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MRSC Insight Blog


Posts for March 2021

The Status of Drug Possession in Washington State

The Status of Drug Possession in Washington State

March 29, 2021  by  Flannary Collins
Category:  Courts and Criminal Justice System ,  Court Decisions and AGO Opinions

This blog provides an overview of the recent state supreme court decision in State v. Blake, which found that Washington’s strict liability drug possession statute was unconstitutional.  

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Countering Racial Bias and Harassment Related to the COVID-19 Pandemic

Countering Racial Bias and Harassment Related to the COVID-19 Pandemic

March 22, 2021  by  Byron Katsuyama
Category:  COVID-19 ,  Inclusive Communities

This blog post looks at how local governments can counter racial bias and harassment that's arisen during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

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Troublesome Behavior: Defending Against Harassment of Public Officials and Employees

Troublesome Behavior: Defending Against Harassment of Public Officials and Employees

March 18, 2021  by  Sarah Doar
Category:  Administrative and Elected Officials ,  Administrative and Elected Officials-County ,  Personnel Policies

This blog explores strategies for dealing with members of the public who cross the line into harassing elected officials or local government staff.

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American Rescue Plan Provides More Relief to Local Governments

American Rescue Plan Provides More Relief to Local Governments

March 17, 2021  by  Eric Lowell
Category:  COVID-19 ,  Federal Funding

The American Rescue Plan Act ("ARP" or "ARPA") provides significant new funds for local governments, as well as an optional expansion of FFCRA leave. While we don't yet know all the logistics, this blog post provides a preliminary overview.

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Disaster Zone: Lessons from Texas and Lebanon

Disaster Zone: Lessons from Texas and Lebanon

March 15, 2021  by  Eric Holdeman
Category:  Guest Author ,  Emergency Management

This blog looks at the 2021 winter storm in Texas and the 2020 Beirut port explosion and asks how lessons learned from each might apply to earthquake preparedness in Washington. 

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Meeting the Challenge of Washington’s New Clean Buildings Standard

Meeting the Challenge of Washington’s New Clean Buildings Standard

March 4, 2021  by  Bonnie Frye Hemphill
Category:  Guest Author ,  Climate Change ,  Design ,  Energy Resources and Conservation

This blog post will provide an overview of the New Clean Building Standard and how it applies to your publicly owned buildings. 

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New Federal Funding for Rent and Utility Assistance

New Federal Funding for Rent and Utility Assistance

March 1, 2021  by  Eric Lowell
Category:  COVID-19 ,  Federal Funding

This blog provides an overview of new funding available through the Coronavirus Response Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRRSA) to help with rent and utility assistance for any households impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

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