skip navigation
MRSC logo

Have a Research Question?

Ask MRSC

Have a Research Question?

Ask MRSC
Share this:


MRSC Insight Blog


Posts for March 2023

Stack of wooden blocks with green images of net-zero and other climate actions

Implementation Strategies for Climate Action and Sustainability Plans, Part 1

March 29, 2023  by  Jill Dvorkin
Category:  Climate Change

Local governments have been using various strategies to help implement their climate action and sustainability plans, including working with community partners, tracking progress on climate-related goals, and engaging residents through educational programs and incentives.

Read more

View of a little public park with trees and greenery along Seattle's city hall exterior

For More Equitable and Livable Cities, Consider Trees

March 27, 2023  by  Lisa Pool
Category:  Climate Change ,  Forests and Trees ,  Inclusive Communities

As cities and other urban areas in Washington State continue to grow and change, an urban forestry management plan can provide a coordinated, long-term vision for managing the urban tree canopy to ensure the continued livability of local communities.

Read more

Impact Fees — Local Government Do’s and Don’ts

Impact Fees — Local Government Do’s and Don’ts

March 22, 2023  by  Steve Butler
Category:  Impact Fees

Impact fees can be used by a local government to help pay for infrastructure costs caused by new development, but there are both complexities and legal requirements an agency should consider before establishing an impact fees program. 

Read more

Hands are protecting a logo

Protecting Your Local Brand: Federal, State, and Local Strategies

March 20, 2023  by  Michael Incorvaia
Category:  Guest Author ,  Strategies and Programs ,  Tourism

Local governments wishing to trademark a logo or seal may find an uphill battle in getting federal protection, but other options exist for protecting local brands.

Read more

An EMS personnel helping an older resident with medication in a home-based setting

Fire Departments Expand Services to Reach 911 Frequent Callers

March 15, 2023  by  Leah LaCivita
Category:  Emergency Medical Services

With a goal of reducing non-emergency calls to 911 and limiting costly, unnecessary trips to the emergency room, several fire departments in Washington State have begun mobile health programs that provide coordinated follow-up care to patients after a 911 response has occurred. 

Read more

Several emergency vehicles are parked on a neighborhood street

A Duty to All is a Duty to No One: Understanding the Public Duty Doctrine

March 13, 2023  by  Oskar Rey
Category:  Court Decisions and AGO Opinions

In Norg v. City of Seattle, the Washington Supreme Court issued a decision that has a major impact on the public duty doctrine, and by extension, government tort liability.

Read more

A magician working magic with a hat and wand

Can an Expired Contract Come Back to Life?

March 8, 2023  by  Josh Klika
Category:  Purchasing and Contracting

When a contract expires, is it a good idea to create an amendment that will bring the contract back to life? A look at the pros and cons.

Read more

A close up of a person working on a laptop to retrieve files while sitting in a sunbeam

It’s Sunshine Week Somewhere

March 6, 2023  by  Flannary Collins
Category:  Open Public Meetings Act ,  Public Records Act

Even during the gloomy winter months, we can all applaud Sunshine Week, which celebrates open government. 

Read more

A diverse group of politicians sitting at a dais and speaking to the press

Municipal Elections – Running for Office

March 1, 2023  by  Linda Gallagher
Category:  Elections

Many local elections will take place this year, including half of councilmember positions in towns and cities, appointed mayors, and many board positions with special purpose districts. Fortunately, there are a number of resources available for new and returning candidates.

Read more