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MRSC Insight Blog


Posts for March 2024

A person speaks at a public meeting

Strategies for Managing Difficult Public Meetings

March 27, 2024  by  MRSC Insight
Category:  Legislative Body ,  Public Participation

What are some steps an agency can take before, during, and after difficult public meetings to make them less stressful and more productive for everyone?

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3 children building with wooden blocks

Reducing Barriers for Childcare Facilities, Part 2

March 25, 2024  by  Lisa Pool ,  Barbara Rosen
Category:  Guest Author ,  Development Regulations and Zoning ,  Impact Fees ,  Inclusive Communities

How can local governments support the development of more childcare facilities in their community? Well-thought-out zoning and development regulations can go a long way in helping to reduce the barriers for childcare providers.

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A childcare teacher works with 5 young children

Reducing Barriers for Childcare Facilities, Part 1

March 20, 2024  by  Lisa Pool ,  Barbara Rosen
Category:  Guest Author ,  Comprehensive Planning-Growth Management ,  Development Regulations and Zoning ,  Inclusive Communities

Lack of access to affordable childcare may lead to a parent dropping out of the workforce, while convenient, affordable care creates economic advantages for families and communities. How can local governments support the growth of diverse childcare options in their communities?

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A woman abstains from voting on a topic by holding her hand over her mouth

Abstentions, Proxies, and Other Unusual Legislative Body Voting Scenarios

March 18, 2024  by  Flannary Collins
Category:  Legislative Body

MRSC gets asked about unusual voting situations that can occur during council or commission meetings, such as tie votes or abstentions. Either Robert’s Rules of Order or the agency’s local rules of procedure can offer guidance on how the legislative body should proceed. 

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Local Water Systems Grapple with 'Forever Chemicals'

March 14, 2024  by  Leah LaCivita
Category:  Water Utilities ,  Natural Resources

Forever chemicals, or PFAS, have been detected in water systems across the state thanks to mandatory testing requirements that began in 2023. What are local agencies doing on both a short-term and long-term basis to address the problem?

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Window cleaner using a squeegee to wash a window

Sunshine Week — It’s a Marathon, Not a Sprint

March 11, 2024  by  Steve Gross
Category:  Open Public Meetings Act ,  Public Records Act

During National Sunshine Week, often the focus is on what government agencies are doing wrong when it comes to transparency. While there is always room for improvement, it’s good to recognize the work that local governments are doing right to maintain and improve transparency.

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Pickleball: Made with Love in Washington

March 6, 2024  by  Jill Dvorkin
Category:  Parks and Recreation Administration and Management

Invented on a lark in Washington in 1965, pickleball is now among the most popular national pastimes. With proper planning, local governments can ensure players have access to the game while also managing its impact on residents and other park users.

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Wooden houses and heart on a blue background

What Factors Increase the Likelihood Unhoused People Will Seek Out Shelters? Part Two

March 4, 2024  by  Alicia Bones
Category:  Housing ,  Homelessness

In the second part of this blog series, we look at how local governments across Washington State are implementing best practices to reduce barriers that prevent unhoused people from accessing shelters, from funding diverse shelter types to developing regional service plans.

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