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MRSC Insight Blog


Posts for October 2023

Tree on stack of silver coins and hand filling glass jar with coins

Implementation Strategies for Climate Action and Sustainability Plans, Part 2

October 31, 2023  by  Michael Incorvaia
Category:  Guest Author ,  Climate and Sustainability

The Inflation Reduction Act (2022) funds infrastructure projects focused on clean energy and climate resilience through tax credits. With a total of $47 billion available to local governments, even the smaller funding programs established through the Act are significant.

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Navigating the Shifting Landscape of Social Media

October 23, 2023  by  Nathan MacDonald
Category:  Guest Author ,  Social Media

Despite the many challenges local governments face in using social media platforms, these tools offer huge benefits in terms of immediacy and reach. Agencies can put safeguards in place to stay focused even when the social media landscape seems to be in turmoil. 

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People walking, biking, driving a car, or riding on a bus

How Downtown Plans Can Create a Framework for Revitalization Efforts: Part 2

October 18, 2023  by  Lisa Pool
Category:  Transportation Planning ,  Transportation and Land Use ,  Downtown Revitalization Series

Downtown plans often employ a multifaceted approach, but those that include goals of expanding transportation options, addressing safety concerns, and working to bring a sense of security back to the area can spur revitalization efforts. 

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A form for purchasing a gun

2023 Brings New Firearms Legislation to Washington State

October 16, 2023  by  Flannary Collins
Category:  New Legislation and Regulations ,  Firearms

Several firearms-related bills were passed during the 2023 legislative session, including a ban on assault weapons, and new requirements for firearms purchase, such as background checks and a 10-day waiting period. 

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Model of a downtown development

How Downtown Plans Can Create a Framework for Revitalization Efforts: Part 1

October 11, 2023  by  Lisa Pool
Category:  Comprehensive Planning-Growth Management ,  Downtown Revitalization Series

To create downtowns that can truly recover and thrive after a major unexpected event, cities must outline both near- and long-term steps in their downtown plans, including adaptive reuse strategies and ensuring that downtown public spaces are welcoming, safe, and exciting.

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Two people with opposing views

Managing Conflict at Work with Strategies that Actually Work

October 9, 2023  by  Amy Leneker
Category:  Guest Author ,  Administration and Management

By putting certain strategies into place, organizations and teams can set themselves up for healthy conflict that results in better outputs and greater inclusion and satisfaction among employees. 

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A circled calendar date with the phrase, Learn something new!

Local Governments Can Now Dig Into Free Public Works Training

October 5, 2023  by  Josh Klika
Category:  MRSC News and Updates ,  Purchasing and Contracting

MRSC has received funding to offer training and technical assistance on public works contracting and to help local governments comply with SB 5268, which modifies small works roster requirements, and HB 1050, which expands apprenticeship utilization to municipalities.

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An open laptop with an image of a lock hovering above the keyboard

2023 Public Records Legislative Changes — School and Election Records

October 2, 2023  by  Sarah Doar
Category:  Public Records Act ,  New Legislation and Regulations

County election officials and school districts will be pleased to learn about new public records changes: one exempts voted ballots and another exempts the personal information of students in any records pertaining to the student.

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