skip navigation
MRSC logo

Have a Research Question?

Ask MRSC

Have a Research Question?

Ask MRSC
About Our Blog Our Authors

MRSC Insight Blog


Posts for MRSC Insight

Opening Your Meeting: Prayers, Pledges, and Land Acknowledgements

May 4, 2026  by  MRSC Insight
Category:  Legislative Body

Whether to begin a public meeting with an invocation, land acknowledgment, or the Pledge of Allegiance is a matter of local policy. Agencies should also follow best practices to integrate the action into meeting procedures and ensure that participation is voluntary.

Read more

Shows a person reading a document about employee benefits

Elected Officials and Benefits Programs

March 23, 2026  by  MRSC Insight
Category:  Compensation ,  Leave Policies ,  Elected and Appointed Officials

Are elected officials considered employees? If so, are they eligible for the various benefits programs provided for in state law? This simple question requires a case-by-case examination of eligible state-based benefits programs. 

Read more

Balance of Power Struggles in City Government

February 4, 2026  by  MRSC Insight
Category:  City and Town Officials

Hiring and firing staff, contracting authority, meeting management: these are a few areas where struggles between executive and legislative branches of city government commonly arise. How should a local government handle these?

Read more

Taking a Break: A Primer on Legal and Other Holidays

January 26, 2026  by  MRSC Insight
Category:  Leave Policies

How do holidays impact local government? Which holidays must an agency observe? Will offices be closed? Will it include paid time off for staff? To answer these questions, a public agency should make its holiday schedule and policies around holidays readily available.

Read more

How Can Local Governments Celebrate the Holidays?

November 10, 2025  by  MRSC Insight
Category:  Governance ,  Gift of Public Funds ,  Special Events

Celebrating the winter holidays can be fun, but local governments, their staff, and elected officials should think carefully before pulling out decorations, planning parties, or accepting gifts. 

Read more

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. 

Read more

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. 

Read more

Beyond Salaries: Alternatives for Engaging Local Government Workers

August 20, 2025  by  MRSC Insight
Category:  Compensation ,  Personnel Policies

Across sectors in the United States, employee engagement remains low. This blog explores non-monetary strategies for local governments to boost workforce motivation, productivity, and commitment.

Read more

Eating on the Go: Regulating Food Trucks

August 4, 2025  by  MRSC Insight
Category:  Licensing and Regulation

Food trucks have gained in popularity over the years: What options do local jurisdictions have in determining how, where, when, and under what conditions food trucks can be operated within their communities?

Read more

For Local Fireworks Regulations, Timing is Everything

April 28, 2025  by  MRSC Insight
Category:  Licensing and Regulation

While state law governs the regulation of fireworks, it also leaves some room for local jurisdictions to enact more restrictive local regulations regarding fireworks use or sales, although more restrictive local laws may not take effect for at least one year after adoption.

Read more

Election Season Tips and Reminders

March 31, 2025  by  MRSC Insight
Category:  Elections and Voting

During any election season, there are a variety of common areas that can trip up candidates, elected officials, and local government agencies and their staff — so let's review some potential problems before they happen.

Read more

Holding Two Public Offices: The Doctrine of Incompatible Offices

March 3, 2025  by  MRSC Insight
Category:  Incompatible Offices

Can a person hold two public positions simultaneously, such as mayor and county commissioner? The answer requires a two-part analysis: first, to determine whether both positions are public offices, and if so, a second analysis to determine whether they are incompatible.

Read more

The Right to Assemble: Responding to Protests, Spontaneous Gatherings, and Counterdemonstrations

January 6, 2025  by  MRSC Insight
Category:  Legislative Body ,  Public Participation

Under the First Amendment, an individual has the right to peaceably assemble and free expression, and some exercise these rights in outdoor public places and gatherings. How can local governments both protect the public's First Amendment rights as well as ensure public safety?

Read more

Feedback Needed on Proposed Changes to the Public Records Act Model Rules

December 4, 2024  by  MRSC Insight
Category:  Public Records Act

Washington news media have suggested proposed amendments to the model rules on public disclosure, rules that help local and state agencies meet their obligations under the Public Records Act. The state is seeking feedback on these proposed changes by January 8, 2025.

Read more

A group of elected officials assume their seats at the dais

Managing Unexpected Post-Elections Issues

October 21, 2024  by  MRSC Insight
Category:  Elections and Voting

From ties to contested results, unusual and unexpected situations can arise during the election process. Fortunately, state law offers solutions for such situations.

Read more

car siren

Waiving Competitive Bidding Requirements in the Event of an Emergency

September 30, 2024  by  MRSC Insight
Category:  Purchasing and Contracting ,  Emergency Management

An emergency can allow an agency to quickly make emergency expenditures, bypassing normal, sometimes time-consuming procedural requirements related to budgeting and contracting, but local government should understand when this is appropriate and what steps to take.

Read more

Melanie Harding

Announcing MRSC’s Next Executive Director, Melanie Harding

September 24, 2024  by  MRSC Insight
Category:  MRSC News and Updates

Melanie is currently serving on an interim basis as Deputy City Manager for the City of Tacoma. She will start at MRSC on October 21 and work closely with our retiring executive director, Tracy Burrows, during a two-week transition period. Welcome aboard, Melanie!

Read more

A person putting a ballot into a ballot box

Managing Election-Related Issues

August 14, 2024  by  MRSC Insight
Category:  Elections and Voting

Challenges can arise for a local government during an election season, including those involving candidates, keeping election workers safe, keeping ballot boxes accessible and secure, and regulating temporary signage. 

Read more

MRSC Executive Director Tracy Burrows Is Retiring Oct. 31

April 15, 2024  by  MRSC Insight
Category:  MRSC News and Updates

MRSC’s board of directors extends its deepest gratitude to Tracy for her 13 years of outstanding leadership and dedicated service to MRSC. The board has initiated the search for a new executive director to build upon her legacy and ensure a seamless and successful transition.

Read more

A person speaks at a public meeting

Strategies for Managing Difficult Public Meetings

March 27, 2024  by  MRSC Insight
Category:  Legislative Body ,  Public Participation

What are some steps an agency can take before, during, and after difficult public meetings to make them less stressful and more productive for everyone?

Read more

LOAD MORE