skip navigation
MRSC logo

Have a Research Question?

Ask MRSC

Have a Research Question?

Ask MRSC

MRSC Insight Blog


Posts for August 2026

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. 

Read more

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.

Read more

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. 

Read more

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.

Read more

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.

Read more

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.

Read more