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MRSC Insight Blog


Posts for October 2026

Regulating Vehicles Used as Residences: What Can Local Governments Do?

October 26, 2026  by  Harry Boesche
Category:  Homelessness ,  Automobile Nuisances

Can local governments regulate and remove vehicles used as residences? The answer is "yes," but where a vehicle is parked as well as legal protections can complicate this enforcement.

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What Local Governments Need to Know About Washington’s Recycling Reform Act

October 21, 2026  by  Julie Nicoll
Category:  Climate and Sustainability ,  Environmental Laws and Regulations ,  Utilities

Big changes are coming to recycling in Washington. What should local governments know about the Recycling Reform Act and its reporting requirements?

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How Local Governments Are Responding to Algorithmic Pricing

October 19, 2026  by  Alicia Bones
Category:  Information Technology

Different prices on the same item for different customers? With the rise of algorithmic pricing, retailers are finding ways to tailor prices based on a buyer's past purchases, browsing history, and other data. Local governments are responding, in some cases banning the practice. 

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Beyond Day One: Building a Better Onboarding Experience

October 14, 2026  by  Chad Coltman
Category:  Guest Author ,  Operating Policies ,  Personnel Policies ,  Recruitment and Hiring

Onboarding need not be complicated, but it should be intentional and consistent. Whether your agency uses sophisticated HR software or a simple checklist, the important thing is having an onboarding plan that covers more than just an employee’s first day.

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Expectations of Confidentiality and OPMA Executive Sessions

October 12, 2026  by  MRSC Insight
Category:  Open Public Meetings Act

How confidential is information discussed during an executive session, and what are the expectations that those involved in the discussion should keep this information private?

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Creating a User-Friendly Zoning Code

October 7, 2026  by  Steve Butler
Category:  Development Regulations and Zoning

When updating a local zoning code, agencies should also consider changes to make this critical tool user-friendly. A well-organized code that flows logically from section to section and offers tools to help users navigate more easily to a specific section is a good start.

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Elections Safeguards: Protected Zones at Ballot Drop Boxes and Voting Centers

October 6, 2026  by  Linda Gallagher
Category:  Elections and Voting

One way state law provides for secure elections is by prohibiting certain activities within buffer zones around ballot collection sites. Local governments may ensure these zones remain accessible to voters but cannot alter their statutorily defined dimensions

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