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MRSC Insight Blog


Posts for March 2026

Essential Records: Washington’s Blueprint for Government Continuity

March 30, 2026  by  Leah LaCivita
Category:  Emergency Management ,  Public Records Act

When disaster strikes, it is important for a local government to know how to respond as well as to resume critical operations safely and efficiently. Essential records can help in disaster response as well as recovery, but they must be identified and properly protected.

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A Scenic Soak: Navigating the Rise of Mobile Saunas Along Public Waterfronts

March 26, 2026  by  Lisa Pool
Category:  Parks and Recreation Facilities

With cold plunging trending as the newest health kick, mobile saunas have been popping up along Washington waterfronts. What do local governments need to know about waterfront regulations, health and safety requirements, and possible permitting options?

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Shows a person reading a document about employee benefits

Elected Officials and Benefits Programs

March 23, 2026  by  MRSC Insight
Category:  Compensation ,  Leave Policies ,  Elected and Appointed Officials

Are elected officials considered employees? If so, are they eligible for the various benefits programs provided for in state law? This simple question requires a case-by-case examination of eligible state-based benefits programs. 

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Inclusionary Zoning: One Tool for Creating Affordable Housing

March 19, 2026  by  Steve Butler
Category:  Development Regulations and Zoning ,  Housing

Since local governments are not in the business of building housing, how can they address the affordable housing problem? One regulatory tool is inclusionary zoning, which encourages developers to add affordable units in new residential development projects in specified areas.

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The De Facto Officer Doctrine: Protecting Local Governments and the Public

March 16, 2026  by  Linda Gallagher
Category:  Court Decisions and AGO Opinions ,  Elected and Appointed Officials

What happens if an elected official made a procedural error in assuming office? How does this impact the actions they have taken or decisions they have participated in? Fortunately, the de facto officer doctrine provides some protection for local governments and the public.

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Private Covenants and Local Zoning: Dual or Dueling Land Use Regulations?

March 11, 2026  by  Leonard Bauer
Category:  Court Decisions and AGO Opinions ,  Housing ,  Land Use Administration ,  Subdivisions and Planned Developments

Private land use restrictions can pose challenges for local governments when they conflict with local zoning, hinder affordable housing efforts, or reflect discriminatory practices. However, private covenants should not deter local governments from permitting development.

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Public Defense Standards Are Changing: Selecting and Contracting for Public Defense Services

March 9, 2026  by  Drew T. Pollom
Category:  Guest Author ,  Courts and Criminal Justice System

In 2024, the State Bar Association adopted revised standards related to public defense services. A 2025 Supreme Court interim order also addressed these standards. Since the standards now differ, how should a local government contract for public defense services?

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Procurement Pointers: Creating a Policy That Leads to the Best Ending

March 3, 2026  by  Josh Klika
Category:  Purchasing and Contracting

How can local agencies build effective procurement policies? What rules apply to each contract type? When can bidding be waived? Good policy helps staff navigate the procurement adventure with clarity.

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Got Clean Energy Projects? Free Program Helps Local Agencies Recoup Some Program Costs

March 2, 2026  by  Jill Dvorkin ,  Leah LaCivita
Category:  Climate and Sustainability ,  Environmental Laws and Regulations

Supported with funding from the state Climate Commitment Act, the Washington CETCAP program has helped more than 200 organizations, including King County and the Snohomish PUD install clean energy projects, unlocking hundreds of thousands of dollars in federal incentives.

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