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MRSC Insight Blog


Posts for August 2026

Washington State Updates Immigration Status Terminology With 2026 Bill

August 31, 2026  by  Linda Gallagher
Category:  Inclusive Communities ,  New Legislation and Regulations

A new law modernizes the language in statutes, replacing the term “alien” with “noncitizen” when referring to individuals who are not U.S. citizens or nationals. The law also requires agencies to amend their rules and local governments to adopt the new terminology moving forward.

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When Homes Are Abandoned but Problems Remain: Abating Nuisances at Zombie Homes

August 26, 2026  by  Harry Boesche
Category:  Nuisance Abatement and Enforcement ,  Property Nuisances

Local governments often take action against abandoned properties, since nuisances arise on such sites, but mortgage servicers may also initiate the abatement process. How do these two parties work together and stay within the statutory requirements?

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Better Together: The Power of Intergenerational Programs and Housing Models

August 24, 2026  by  Lisa Pool
Category:  Housing ,  Health and Human Services

As Washington communities plan for both an aging population and the needs of younger generations, they can help reduce social isolation, strengthen community ties, and enhance the quality of life for people of all ages by offering intergenerational programming, including housing.

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The Importance of Streamlining Your Development Review Process

August 19, 2026  by  Steve Butler
Category:  Comprehensive Planning-Growth Management ,  Land Use Administration

A local government's development review process should be many things, including up-to-date on statutory requirements and reflective of local priorities. But the process can also be user-friendly and efficient, creating a win-win result for developers and permit staff. 

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From Local Strain to Regional Solutions: The Benefits of Metropolitan Park Districts

August 17, 2026  by  Ross Hoover
Category:  Guest Author ,  Annexation ,  Parks and Recreation Finance ,  Special Districts

While the importance of parks is well-understood, rising costs, strained funding, and aging assets widen the gap between what communities expect and what agencies can sustainably deliver. A Metropolitan Park District can offer stable funding for the needs of a growing community.

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How Can Local Governments Prepare for Data Centers?

August 12, 2026  by  Leonard Bauer
Category:  Development Regulations and Zoning ,  Revenues ,  Utilities ,  Land Use Administration ,  Rural Uses ,  Artificial Intelligence ,  Economic Development

Data centers are growing, in the total being built and in size. Since data center permit processes can generate controversy, jurisdictions receiving a proposal should coordinate with others, such as local utilities, to address the challenges a data center may bring. 

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Ladder Properties, LLC v. City of Snoqualmie: Addressing Accessory Dwelling Units and Condominium Conversion

August 11, 2026  by  Jill Dvorkin
Category:  Comprehensive Planning-Growth Management ,  Court Decisions and AGO Opinions ,  Housing

A recent Washington Court of Appeals decision addresses accessory dwelling units, condominium conversion, and local land use regulation, providing helpful guidance as local governments navigate a statewide push to increase the availability of affordable housing.

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Increasing or Decreasing Salaries of Local Elected Officials

August 5, 2026  by  Flannary Collins
Category:  Compensation ,  Personnel Policies ,  Elected and Appointed Officials

How are salaries set for elected officials and who determines when they are increased (or decreased)? Does the change take place immediately, and does it apply to all governing body members? Local policy should address some of these questions while state law addresses others.

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What the Data Center Boom Means for Washington Local Governments

August 3, 2026  by  Leonard Bauer
Category:  Development Regulations and Zoning ,  Land Use Administration ,  Rural Uses ,  Artificial Intelligence

Data centers are growing, both in the total being built and in the size of the proposed facilities. What are some of the benefits and costs data centers bring to local communities? While a state workgroup evaluates this, some local governments are pausing new development.

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