MRSC Insight Blog

Posts for Lisa Pool

A Scenic Soak: Navigating the Rise of Mobile Saunas Along Public Waterfronts

March 26, 2026 by Lisa Pool
Category: Parks and Recreation Facilities

With cold plunging trending as the newest health kick, mobile saunas have been popping up along Washington waterfronts. What do local governments need to know about waterfront regulations, health and safety requirements, and possible permitting options?

Hidden in Plain Sight: Activating Urban Alleys

January 21, 2026 by Lisa Pool
Category: Streets and Sidewalks , Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Programs , Downtown Revitalization Series

Activating alleys is a revitalization strategy that carries the possibility of strengthening local economies, enhancing safety, supporting arts and culture, and aligning with statewide planning goals. How are Washington cities transforming these underutilized spaces?

Best Foot Forward: How the State Supports Improved Pedestrian Safety

October 22, 2025 by Lisa Pool , Briana Weisgerber
Category: Guest Author , Cycling and Walking , Streets and Sidewalks , Traffic Regulation and Enforcement

Looking to make your local roads safer for people biking and walking? Washington State offers a variety of resources, including grant programs, to support projects that create safer roads, from speed management strategies to the construction of better crosswalks.

How Sustainable Landscaping Boosts Local Climate Resilience

August 13, 2025 by Lisa Pool
Category: Climate and Sustainability

Local governments can boost climate resilience by adopting sustainable landscaping strategies like using green infrastructure to manage stormwater runoff, installing drought-resistant landscaping, or planting wildfire-resistant trees, plants, and shrubs in fire-prone areas.

2025 Legislation that Advances Sustainability in Washington Communities

July 7, 2025 by Lisa Pool
Category: Comprehensive Planning-Growth Management , Cycling and Walking , Administration , Climate and Sustainability , Parking , Environmental Laws and Regulations , Streets and Sidewalks , Housing , Utilities , New Legislation and Regulations

This year's state legislative session passed bills addressing sustainability and climate action, updating the state's Clean Buildings Performance Standard, enacting extended producer responsibility, and encouraging the development of shared streets.

2025 Legislation Promotes the Development of Childcare Facilities

June 12, 2025 by Lisa Pool , Barbara Rosen , Maria Tobin
Category: Guest Author , Comprehensive Planning-Growth Management , Development Regulations and Zoning , Inclusive Communities , New Legislation and Regulations

One bill from the 2025 legislative session requires certain localities to update their local codes and make it easier for childcare facilities to be sited in a variety of zones. Another requires local governments remove minimum parking standards for these and other facilities.

Using Arts and Culture to Revitalize Downtowns

March 12, 2025 by Lisa Pool
Category: Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Programs , Downtown Revitalization Series , Special Events

Actions that boost housing or attract new businesses can help revitalize downtowns by making them more attractive, but a strong arts and cultural program can also help build a sense of community, beautify neighborhoods, and strengthen the local economy.

Updating Your Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Code? Consider Corner Stores.

November 7, 2024 by Lisa Pool
Category: Comprehensive Planning-Growth Management , Development Regulations and Zoning

The deployment of corner stores in dense communities can help a local government meet its land use goals as well as provide a neighborhood meeting place and meet the local need for daily essentials like food and conveniences.

Six Housing and Planning Bills that Help Washington Communities Confront the Housing Crisis

August 21, 2024 by Lisa Pool
Category: Parking , Housing , New Legislation and Regulations

Contains summaries of six bills related to co-living, parking standards, building conversions, middle housing, residential building and energy codes, and manufactured housing passed during the most recent short Washington State legislative session.

Corner of 4th and Dallas in downtown Camas

Main Street Program Elevates Success for Downtown Camas

May 22, 2024 by Lisa Pool , Carrie Schulstad
Category: Design , Downtown Revitalization Series

Cities and towns can benefit from the Washington State Main Street Program, which offers technical and financial assistance to participating communities looking to revitalize and grow their downtowns.

Reducing Barriers for Childcare Facilities, Part 2

March 25, 2024 by Lisa Pool , Barbara Rosen
Category: Guest Author , Development Regulations and Zoning , Impact Fees , Inclusive Communities

How can local governments support the development of more childcare facilities in their community? Well-thought-out zoning and development regulations can go a long way in helping to reduce the barriers for childcare providers.

A childcare teacher works with 5 young children

Reducing Barriers for Childcare Facilities, Part 1

March 20, 2024 by Lisa Pool , Barbara Rosen
Category: Guest Author , Comprehensive Planning-Growth Management , Development Regulations and Zoning , Inclusive Communities

Lack of access to affordable childcare may lead to a parent dropping out of the workforce, while convenient, affordable care creates economic advantages for families and communities. How can local governments support the growth of diverse childcare options in their communities?

Active senior couple running outdoors in park along lake

Is Your Community Age Friendly?

January 31, 2024 by Lisa Pool
Category: Development Types , Housing , Inclusive Communities , Transportation and Land Use

What can planners do to make their communities more welcoming for residents as they age? Research shows that investments in transportation infrastructure, compact, mixed-use land use patterns that support walkability, and diverse housing options can help people age in place.

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 Revitalization Series

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 , Downtown Revitalization Series

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 and Sustainability , Environmental Laws and Regulations , 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: Guest Author , Planning , Climate and Sustainability , 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: Guest Author , Climate and Sustainability , 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 and Sustainability , 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 and Sustainability

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.

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