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MRSC Insight Blog


Posts for March 2025

Election Season Tips and Reminders

March 31, 2025  by  MRSC Insight
Category:  Elections and Voting

During any election season, there are a variety of common areas that can trip up candidates, elected officials, and local government agencies and their staff — so let's review some potential problems before they happen.

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Text saying "MRSC funding threatened" over a black abstract background

House Operating Budget Would Cut MRSC Funding Effective July 1

March 27, 2025  by  Melanie Harding
Category:  MRSC News and Updates

MRSC relies primarily on state funding to provide support to local governments across Washington State. While the Senate budget proposal would maintain our current funding levels, the House budget released this week threatens to significantly reduce MRSC's funding.

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Building Trust and Transparency in Local Government Through Citizen Academies

March 24, 2025  by  Leah LaCivita
Category:  Public Participation

Local governments interested in increasing transparency and building trust with the community may want to consider developing a community academy. Such programs can show participants how local decisions are made, where public funds are spent, and how they can get more involved. 

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Washington Supreme Court Clarifies Agency Obligations Regarding Constitutional PRA Exemptions

March 20, 2025  by  Sarah Doar
Category:  Court Decisions and AGO Opinions ,  Public Records Act

An appeals court decision originally indicated that a public agency has an obligation to assert and defend a third-party’s constitutional rights that may exist outside of the PRA. A recent state supreme court decision reversed this stance and clarified the burdens of proof.

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Navigating Intents and Affidavits for Prevailing Wages

March 17, 2025  by  Josh Klika
Category:  Purchasing and Contracting

What does it mean to be an "awarding agency," and how does this agency confirm that the statutorily required prevailing wage filing requirements are met on public works and applicable maintenance contracts?

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Using Arts and Culture to Revitalize Downtowns

March 12, 2025  by  Lisa Pool
Category:  Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Programs ,  Downtown Revitalization Series ,  Special Events

Actions that boost housing or attract new businesses can help revitalize downtowns by making them more attractive, but a strong arts and cultural program can also help build a sense of community, beautify neighborhoods, and strengthen the local economy.

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Running for Local Office? Filing Week Begins May 5

March 10, 2025  by  Linda Gallagher
Category:  Running for Office

In a change from past years, the filing period for anyone wishing to run for local elected office in Washington State is May 5-9. Though this is not the only change impacting local elections, it is one of the more significant. 

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The Connection Between Downtown Safety and Revitalization

March 5, 2025  by  Abby Newbold
Category:  Guest Author ,  Public Safety and Welfare ,  Design ,  Downtown Revitalization Series

Downtown revitalization often depends on public perceptions of safety in the downtown core. Localities can boost public safety through a variety of approaches, from local beautification projects to developing business improvement areas. 

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Holding Two Public Offices: The Doctrine of Incompatible Offices

March 3, 2025  by  MRSC Insight
Category:  Incompatible Offices

Can a person hold two public positions simultaneously, such as mayor and county commissioner? The answer requires a two-part analysis: first, to determine whether both positions are public offices, and if so, a second analysis to determine whether they are incompatible.

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