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MRSC Insight Blog


Posts for February 2024

A woman holds a young child while both sit on a shelter bed

What Factors Increase the Likelihood Unhoused People Will Seek Out Shelters? Part One

February 28, 2024  by  Alicia Bones
Category:  Housing ,  Homelessness

How can shelter operators make their shelters more welcoming? What are some of the best practices shelters can follow to ensure that they don't enact barriers which prevent unhoused individuals from seeking help?

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A website updating on a laptop and cell phone

Website Changes Make It Easier to Explore MRSC Topics

February 26, 2024  by  Steve Hawley
Category:  MRSC News and Updates

Have you ever found it hard to find the right information on our website even though you know it has to be there? We've now made it easier to explore all the content, including the ability to browse new topic areas or view all topic webpages in alphabetical order.

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level up

“Level Up” to Avoid Bid Splitting

February 21, 2024  by  Josh Klika
Category:  Purchasing and Contracting

Bid splitting, or dividing up a public works project into parts solely for the purpose of getting the individual purchase or contract award below bidding requirements, could result in a potential audit finding as well as add costs. Leveling up is one way to avoid a split bid.

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A hand holds a stamp labeled "approved"

Taking Action Using Ordinances, Resolutions, Motions, and Proclamations

February 16, 2024  by  MRSC Insight
Category:  Legislative Body

A governing body has several options it can use to take action on an issue. Knowing which type of action to employ and under what circumstance helps to make the process more efficient and effective.

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person on laptop using emojis

Emojis in Public Agency Communication: Miscommunications and Records Ramifications 😱

February 12, 2024  by  Sarah Doar ,  Alicia Bones
Category:  Open Public Meetings Act ,  Public Records Act

Emojis may make it easy to respond quickly to professional correspondence, but public agency staff and elected officials should think twice before giving a thumbs up to that email or Teams post.

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Oskar Rey seated at computer desk in MRSC's offices

Legal Consultant Oskar Rey Moves On: “Thank You for an Amazing Learning Experience.”

February 7, 2024  by  Oskar Rey
Category:  MRSC News and Updates

In his final days working as a legal consultant with MRSC, Oskar Rey gives thanks to the many people that helped him gain a deeper knowledge of municipal law, through debate, research, writing, and training. 

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a hand turning a dial to maximum 'trust'

Building Trust During Polarizing Times

February 5, 2024  by  Linda Gallagher
Category:  Inclusive Communities ,  Public Participation

Distrust, misinformation, and polarization seem to be growing at the national and local levels. How can local government build trust to help dispel misinformation, reduce polarization, increase engagement, and maintain a healthy, engaged democracy?

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