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MRSC Insight Blog


Posts for June 2024

A magnifying glass against financial figures and stacks of coins

2024 Legislative Session Outcomes for Procurement and Contracting

June 26, 2024  by  Josh Klika
Category:  Purchasing and Contracting ,  New Legislation and Regulations

How will 2024 legislation impact procurement and contracting in Washington? Contractors sanctioned for violating prevailing wage laws may see additional sanctions, prompt payment provisions have been strengthened, and change orders requirements have been updated.

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A person sitting in front of a computer with a bag over their head decorated with a picture of a troll

Not What You Were Expecting To Hear: More Strategies for Handling Hate Speech During Public Comment

June 25, 2024  by  Jill Dvorkin
Category:  Inclusive Communities ,  Legislative Body ,  Public Participation

What can an agency do to minimize the harm caused by a speaker whose goal may be to disrupt a public meeting? After some high-profile zoom bombing incidents, local governments are exploring strategies such as public comment rule changes and setting expectations for speakers.

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MRSC logo with 90th anniversary language

MRSC's 90th Anniversary Celebration: How Technology Shaped Organizational Efficiency from the 1970s to the Present

June 18, 2024  by  Alicia Bones
Category:  MRSC News and Updates

MRSC is celebrating 90 years of providing trusted guidance to Washington local governments. We started as a small office taking questions through the mail and have grown into an established nonprofit with an online presence that one user called 'government Google'.

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Team works together to collect data and make a wildfire plan

Is Your Community Ready for a Wildfire?

June 17, 2024  by  Guy Gifford
Category:  Guest Author ,  Climate and Sustainability ,  Emergency Management ,  Fire Protection

Which neighborhoods are most at risk for wildfire in your community? What are the priority actions your local government should take and where should these be concentrated? Developing a community wildfire protection plan can help an agency answer these questions.

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Yellow toy dump truck on dollar bills background

Can We Use REET Funds for That?

June 12, 2024  by  Cheryl Grant
Category:  Revenues

REET 1 or 2 tax revenue can be an important source of funds for local governments, but this revenue is restricted and can only be used for certain purposes. Confusion around what constitutes an eligible use has generated many questions for MRSC consultants over the years. 

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Modern, multi-unit residences on city street

The Importance of Housing to Downtown Revitalization

June 5, 2024  by  Steve Butler
Category:  Housing ,  Downtown Revitalization Series

As part of a broader strategy to revitalize its downtown, a local government can play a significant role in promoting more housing options, making downtown an inviting place to work, play, and live.

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A close up of 3 secured pistols on display

2024 Brings New Firearm Control Laws

June 3, 2024  by  Flannary Collins
Category:  New Legislation and Regulations ,  Firearms

The 2024 legislative session saw a few bills on firearms regulation, including one that adds to the list of locations where open carry is prohibited, and two that add new requirements for licensed firearms dealers in the state.

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