MRSC Insight Blog

Posts for Lisa Pool

People walking, biking, driving a car, or riding on a bus

How Downtown Plans Can Create a Framework for Revitalization Efforts: Part 2

October 18, 2023 by Lisa Pool
Category: Transportation Planning , Transportation and Land Use

Downtown plans often employ a multifaceted approach, but those that include goals of expanding transportation options, addressing safety concerns, and working to bring a sense of security back to the area can spur revitalization efforts.

How Downtown Plans Can Create a Framework for Revitalization Efforts: Part 1

October 11, 2023 by Lisa Pool
Category: Comprehensive Planning-Growth Management

To create downtowns that can truly recover and thrive after a major unexpected event, cities must outline both near- and long-term steps in their downtown plans, including adaptive reuse strategies and ensuring that downtown public spaces are welcoming, safe, and exciting.

Several small images suggesting environmental and pollution prevention laws against the word 2023

New Legislation Related to Climate and the Natural Environment

July 27, 2023 by Lisa Pool
Category: Comprehensive Planning-Growth Management , Climate Change , Environmental Policy and Management , New Legislation and Regulations

In 2023, state legislators passed several bills addressing environmental concerns, including new climate elements for comprehensive planning, making impact fee revenue available for new bike and pedestrian facilities, and an optional permit process for clean energy projects.

A vendor stall at an outdoor market featuring produce, cut flowers, and potted plants

Planning for Local Food Systems: A Whatcom County Case Study, Part 2

June 1, 2023 by Lisa Pool , Ali Jensen
Category: Planning , Climate Change , Inclusive Communities , Public Participation

After extensive planning and community engagement, Whatcom County is developing a comprehensive local food system plan. See Part 2 of the series on the plan's development and lessons learned.

A close up of rows of berries at the Whatcom County Farmer's Market

Planning for Local Food Systems: A Whatcom County Case Study, Part 1

May 22, 2023 by Lisa Pool , Ali Jensen
Category: Climate Change , Development Regulations and Zoning , Rural Uses

What is a local food system plan and why would a local government want to develop one? Whatcom County is one of a few local governments statewide developing such a plan, and county staff share insight into the process.

View of a little public park with trees and greenery along Seattle's city hall exterior

For More Equitable and Livable Cities, Consider Trees

March 27, 2023 by Lisa Pool
Category: Climate Change , Forests and Trees , Inclusive Communities

As cities and other urban areas in Washington State continue to grow and change, an urban forestry management plan can provide a coordinated, long-term vision for managing the urban tree canopy to ensure the continued livability of local communities.

Complete Streets Flourishing in Washington

November 30, 2022 by Celeste Gilman , Lisa Pool
Category: Guest Author , Cycling and Walking , Climate Change

Many Washington cities, towns, and counties have implemented complete streets programs to encourage safe access for all users, regardless of mode of transit. These programs vary from place to place, each meeting the specialized needs of local communities.

Parking Reform: Part 2

October 19, 2022 by Lisa Pool
Category: Climate Change , Parking , Housing

Increasingly, many local governments are shifting away from requiring too much off-street parking, citing social, economic, and/or environmental reasons. What tools can these communities use to better manage existing parking supply and to anticipate future needs?

Parking Reform Advances Climate Action, Housing Affordability, and More: Part 1

October 12, 2022 by Lisa Pool
Category: Climate Change , Parking , Housing

While parking is an important commodity for a community, too much parking can prevent the land from being used for another purpose, encourage excess car travel, and possibly make other forms of transportation, like biking or walking, both more complicated and dangerous.

2022 Growth Management Act-Related Bills

June 30, 2022 by Lisa Pool
Category: Comprehensive Planning-Growth Management , Environmental Policy and Management , Housing , Rural Uses , New Legislation and Regulations

New legislation related to the Growth Management Act (GMA) will expand tribal participation, limit appeals for actions to increase housing supply, change periodic update timelines, provide additional options for limited areas of more intense rural development (LAMIRDs), and more.

A Primer on Safe Parking Programs for People Experiencing Homelessness

March 31, 2022 by Lisa Pool
Category: Homelessness

Safe parking programs are operated on behalf of people who use a vehicle as their residence. They give users a sense of security while also connecting them to critical human and social services.

New Resources Help Local Governments Reduce Climate Impacts, Build Resilient Communities

February 17, 2022 by Lisa Pool
Category: MRSC News and Updates , Climate Change

All across Washington State local governments are wondering how they can better prepare their communities for the negative impacts of climate change. Now, we are offering more tools and resources to push these efforts forward.

New Interactive Map, Webpage Highlight Local Climate Plans

January 14, 2022 by Lisa Pool
Category: MRSC News and Updates , Climate Change

As part of its Local Climate Response Project, MRSC is pleased to unveil a new webpage featuring an interactive map and detailed information about specialized planning efforts being taken by local governments across Washington State.

New Report Reviews the Efficacy of Impact Fee Deferral Programs

November 8, 2021 by Lisa Pool
Category: Impact Fees

JLARC recently released a report detailing the success of local government impact fee deferral programs for the construction of new development, fees that are meant to help finance construction of new public facilities.

As the Pandemic Recedes, Ghost Kitchens Are Here to Stay

October 7, 2021 by Lisa Pool
Category: Development Regulations and Zoning , Licensing and Regulation

Ghost kitchens proliferated during the pandemic once dine-in options were curtailed and restaurants sought to make up lost revenue. With consumer demand still strong, local governments should assess whether their zoning codes address this concept.