skip navigation
MRSC logo

Have a Research Question?

Ask MRSC

Have a Research Question?

Ask MRSC

MRSC Insight Blog


Posts for November 2024

Changes to Sales and Use Tax for Public Facilities in Rural Counties

November 20, 2024  by  Cheryl Grant
Category:  Parks and Recreation Facilities ,  Sales and Use Taxes

Since its inception in 1997, revenue from the Rural Counties Public Facilities Sales Tax has primarily been used for economic development purposes, but there have been a few recent legislative changes clarifying how the funds can be used.

Read more

People practice kung fu in small Seattle park

Shared Spaces – Tips to Balance Use of Public Facilities

November 18, 2024  by  Steve Gross
Category:  Parks and Recreation Facilities ,  Inclusive Communities

Public facilities are, by their nature, open to the public. But agencies should consider some ground rules to make sure anyone using those facilities treats other users with courtesy. Here are some things to consider.

Read more

Leases: A Critical Tool for Clean Buildings Act Compliance

November 13, 2024  by  Nicole DeNamur ,  Erik Jennings
Category:  Guest Author ,  Climate and Sustainability ,  Design

The 2019 Clean Buildings Act creates performance standards for energy and water use in buildings. Building owners, including public agencies, can leverage lease agreements to support compliance with the law, reduce risk, and delineate landlord/tenant responsibilities.

Read more

Updating Your Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Code? Consider Corner Stores.

November 7, 2024  by  Lisa Pool
Category:  Comprehensive Planning-Growth Management ,  Development Regulations and Zoning

The deployment of corner stores in dense communities can help a local government meet its land use goals as well as provide a neighborhood meeting place and meet the local need for daily essentials like food and conveniences. 

Read more

Introducing MRSC's New Executive Director, Melanie Harding

November 6, 2024  by  Melanie Harding
Category:  MRSC News and Updates

MRSC is thrilled to welcome Melanie Harding, formerly Tacoma’s Interim Deputy City Manager, to the role of Executive Director. Committed to MRSC’s long legacy of serving Washington local governments, Melanie looks forward to learning more about the needs of agencies statewide.

Read more

Graph showing a steady increase in money

Increases to Minimum Wage and Exempt Employee Salary Thresholds Will Be Here Soon

November 4, 2024  by  Flannary Collins
Category:  Compensation ,  Minimum Wage

Proper classification of employees and proper payment of overtime wages is an essential piece of the personnel puzzle. In 2025 the state’s minimum wage and exempt employee salary thresholds will increase and public employers should be prepared to account for such changes.

Read more