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MRSC Insight Blog


Posts for September 2021

Use Of Public Facilities for Campaign Elections - 2021 General Election Edition

Use Of Public Facilities for Campaign Elections - 2021 General Election Edition

Local governments have many questions involving how, when, and in what context public facilities can be used during campaign season. This blog covers some common questions, from political buttons and signs to what (exactly) counts as a public facility. 

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Shake It Up: Local Governments and Earthquake Preparedness

Shake It Up: Local Governments and Earthquake Preparedness

We live in an earthquake-prone state. What can local governments do to better prepare their agency's response, as well as public resilience, for such an emergency? 

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An Update on the Long-Term Care Trust Act

An Update on the Long-Term Care Trust Act

As of January 2022, employees will begin paying into the state's long-term care insurance benefit, but local governments still have a lot of questions, such as how to handle premiums and program eligibility.

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Tax Increment Financing Now Available to Some Washington Local Governments

Tax Increment Financing Now Available to Some Washington Local Governments

In an effort to help local governments spur economic development in stagnant communities, the legislature passed HB 1189 early this year, which authorizes the use of tax increment financing for cities, towns, counties, and port districts.

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City of Seattle v. Long: Vehicle Homestead Rights and Excessive Fines

City of Seattle v. Long: Vehicle Homestead Rights and Excessive Fines

Seattle v. Long challenged long-held practices regarding parking enforcement. The Washington Supreme Court finally issued its ruling on the case, expanding the circumstances under which fines may be challenged as excessive and clarifying how homestead rights apply to vehicles. 

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2021 Climate-Related Legislative Outcomes

2021 Climate-Related Legislative Outcomes

As Washington State looks to become carbon neutral by 2050, the 2021 legislative session produced several bills that will facilitate the state's efforts. 

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Utility Late Fee/Shutoff Moratorium Expires September 30: Now What?

Utility Late Fee/Shutoff Moratorium Expires September 30: Now What?

With the expiration of Governor Inslee's moratorium on utility shutoff drawing near, local governments are wondering what comes next. 
 

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An Emerging Issue: Robot Delivery Devices May Be Coming to a Neighborhood Near You

An Emerging Issue: Robot Delivery Devices May Be Coming to a Neighborhood Near You

Coming soon: delivery by robot! While the state offers some guidance on safety requirements and where these devices can operate, local governments will need to consider creating their own regulations, including where device storage units can be located.

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