MRSC Insight Blog

Posts for January 2022

Pierce County Offers a Model for Distributing Pandemic-Related Assistance Funding

January 31, 2022 by Leah LaCivita
Category: COVID-19 , Revenues

With just three staff, the Pierce County’s Rental & Utility Assistance Program has distributed $59,100 in overdue rental payments and $14,800 in utility payments to needy households since late 2020. This blog looks at how the program works and what makes it successful.

State Seeks Input on Its Vehicle Miles Traveled Reduction Strategy

January 27, 2022 by Celeste Gilman
Category: Guest Author , Comprehensive Planning-Growth Management , Climate Change

The State of Washington is seeking input from local governments across the state as it works to establish reduction targets for local vehicle miles traveled and other proposed programs in order to meet key climate action targets.

Treasury Releases Final Rule on American Rescue Plan Fiscal Recovery Funds

January 24, 2022 by Eric Lowell
Category: COVID-19 , Federal Funding

Local governments seeking guidance on how to use Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) now have an answer in the recently released Final Rule from the U.S. Department of Treasury.

Severe Weather Shelters for Winter and Beyond

January 20, 2022 by Justin Sharer
Category: Guest Author , Homelessness

During a severe weather event, unsheltered individuals are most at risk of adverse impacts. This blog looks at how local governments in Washington State have prepared to care for at-risk populations during periods of extreme heat, extreme cold, or poor air quality.

Supreme Court Issues First Opinions on Federal COVID-19 Vaccination Requirements

January 18, 2022 by Steve Gross
Category: COVID-19 , Court Decisions and AGO Opinions , Operating Policies , Personnel Policies

The U.S. Supreme Court has temporarily stopped the implementation and enforcement of a federal rule calling for large U.S. employers to require employees be vaccinated against COVID-19. Following the decision, OSHA withdrew the proposed rule.

New Interactive Map, Webpage Highlight Local Climate Plans

January 14, 2022 by Lisa Pool
Category: MRSC News and Updates , Climate Change

As part of its Local Climate Response Project, MRSC is pleased to unveil a new webpage featuring an interactive map and detailed information about specialized planning efforts being taken by local governments across Washington State.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Initiatives in Washington State – 2021 Update

January 11, 2022 by Nick Fisher
Category: Guest Author , Inclusive Communities

This blog looks at the many ways that local governments can build diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in their communities by highlighting specific policy examples from across Washington State.

No Responses to Your Bid: What Next?

January 10, 2022 by Josh Klika
Category: Purchasing and Contracting

Does your procurement process suffer from an empty inbox? This blog provides some practical guidance and next steps to consider when there are no responses to your bid.

Investing in Equity To Prepare for Environmental Challenges

January 6, 2022 by Tracy Burrows , Leah LaCivita
Category: Climate Change , Inclusive Communities

Some Washington local governments have placed equity front and center when preparing for the impacts of climate change. This blog looks at efforts in Lakewood and Shoreline.

Green Building Incentives that Work: Follow the Roadmap

January 4, 2022 by Chris van Daalen
Category: Guest Author , Climate Change , Tools for Planners

This guest blog introduces the Zero Carbon Buildings Policy Toolkit, a free resource available to help cities, towns, and counties understand and apply green building incentives in their communities.

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