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MRSC Insight Blog


Posts for November 2022

Complete Streets Flourishing in Washington

Complete Streets Flourishing in Washington

November 30, 2022  by  Celeste Gilman ,  Lisa Pool
Category:  Guest Author ,  Cycling and Walking ,  Climate Change

Many Washington cities, towns, and counties have implemented complete streets programs to encourage safe access for all users, regardless of mode of transit. These programs vary from place to place, each meeting the specialized needs of local communities. 

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New Law Requires Compost Procurement Ordinances by January 1

New Law Requires Compost Procurement Ordinances by January 1

November 29, 2022  by  Linda Gallagher
Category:  Climate Change ,  Purchasing and Contracting

A new state law covering organic materials management requires compost procurement ordinances for certain cities, towns, and counties by January 1, 2023. These ordinances must set forth how compost will be procured, purchased, and incorporated into applicable projects.

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Infill Housing Approaches: Targeting the Missing Middle and Accessory Dwellings

Infill Housing Approaches: Targeting the Missing Middle and Accessory Dwellings

November 16, 2022  by  Steve Butler
Category:  Housing

As cities and counties look to expand housing supply in their communities, many are considering infill development, or developing vacant or under-utilized parcels within existing, developed areas. Missing middle housing and accessory dwelling units are two options to consider.

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Data as Records: PRA Disclosure of Database Information

Data as Records: PRA Disclosure of Database Information

November 13, 2022  by  Sarah Doar
Category:  Public Records Act

Fulfilling a public records request that seeks information contained in a database can be challenging. Local government staff must understand they have an obligation to produce data within a database but must come up with a practical method to do so. 

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How Can Local Governments Celebrate the Holidays?

How Can Local Governments Celebrate the Holidays?

November 8, 2022  by  MRSC Insight
Category:  Governance ,  Gift of Public Funds

Celebrating the winter holidays can be fun, but local governments and their staff and elected officials must think carefully before pulling out decorations, planning parties, or accepting gifts. 

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Care and Feeding of Your Library Collection Policy

Care and Feeding of Your Library Collection Policy

November 7, 2022  by  Steve Gross ,  Tamara R. Meredith
Category:  Guest Author ,  Management

All libraries, whether they are independent districts or part of a city or town, should have both a sound collection management policy and an understanding of how to implement that policy in a way that furthers the library’s mission while reducing legal risks.

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Governor Inslee Ends the COVID-19 Emergency

Governor Inslee Ends the COVID-19 Emergency

November 2, 2022  by  Flannary Collins
Category:  COVID-19

The governor officially terminated all remaining proclamations effective at 11:59 PM on October 31. The new documents confirm what we wrote previously, but this article provides a few small clarifications regarding vaccination requirements, face masks, and reporting/notification.

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