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MRSC Insight Blog


Posts for February 2023

Integrating Best Available Science: New Tools for Land Use Planning & Emergency Management

February 22, 2023  by  Tricia Sears
Category:  Guest Author ,  Climate and Sustainability ,  Emergency Management

The state's Washington Geological Survey is offering new and updated resources to help local governments integrate the best available science into their land use planning and emergency management efforts. 

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A woman is upset by what she has just read on her computer

Private Lives of Public Employees: The PRA Implications of Working for the Government

February 21, 2023  by  Sarah Doar
Category:  Public Records Act

New public employees are often surprised by what is subject to public disclosure under Washington’s Public Records Act and should consider the possibility that their private communications on digital platforms, like email and social media, may become very public.

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Shows a fleet of mid-sized electric vehicles being charged at a public charging station

Tips for Transitioning Fleet Vehicles to Electric

February 15, 2023  by  Tracy Burrows
Category:  Climate and Sustainability

Electric vehicle (EV) fleets can help an agency save money and meet greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets, but transitioning fleets to EVs will be a major undertaking. It helps to start small and to pair the program with the build out of local EV charging infrastructure.

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A male conference attendee choosing dessert from a table

But What About Me? Ethics for Local Public Employees

February 13, 2023  by  Steve Gross
Category:  Ethics and Conflicts of Interest

While state law addresses ethics for some kinds of municipal officers, these and other laws help all employees understand how to conduct day-to-day business while avoiding conflicts of interest. 

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A man is excited to have received a gift card

Safely Using Incentives in Public Engagement Activities

February 8, 2023  by  Eric Lowell
Category:  Gift of Public Funds ,  Inclusive Communities ,  Federal Funding

Can gift cards be given as an incentive for completing a local government survey? Can stipends be provided to volunteers participating in local government projects or advisory boards? With proper procedures in place, incentives can be a way to boost community participation.

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Pop Quiz: Paid Family Medical Leave and the Family Medical Leave Act

February 6, 2023  by  Jill Dvorkin
Category:  Leave Policies

Washington’s Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) and the federal Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) provide extended leave, job protection, and other benefits for qualified employees, but the interplay between the two programs can be confusing. Test your knowledge.

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An image of 3 people at a recycling center sorting out types of recycled material

Local Governments Pursue Zero-Waste Measures

February 1, 2023  by  Leah LaCivita
Category:  Climate and Sustainability ,  Utilities

Zero-waste measures for local governments run the gamut from multi-year materials management projects to consumer education on how to recycle or compost properly. The end goals are to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and responsibly manage public resources.

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