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MRSC Insight Blog


Posts for February 2017

The EEOC Issues Publications on Mental Health Conditions

The EEOC Issues Publications on Mental Health Conditions

February 28, 2017  by  Matthew R. Kelly
Category:  Guest Author ,  Americans with Disabilities Act

Last month, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission issued two documents that summarize the workplace rights of job applicants and employees who have mental health conditions. Though not comprehensive, these documents provide some guidance that employers should be aware of.

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Can You Keep Yourself in Ice Cubes? – Water and Sewer Affordability

Can You Keep Yourself in Ice Cubes? – Water and Sewer Affordability

February 23, 2017  by  John W. Carpita, PE
Category:  Water Utilities

Water and sewer utility bills are increasing statewide as cities, counties, and water/sewer districts replace aging infrastructure, increase their resiliency, and comply with new rules. This post considers the impact this may have on utility bills across the state.

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Does Your Code Provide Homelessness Solutions?

Does Your Code Provide Homelessness Solutions?

February 23, 2017  by  Oskar Rey
Category:  Homelessness

There are a lot of policy options for alleviating homelessness and the lack of affordable housing. However, in some jurisdictions, existing codes can present unintended barriers to providing remedies for homelessness. This blog will summarize a few common issues that can arise.

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The New Uniform Guidance, 2 CFR 200 – Part 2

The New Uniform Guidance, 2 CFR 200 – Part 2

February 17, 2017  by  Toni Nelson
Category:  Purchasing and Contracting

Federal awards given to local governments are now subject to revised audit standards under New Uniform Guidance 2 CFR 200. In the second of this 2-part series, learn more about how the certification requirement and allowable costs have changed, and what you need to do to become compliant with the new guidance. 

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Sanctuary Cities and Counties

Sanctuary Cities and Counties

February 16, 2017  by  Robert Sepler
Category:  Governance

Sanctuary cities and counties have recently taken center stage in the national debate on immigration. Given the relevance of this issue to local governments in Washington State, this blog post will explore what “sanctuary” jurisdictions are, how they are designated, and reasons local governments have cited for and against becoming a “sanctuary” jurisdiction.

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The Gorillas in the Room

The Gorillas in the Room

February 14, 2017  by  Byron Katsuyama
Category:  Emergency Management ,  Health and Human Services

What does the Cascadia megaquake, the growing opioid crisis, and the lack of affordable housing all share in common? They can all be classified as "gorillas" in the room: big, overwhelming, and not about to go anywhere anytime soon.

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Are You Communicating Your Goals?

Are You Communicating Your Goals?

February 10, 2017  by  Bob Jean
Category:  Governance ,  Guest Author

Are you communicating your goals effectively? How do you cut through all the noise and clutter to reach the people you need to reach? This post gives you a Road Map to help. 

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Further Guidance on Records Requests for “Commercial Purposes”

Further Guidance on Records Requests for “Commercial Purposes”

February 7, 2017  by  Adrian Urquhart Winder
Category:  Guest Author ,  Court Decisions and AGO Opinions ,  Public Records Act

Public records for "Commercial Purposes"? The Washington Court of Appeals recently addressed another dispute and rejected a union's constitutional privacy argument.

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Don’t Do That! Part Two

Don’t Do That! Part Two

February 1, 2017  by  Lynn Nordby
Category:  Leadership

Part 2 of this 2-part series on the “worst” leadership habits identifies at least one, agreed-upon bad habit that leaders everywhere should avoid at all costs.

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