MRSC Insight Blog

Significant Changes Coming to Levy Lid Lifts in 2026

April 15, 2026 by Steve Hawley
Category: New Legislation and Regulations , Property Taxes

The 101% levy lid restricts local property taxes, but taxing districts can increase property tax revenues through voter-approved levy lid lifts. Starting July 1, HB 2442—the “fiscal flexibility” bill—makes important changes to both single-year and multi-year levy lid lifts.

Point of Order and Appeal Are the Heart of Democracy

April 13, 2026 by Ann G. Macfarlane
Category: Guest Author , Legislative Body

What are the motions of Point of Order and Appeal in Robert’s Rules of Order, and how (or why) would a member of a council, commission, or board use these motions during a meeting of the governing body?

Employment Law Q&A: What Local Government Employers Need to Know

April 8, 2026 by Flannary Collins
Category: Administration and Management , Compensation , Leave Policies , Recruitment and Hiring , Termination and Retirement

What must Washington local governments know at each stage of employment? What are the rules for job postings, comp time, benefits, leave, discipline, Loudermill rights, etc. when hiring, managing, and separating employees?

No More Pennies for Your Thoughts

April 6, 2026 by Eric Lowell
Category: Accounting , New Legislation and Regulations

After the U.S. Department of the Treasury stopped printing pennies in November 2025, many had questions about how this would impact cash transactions. New guidance and recent state-based legislation addresses how cash transactions can be properly rounded up or down.

What Employee Recognition Programs Need to Succeed in Local Government

March 31, 2026 by Alicia Bones
Category: Administration and Management , Compensation

Employee recognition programs don't need to be large or elaborate to be successful. Cities and counties across the state have looked at agency needs, culture, and goals to develop programs that make employees feel their work is appreciated.

Essential Records: Washington’s Blueprint for Government Continuity

March 30, 2026 by Leah LaCivita
Category: Emergency Management , Public Records Act

When disaster strikes, it is important for a local government to know how to respond as well as to resume critical operations safely and efficiently. Essential records can help in disaster response as well as recovery, but they must be identified and properly protected.

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?

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.

Inclusionary Zoning: One Tool for Creating Affordable Housing

March 19, 2026 by Steve Butler
Category: Development Regulations and Zoning , Housing

Since local governments are not in the business of building housing, how can they address the affordable housing problem? One regulatory tool is inclusionary zoning, which encourages developers to add affordable units in new residential development projects in specified areas.

The De Facto Officer Doctrine: Protecting Local Governments and the Public

March 16, 2026 by Linda Gallagher
Category: Court Decisions and AGO Opinions , Elected and Appointed Officials

What happens if an elected official made a procedural error in assuming office? How does this impact the actions they have taken or decisions they have participated in? Fortunately, the de facto officer doctrine provides some protection for local governments and the public.

Private Covenants and Local Zoning: Dual or Dueling Land Use Regulations?

March 11, 2026 by Leonard Bauer
Category: Court Decisions and AGO Opinions , Housing , Land Use Administration , Subdivisions and Planned Developments

Private land use restrictions can pose challenges for local governments when they conflict with local zoning, hinder affordable housing efforts, or reflect discriminatory practices. However, private covenants should not deter local governments from permitting development.

Public Defense Standards Are Changing: Selecting and Contracting for Public Defense Services

March 9, 2026 by Drew T. Pollom
Category: Guest Author , Courts and Criminal Justice System

In 2024, the State Bar Association adopted revised standards related to public defense services. A 2025 Supreme Court interim order also addressed these standards. Since the standards now differ, how should a local government contract for public defense services?

Procurement Pointers: Creating a Policy That Leads to the Best Ending

March 3, 2026 by Josh Klika
Category: Purchasing and Contracting

How can local agencies build effective procurement policies? What rules apply to each contract type? When can bidding be waived? Good policy helps staff navigate the procurement adventure with clarity.

Got Clean Energy Projects? Free Program Helps Local Agencies Recoup Some Program Costs

March 2, 2026 by Jill Dvorkin , Leah LaCivita
Category: Climate and Sustainability , Environmental Laws and Regulations

Supported with funding from the state Climate Commitment Act, the Washington CETCAP program has helped more than 200 organizations, including King County and the Snohomish PUD install clean energy projects, unlocking hundreds of thousands of dollars in federal incentives.

Building Belonging: Urban Strategies to Combat America's Loneliness Crisis

February 25, 2026 by Alicia Bones
Category: Design , Inclusive Communities

Loneliness is rising in the U.S. and experts say urban design plays a major role. Walkable areas, inviting public spaces, and sociable housing can help rebuild connection and reduce isolation.

First Amendment Audits Explained: Common Questions and Agency Guidance

February 23, 2026 by Harry Boesche
Category: Public Records Act , Operating Policies

First Amendment audits, and the aggressive tactics auditors use, can often leave public agency staff and elected officials confused or frightened. What are an agency’s obligations to preserve the auditor’s First Amendment rights while also keeping staff and facilities safe?

Utility Taxes: Are You Assessing Them Correctly?

February 18, 2026 by Cheryl Grant
Category: Revenues , Utilities - Billing and Collection

Cities and towns may impose taxes on utilities operating within their jurisdictions on municipally owned utilities. How are municipalities calculating these taxes, and how can they be sure the taxes have been calculated to the extent local code provides?

Web designers developing on accessible app

April Deadline Approaching to Implement Mandatory ADA Standards for Local Government Websites and Apps

February 17, 2026 by Flannary Collins
Category: Americans with Disabilities Act , Information Technology

Beginning this April, certain larger local governments will have to comply with new federal guidelines requiring that local agency websites and apps be accessible to people with disabilities, with smaller local governments given until spring 2027 to comply.

Dangerous Waste Management Program Guidance and Compliance Tips

February 12, 2026 by Julie Nicoll , Stacy Fox
Category: Guest Author , Environmental Laws and Regulations , Hazardous Materials and Substances

Dangerous waste compliance programs are often overlooked by government agencies. Learn about the basics of a dangerous waste management program, including waste designation, preparing for an inspection, and compliance tips.

A Peek Behind the Pitch: Washington Local Governments Prepare for the World Cup™

February 9, 2026 by Leah LaCivita
Category: Tourism , Inclusive Communities , World Cup 2026 , Special Events , Economic Development

As summer approaches, communities across the state are working hard to ensure the 2026 FIFA World Cup™ is an opportunity to showcase local spirit and culture, bring resources to businesses, strengthen community ties, and invest in public infrastructure.

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