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MRSC Insight Blog


Posts for November 2016

Voters Decide on Levies, Bonds, and a City Income Tax (!)

Voters Decide on Levies, Bonds, and a City Income Tax (!)

November 30, 2016  by  Steve Hawley
Category:  Elections

In the second of this 2-part series on recent ballot results, MRSC's Steve Hawley looks at levies, bonds, and an effort to institute an income tax in the city of Olympia.

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Voters Weigh In on Charter Amendments, Fireworks, Marijuana, and More

Voters Weigh In on Charter Amendments, Fireworks, Marijuana, and More

November 29, 2016  by  Steve Hawley
Category:  Elections

In the recent general election, voters got the chance to weigh in on many important issues statewide.  This post will focus on election results for city and county charter amendments, advisory votes, and other non-financial measures.

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Inclusionary Zoning: One Approach to Create Affordable Housing

Inclusionary Zoning: One Approach to Create Affordable Housing

November 23, 2016  by  Steve Butler
Category:  Housing

One approach used by a number of cities to increase the supply of affordable housing is called "inclusionary zoning," which requires affordable units to be included within new residential development projects or requires payment for construction of affordable units elsewhere.

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PRA Restriction on Providing Lists of Individuals for Commercial Purposes – More Updates

PRA Restriction on Providing Lists of Individuals for Commercial Purposes – More Updates

November 17, 2016  by  Nancy Krier
Category:  Guest Author ,  Court Decisions and AGO Opinions ,  Public Records Act

The commercial purpose restriction in the PRA restricts agencies from providing lists of individuals for a commercial purpose. Open Government Advisor Nancy Krier discusses the April 2016 SEIU 775 case, and several developments that have happened since then, that impact the commercial purpose restriction.

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The Effect of Hirst on Non-GMA Counties and Issues Other Than Water

The Effect of Hirst on Non-GMA Counties and Issues Other Than Water

November 9, 2016  by  Neil Caulkins
Category:  Guest Author ,  Court Decisions and AGO Opinions ,  Water Resources

This is the fourth part of a five-part series discussing the state Supreme Court’s decision in Whatcom County v. Hirst. This article considers the potential impact of Hirst on counties that do not plan under the GMA and whether Hirst has application to issues other than water.

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Smarter, Safer Roads by Design

Smarter, Safer Roads by Design

November 8, 2016  by  John W. Carpita, PE
Category:  Streets and Sidewalks

This post looks at how "smart roads" of the future might impact how local and state agencies design roads and traffic management systems.

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What is a “Determination of Water Availability” Under Hirst?

What is a “Determination of Water Availability” Under Hirst?

November 3, 2016  by  Neil Caulkins
Category:  Guest Author ,  Court Decisions and AGO Opinions ,  Water Resources

This is the third post of a five-part series discussing the Washington Supreme Court’s decision in Whatcom County v. Hirst. In Hirst, the Washington Supreme Court made clear that counties have the responsibility under the Growth Management Act to make determinations of water availability for development permit approval. This post discusses what exactly is a “determination of availability” and how it is different than a “determination of adequacy” under chapter 19.27 RCW.

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