skip navigation
MRSC logo

Have a Research Question?

Ask MRSC

Have a Research Question?

Ask MRSC

MRSC Insight Blog


Posts for May 2024

An older man holds a sign in protest of plans for a new stadium

Dealing with Housing Displacement in Your Comprehensive Plan

May 29, 2024  by  Carson Bridges ,  Steve Butler
Category:  Guest Author ,  Comprehensive Planning-Growth Management ,  Housing

Housing displacement brought about by gentrification can severely disrupt existing neighborhoods. Thanks to legislation in 2021, any GMA-planning local government updating a comprehensive plan must also address and include anti-displacement strategies to protect residents.

Read more

Election ballot, pin, and button

New Elections Laws Passed in 2024

May 28, 2024  by  Linda Gallagher
Category:  New Legislation and Regulations ,  Elections and Voting

In 2024 the legislature passed new bills related to elections integrity, including some that address election worker safety, improve the ballot review and voter verification process, and ease the ability for a voter to move their official address from one county to another.

Read more

Corner of 4th and Dallas in downtown Camas

Main Street Program Elevates Success for Downtown Camas

May 22, 2024  by  Lisa Pool ,  Carrie Schulstad
Category:  Design ,  Downtown Revitalization Series

Cities and towns can benefit from the Washington State Main Street Program, which offers technical and financial assistance to participating communities looking to revitalize and grow their downtowns. 

Read more

A candidate forum with three candidates and a moderator in front of an audience

Supporting/Opposing Ballot Measures and Candidates

May 20, 2024  by  Steve Gross
Category:  Ballot Measures ,  Running for Office

Election season raises many questions for local government staff and elected officials, especially when it comes to ballot measures and candidates running for office. What are the rules for supporting or opposing an issue or a candidate, and how do these apply?  

Read more

A woman sits on a bench in the hot sun

Adapting to Extreme Heat: Can Cities Prepare for a Hotter Future?

May 15, 2024  by  Leah LaCivita
Category:  Climate and Sustainability

Global temperatures are projected to warm by 2.7 degrees Fahrenheit by 2050, raising the risk for heat-related illness and death to occur. Some cities and counties are making plans to keep communities safe and taking action to mitigate heat-related impacts.

Read more

Hand holding stopwatch against a background of shelves filled with files

Starting the Clock: Washington’s Supreme Court Gives New Guidance on Closing Records Requests

May 13, 2024  by  Sarah Doar
Category:  Court Decisions and AGO Opinions ,  Public Records Act

A new state supreme court decision provides the clearest guidance yet on how a public agency should inform members of the public that a public records request is considered closed by the agency.

Read more

A gavel sitting on top of a stack of legal documents

Public Defense Standards Are Changing: What Counties and Cities Need to Know

May 6, 2024  by  Oskar Rey ,  Drew T. Pollom
Category:  Guest Author ,  Courts and Criminal Justice System

The Washington State Bar Association recently adopted revised standards that provide case load limits and other requirements related to public defense services. What are these new standards and what do local agencies need to know to be prepared for the change?

Read more