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MRSC Insight Blog


Posts for October 2025

Comprehensive Plans’ Housing Elements Under Increased Scrutiny

October 29, 2025  by  Steve Butler
Category:  Comprehensive Planning-Growth Management ,  Housing

Will the housing element of your comprehensive plan see increased public scrutiny? Legislative changes to the GMA have added new requirements to the housing element, bringing increased public pressure on cities, towns, and counties to faithfully meet these changes.

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Hot Topics and Recent Developments: the Open Public Meetings Act

October 27, 2025  by  Flannary Collins
Category:  Open Public Meetings Act ,  Artificial Intelligence

Staying compliant with the OPMA can be challenging, and the topic produces lots of questions. How can an agency provide notice to the public regarding a special meeting? What can elected officials talk about during closed meetings? And what does it mean to hold a serial meeting?

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Best Foot Forward: How the State Supports Improved Pedestrian Safety

October 22, 2025  by  Lisa Pool ,  Briana Weisgerber
Category:  Guest Author ,  Cycling and Walking ,  Streets and Sidewalks ,  Traffic Regulation and Enforcement

Looking to make your local roads safer for people biking and walking? Washington State offers a variety of resources, including grant programs, to support projects that create safer roads, from speed management strategies to the construction of better crosswalks. 

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The Oath of Office for Local Elected Officials

October 20, 2025  by  MRSC Insight
Category:  Newly Elected and Appointed Officials

We answer some common questions about the oath of office, such as when it can be taken, who can administer it, what wording should be used, and whether it must be administered in person. Plus, new legislation expands the time period for taking the oath early. 

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Options to Reduce Personnel Expenses During Uncertain Budget Times

October 15, 2025  by  Linda Gallagher
Category:  Budgets and Budgeting ,  Termination and Retirement

What can a public employer do to cut costs when faced with an uncertain budget? While employee salaries and benefits make up a good portion of the budget, employers can implement a number of options, some of which preserve existing staff while also resulting in cost savings.

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Five Actions to Strengthen Local Government Earthquake Preparedness

October 13, 2025  by  Alicia Bones
Category:  Emergency Management ,  Interlocal Cooperation

Many localities across the state participate in the annual Great Washington ShakeOut to enhance earthquake preparedness. Given the risks seismic activity poses to many communities statewide, what can local governments do year-round to better prepare their staff and the public?

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Soccer May Bring 750,000 to Washington Next Year. Is Your Short-Term Rental Program Ready?

October 8, 2025  by  Leonard Bauer
Category:  Tourism ,  Licensing and Regulation ,  World Cup 2026

Next summer, fans will gather in the Pacific Northwest and in Fan Zones statewide to watch their favorite team during the 2026 World CupTM.  Cities, towns, and counties can plan for (and benefit from) this tourist influx, in part, with a robust short-term rental program.

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JLARC Reports on Domestic Violence PRA Exemption; AG Proposes PRA Model Rule Amendments

October 6, 2025  by  Sarah Doar
Category:  Public Records Act

JLARC reports on the public records exemption added in 2023 to protect the identities of public employees or their dependents who are survivors of domestic violence, sexual abuse, stalking, or harassment. Plus, the AG seeks comments on proposed changes regarding timely responses.

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2025 Bill Expands Services Subject to Retail Sales Tax

October 1, 2025  by  Eric Lowell
Category:  New Legislation and Regulations ,  Sales and Use Taxes

Beginning October 1, 2025, the types of services that are subject to retail sales tax are expanding. Which new services will need to be covered and how can local governments prepare for these changes? 

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