MRSC Insight Blog

Posts for MRSC News and Updates

2026 Budget Suggestions Is Here!

July 30, 2025 by Eric Lowell
Category: MRSC News and Updates , Budgets and Budgeting

Do you need estimated state shared revenue for 2026? How about information on 2025 legislation impacting local government taxes? It's all available in Budget Suggestions, the tool that's been helping Washington local governments plan their budgets since 1943.

MRSC Welcomes Legal Consultant Julie Nicoll

May 5, 2025 by Julie Nicoll
Category: MRSC News and Updates

A keen sense of direction led Julie Nicoll to MRSC as part of her professional journey, and we are excited to welcome her as the newest legal consultant.

Introducing MRSC's New Executive Director, Melanie Harding

November 6, 2024 by Melanie Harding
Category: MRSC News and Updates

MRSC is thrilled to welcome Melanie Harding, formerly Tacoma’s Interim Deputy City Manager, to the role of Executive Director. Committed to MRSC’s long legacy of serving Washington local governments, Melanie looks forward to learning more about the needs of agencies statewide.

A close up of a person reviewing financial data

Need a Crash Course in Government Finance? Our Finance Bootcamp Is What You've Been Waiting For

August 28, 2024 by Cheryl Grant
Category: MRSC News and Updates , Accounting , Budgets and Budgeting , Finance Policies , Financial Reporting

MRSC’s new Municipal Finance Bootcamp is a five-day crash course for professionals new to government finance. It covers topics like BARS, payroll, budgeting, and much more.

MRSC's 90th Anniversary Celebration: How Local Governments, Partners Helped MRSC Through Challenging Times

July 24, 2024 by Leah LaCivita
Category: MRSC News and Updates

MRSC is celebrating 90 years of providing trusted guidance to Washington local governments, but not without encountering a few bumps along the way. Thanks to the dogged support of local governments and institutional partners, we've weathered these bumps and come out stronger.

MRSC Welcomes Leonard Bauer as a Planning Consultant

July 17, 2024 by Leonard Bauer
Category: MRSC News and Updates

His college stints made him both a Cougar and a Duck at different times, but don’t let that stop you from reaching out to our newest planning consultant, Leonard Bauer, for guidance on topics ranging from the GMA to community engagement, missing middle housing, and much more.

three construction workers looking at a blueprint

Introducing MRSC’s New Small Works Roster Manual!

July 10, 2024 by Steve Hawley
Category: MRSC News and Updates , Purchasing and Contracting

Starting July 1, there are new laws for small works roster (construction) contracts under $350,000, including an option to “direct contract” under $150,000. We’ve published new guidance to explain the requirements, and public agencies will need to adopt new procedures.

MRSC's 90th Anniversary Celebration: How Technology Shaped Organizational Efficiency from the 1970s to the Present

June 18, 2024 by Alicia Bones
Category: MRSC News and Updates

MRSC is celebrating 90 years of providing trusted guidance to Washington local governments. We started as a small office taking questions through the mail and have grown into an established nonprofit with an online presence that one user called 'government Google'.

Introducing Harry Boesche, MRSC Legal Consultant

April 25, 2024 by Harry Boesche
Category: MRSC News and Updates

Meet MRSC's newest team member and legal consultant, Harry Boesche, formerly deputy/acting city attorney with the City of Auburn.

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.

A website updating on a laptop and cell phone

Website Changes Make It Easier to Explore MRSC Topics

February 26, 2024 by Steve Hawley
Category: MRSC News and Updates

Have you ever found it hard to find the right information on our website even though you know it has to be there? We've now made it easier to explore all the content, including the ability to browse new topic areas or view all topic webpages in alphabetical order.

Oskar Rey seated at computer desk in MRSC's offices

Legal Consultant Oskar Rey Moves On: “Thank You for an Amazing Learning Experience.”

February 7, 2024 by Oskar Rey
Category: MRSC News and Updates

In his final days working as a legal consultant with MRSC, Oskar Rey gives thanks to the many people that helped him gain a deeper knowledge of municipal law, through debate, research, writing, and training.

A circled calendar date with the phrase, Learn something new!

Local Governments Can Now Dig Into Free Public Works Training

October 5, 2023 by Josh Klika
Category: MRSC News and Updates , Purchasing and Contracting

MRSC has received funding to offer training and technical assistance on public works contracting and to help local governments comply with SB 5268, which modifies small works roster requirements, and HB 1050, which expands apprenticeship utilization to municipalities.

Introducing Cheryl Grant, MRSC's Newest Finance Consultant

August 30, 2023 by Cheryl Grant
Category: MRSC News and Updates

MRSC welcomes Cheryl Grant onto the team as our newest finance consultant. Cheryl is excited to be working with small cities and agencies.

New guidance icon on blackboard with close up of hands tapping on a laptop

New Public Works Guidance from MRSC

July 11, 2023 by Steve Hawley
Category: MRSC News and Updates , Purchasing and Contracting

Thanks to state funding and new partnerships, MRSC continues to build its procurement and contracting resources for local governments, including resources on making contracting more inclusive (as well as general best practices) and an updated Small Works Rosters manual.

New Materials Help Local Governments Comply with the Open Public Meetings Act

June 26, 2023 by Flannary Collins
Category: MRSC News and Updates , Open Public Meetings Act

From our comprehensive Open Public Meetings Act (OPMA) publication to new guidance sheets on meeting minutes and meeting agendas, MRSC has revamped and completely updated its OPMA materials — including webpages and downloadable materials — to help agencies stay compliant.

The word 'update' against a blurred background and tech and communication related images

MRSC, SAO Update Online Contracting Requirements Tool

June 14, 2023 by Josh Klika
Category: MRSC News and Updates , Purchasing and Contracting

MRSC, with the help of the Washington State Auditors Office, have made improvements to a popular online tool that helps local governments identify and understand their statutory legal requirements for purchasing and contracting.

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

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

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 and Sustainability

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.

Introducing Josh Klika, Procurement & Contracting Consultant

November 4, 2021 by Josh Klika
Category: MRSC News and Updates

MRSC welcomes Josh Klika, most recently with the City of Olympia, as the new Procurement and Contracting Consultant.

MoreHide

MRSC Insight Blog

Posts for MRSC News and Updates

Who We Are

Research & Guidance

Around Washington

Connect With Bidders

Subscribe

MRSC Insight Blog

Posts for MRSC News and Updates

Blog Archives

Weekly E-News