MRSC Insight Blog

Posts for August 2022

New Resource Helps Local Government and Private Contractors Dig Into Public Works

August 31, 2022 by Josh Klika
Category: Purchasing and Contracting

In partnership with the Washington Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC), MRSC is launching "Digging Into Public Works," an initiative that will connect, educate, and engage local government staff and private contractors in the field of public works.

Budget Hearings: How Many Do You Need?

August 29, 2022 by MRSC Insight
Category: Budgets and Budgeting , Legislative Body

During budget season, many local government staff and elected officials often wonder how many public hearings are required to complete the budget process. The answer generally depends on type of government and the reason for the hearing.

Funding Local Affordable Housing Efforts

August 24, 2022 by Eric Lowell
Category: Housing , Revenues

It can be difficult for cities, towns, and counties to fund local affordable housing programs, but there are some options available, from taxing options to federal and state grant programs.

New Legislation, Guidance Targets a Green Energy Future in Washington

August 22, 2022 by Leah LaCivita
Category: Climate Change , Energy Resources and Conservation , New Legislation and Regulations

In a push to carbon neutrality, Washington State agencies and the legislature have put in place laws and mandates designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in buildings, invest in transportation alternatives, reduce waste, and expedite the approval of green energy projects.

Supporting/Opposing Ballot Measures and Candidates

August 17, 2022 by MRSC Insight
Category: Elections

Election season raises many questions for local government staff and elected officials, especially when it comes to ballot measures and candidates running for office. What are the rules for supporting or opposing an issue or a candidate and how do these apply?

Closed Captioning: A Language Access Tool

August 16, 2022 by Linda Gallagher
Category: Inclusive Communities , New Legislation and Regulations

SB 5027, which passed during the 2021 legislative session, requires closed captioning be used on televisions in public places, including in local government-owned facilities, when the technology is available.

Natural Hazards Planning Expertise and Resources for Local Governments

August 10, 2022 by Tricia Sears , Greg Wessel
Category: Guest Author , Climate Change , Emergency Management

Because local governments focus on safety and welfare of their communities, they are the first to be called on when a natural hazard strikes. Fortunately state agencies and nonprofits can offer assistance and expertise to better mitigate risk of hazards when regulating land use.

Responding to Sea Level Rise: A Multijurisdictional Approach to Protecting Downtown Olympia

August 8, 2022 by Sarah Doar
Category: Climate Change , Interlocal Cooperation

With a history of flooding and concerns about sea level rise due to climate change, Olympia has teamed up with other jurisdictions to address this potential challenge and safeguard vital services.

A New Approach for Dealing with Conditional Uses in Your Zoning Code

August 3, 2022 by Steve Butler
Category: Development Regulations and Zoning

Conditional use permits, most often used for certain land uses that might not normally fit into a zoning category but could work if the proposed use meets certain conditions, can be made into a more efficient and effective zoning tool with some modifications.

2023 Budget Suggestions is Here

August 1, 2022 by Eric Lowell
Category: Budgets and Budgeting , New Legislation and Regulations

With legislative updates, state shared revenue projections, a preview of the implicit price deflator, and other budgetary and economic information, MRSC’s 2023 Budget Suggestions can help cities and counties develop their budgets for the coming year.

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