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MRSC Insight Blog


Posts for September 2025

Written on the Subway Walls: Is Graffiti Free Speech or Property Damage?

September 29, 2025  by  Harry Boesche
Category:  Nuisance Abatement and Enforcement ,  Property Nuisances

Should graffiti written on a public sidewalk be considered free speech or property damage? While courts at all levels have wrestled with this question, most rulings preserve broad First Amendment protections for free speech in traditional public forums.

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Eliminating Email Overwhelm: Practical Strategies for Real People

September 24, 2025  by  Kristina Cerise
Category:  Guest Author ,  Technology Use Policies

We all deal with too much email: from mailing lists we have subscribed to as well as those we have not. What are some quick and easy ways to handle email volume while also making sure we are responding to those critical items? 

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Understanding the Consent Agenda in Local Government Meetings

September 22, 2025  by  MRSC Insight
Category:  Legislative Body

Governing bodies often have to approve routine administrative or procedural items that normally require little to no discussion. Such items can be covered in a consent agenda, a tool that can streamline regular meetings of the governing body while also preserving transparency. 

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Simplicity and Streamlining: Using Small Works, Vendor, and Consultant Rosters

September 17, 2025  by  Josh Klika
Category:  Purchasing and Contracting

Which rosters should an agency use to contract for engineering services? Which should be used to purchase materials? The complicated world of government contracting is slightly less confusing when an agency knows which roster works best and what it must do to use it. 

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Ready for Kick Off? Washington Prepares to Welcome the Beautiful Game in 2026

September 15, 2025  by  Flannary Collins
Category:  Parks and Recreation Facilities ,  Streets and Sidewalks ,  World Cup 2026

With an estimated six billion viewers worldwide, the FIFA World Cup 2026TM is coming to the U.S., with Seattle hosting six games next summer. How can cities take advantage of the recently passed HB 1515 to build lively gathering spaces for soccer fans across the state?

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Recapping the August 2025 Local Ballot Measures

September 10, 2025  by  Steve Hawley
Category:  Emergency Medical Services ,  Fire Protection ,  Parks and Recreation Districts ,  Transportation Finance ,  Law Enforcement ,  Ballot Measures ,  Property Taxes ,  Natural Resources

Library levies, fire district measures, and sales taxes for law enforcement or 911 programs fared well; other local ballot measure results were mixed.

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2025 Personnel Legislation Round-Up

September 8, 2025  by  Jill Dvorkin
Category:  Civil Service ,  Leave Policies ,  Personnel Policies ,  Recruitment and Hiring ,  New Legislation and Regulations ,  Special Districts

The 2025 legislative session resulted in a number of bills that impact hiring/personnel issues, including amendments to the state's Equal Pay and Opportunities Act,  the Fair Chance Act, and expanded protections for pregnant and post-partum women.

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Building Your Bench: Succession Planning the Lake Stevens Way

September 3, 2025  by  Anya Warrington
Category:  Guest Author ,  Administration and Management

The City of Lake Stevens has been using an innovative approach to retain and support staff as part of long-term, holistic succession planning program, including offering employees short-term opportunities in leadership roles and launching a bootcamp for future leaders. 

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Why Cities and Towns Should Consider Developing Rental Housing Registries

September 2, 2025  by  Alicia Bones
Category:  Housing

Cities and towns looking to regularly monitor local housing stock should consider developing a rental registry. Such a tool can aid an agency in planning and resource allocation, while also ensuring safe and well-maintained housing options are available for the community. 

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