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MRSC Insight Blog


Posts for July 2023

Close up of a small cell wireless module on a utility pole against the backdrop of a city

Small Wireless Facilities: Are There Any Coverage Gaps In Your Regulations?

July 31, 2023  by  Oskar Rey
Category:  Telecommunications

The Federal Communications Commission's 2018 Declaratory Ruling was meant to accelerate deployment of small wireless facilities, but the ruling also restricts how local governments can regulate their installation. Here are key takeaways for agencies to avoid coverage gaps.

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Several small images suggesting environmental and pollution prevention laws against the word 2023

New Legislation Related to Climate and the Natural Environment

July 27, 2023  by  Lisa Pool
Category:  Comprehensive Planning-Growth Management ,  Climate Change ,  Environmental Policy and Management ,  New Legislation and Regulations

In 2023, state legislators passed several bills addressing environmental concerns, including new climate elements for comprehensive planning, making impact fee revenue available for new bike and pedestrian facilities, and an optional permit process for clean energy projects. 

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Close up of newspaper with headline, "Changes coming in 2023."

County-Focused Bills from the 2022-2023 Legislative Session

July 24, 2023  by  Steve Gross
Category:  Administrative and Elected Officials-County ,  Forms of Government-County ,  New Legislation and Regulations

The 2023 legislative session saw a number of bills that specifically impact counties, including amending the process to appoint members to a salary commission in noncharter counties and removing the deadline by which counties may choose to join the Voluntary Stewardship Program.

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Major Changes to Washington's Housing Laws

Major Changes to Washington's Housing Laws

July 19, 2023  by  Steve Butler
Category:  Housing ,  New Legislation and Regulations

Two of the more significant housing laws adopted this year are HB 1110, which requires certain cities to allow "middle housing" in residential zones, and HB 1337, which requires all GMA-planning cities and counties to allow accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in residential areas.

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New Elections Laws Passed in 2023

New Elections Laws Passed in 2023

July 17, 2023  by  Linda Gallagher
Category:  Court Decisions and AGO Opinions ,  Elections ,  New Legislation and Regulations

The state legislature adopted several new election laws this year regarding the candidate filing period, voter registration, records of future voters under the age of 18, and the Washington Voting Rights Act.

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New guidance icon on blackboard with close up of hands tapping on a laptop

New Public Works Guidance from MRSC

July 11, 2023  by  Steve Hawley
Category:  MRSC News and Updates ,  Purchasing and Contracting

Thanks to state funding and new partnerships, MRSC continues to build its procurement and contracting resources for local governments, including resources on making contracting more inclusive (as well as general best practices) and an updated Small Works Rosters manual.

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Close up of a hand interacting with an AI prompt on a computer screen

Use of Generative AI by Local Governments

July 10, 2023  by  Jessica Nadelman
Category:  Guest Author ,  Information Technology

Local government employees are among some of the 100 million individuals beginning to embrace generative artificial intelligence (AI) at work, but agencies should carefully consider both the legal and ethical ramifications related to use of this new technology

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