 30, 2025  by  Eric Lowell
Category:  Financing Economic Development ,  Downtown Revitalization Series

Tax increment financing is a tool local governments can use to fund the development of public infrastructure in targeted areas. This activity can then encourage private development and investment, making TIF a good source of funding for downtown revitalization efforts. 

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For Local Fireworks Regulations, Timing is Everything

April 28, 2025  by  MRSC Insight
Category:  Licensing and Regulation

While state law governs the regulation of fireworks, it also leaves some room for local jurisdictions to enact more restrictive local regulations regarding fireworks use or sales, although more restrictive local laws may not take effect for at least one year after adoption.

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Strengthening Urban Resilience to Wildfire at the Local Level

April 21, 2025  by  Alicia Bones
Category:  Emergency Management ,  Fire Protection

While many rural parts of Washington State have traditionally faced high risk of wildfire, urban areas, especially those near the wildland-urban interface, are also at risk. Urban areas can take proactive steps, such as adopting wildfire-related codes, to mitigate this risk. 

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Immigration Regulation and the Role of Local Governments

April 16, 2025  by  Harry Boesche
Category:  Court Decisions and AGO Opinions ,  Law Enforcement

Immigration issues involve a complicated web of federal, state, and local regulation. How do federal requirements apply to state and local government and are local agencies required to assist the federal government’s enforcement of immigration laws within their jurisdictions?

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Updating Local Regulations to Encourage More Accessory Dwelling Units

April 15, 2025  by  Steve Butler
Category:  Housing

Increasing the number of accessory dwelling units can build more housing stock in a community. What changes can agencies make to local zoning codes that might encourage this type of development among homeowners and developers?

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Benefits and Challenges of Non-Traditional Work Schedules in Local Government

April 9, 2025  by  Alicia Bones
Category:  Compensation ,  Personnel Policies ,  Recruitment and Hiring

Government agencies, including San Juan County, which instituted a reduced 32-hour workweek for staff in 2023, are exploring innovative approaches to workforce management. What has been the outcome and can these early adopters offer tips on what to do and what to avoid?

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Local Government Contracting and Agreements for Non-Public Works Projects

April 7, 2025  by  Flannary Collins
Category:  Purchasing and Contracting ,  Interlocal Cooperation

Local governments may opt for various types of non-public works contracts with other public agencies and private companies. Which contract types work most effectively and under what circumstances?

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Indoor of a green building under construction

Office-to-Housing Conversion Adds Vibrancy to Downtowns

April 2, 2025  by  Leonard Bauer
Category:  Development Regulations and Zoning ,  Housing ,  Downtown Revitalization Series

With downtowns still struggling to regain pre-COVID occupancy rates, some are wondering whether office-to-residential conversions can provide housing and bring people back. Can local governments remove some of the obstacles and adopt incentives that spur this type of development?

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