skip navigation

Research Tools

Have a Question? Ask MRSC!

Eligible government agencies can use our free Ask MRSC service.

With one call or click you can get a personalized answer from one of our trusted attorneys, or policy consultants!

Ask MRSC

Our Tools

Ask MRSC Archives

City & County Websites Search

City & Town Profiles

County Profiles

Local Ballot Measure Database

Sample Document Library

Legal Research

Find Your Contracting Requirements

Utility Liens and Shut-offs

City & Town Codes

County Codes

RCWs, WACs & Court Decisions
Explore Topics

Browse by Topic Area

Business Licensing & Regulation

Climate & Environment

Code Enforcement & Nuisances

Community Engagement

Court Decisions & AG Opinions

Economic Development

Elected & Appointed Officials

Elections

Finance & Budgeting

Government Organization

Housing & Homelessness

Infrastructure & Public Facilities

Parks, Recreation & Cultural Programs

Personnel & HR

Planning & Growth Management

Procurement & Public Works

Public Meetings & OPMA

Public Records & PRA

Public Safety

Technology

Utilities & Telecommunications

VIEW ALL TOPIC PAGES A-Z
Stay Informed

Recent Blog Posts

Significant Changes Coming to Levy Lid Lifts in 2026
April 15 2026

Point of Order and Appeal Are the Heart of Democracy
April 13 2026

Employment Law Q&A: What Local Government Employers Need to Know
April 8 2026

VIEW MORE BLOG POSTS

Information You Need

MRSC E-Newsletters

MRSC Insight Blog

MRSC Print Newsletter

Local Governments In The News

Landlord/Seller Disclosure Requirements
Training

Upcoming Events

Upcoming Trainings – Attend our live webinars, virtual workshops, and in-person trainings to learn about key local government issues!

Digging Into Public Works – In-person regional forums and training resources for public works staff and local contractors

On-Demand

On-Demand Webinars – Watch pre-recorded versions of our recent webinars, at your own convenience.

PRA/OPMA E-Learning Courses – Free video courses for city/town elected officials on the Public Records Act (PRA) and Open Public Meetings Act (OPMA).
Publications

View/Download Publications

2026 Budget Suggestions

Annexation by Cities and Towns

City Bidding Book

Contracting for Services

County Bidding Book

County Commissioner Guide

Guidance for Accessory Dwelling Units

Homelessness and Housing Toolkit for Cities

Knowing the Territory

Local Ordinances

Mayor & Councilmember Handbook

Open Public Meetings Act

Public Records Act

Public Works Contracting Best Practices

Revenue Guide for Cities

Revenue Guide for Counties

VIEW MORE PUBLICATIONS
About Us

What We Do

About MRSC – Learn about MRSC's mission and history.

MRSC Services – Learn more about the many services MRSC provides for local government staff and officials.

Procurement Services (mrscrosters.org)

MRSC Rosters – Connect with businesses for small public works contracts, purchases, services, and consultants

MRSC Electronic Bidding – Reduce administrative effort and move your bidding processes online, including sealed bids

Who We Are

Staff Directory – Learn more about our staff members or email them directly.

Join Our Team – See our current job opportunities and learn about our guiding values and benefits.

Board of Directors – See our current board membership.

Contact Us – Send us your comments, submit media requests, let us know about broken links, and more.

About Our Blog Our Authors

MRSC Insight Blog

Posts for Transportation

How Did Local Ballot Measures Fare in the November 2024 General Election?

December 9, 2024 by Steve Hawley
Category: Parks, Recreation, and Culture , Transportation , Emergency Medical Services , Fire Protection , Revenues , Minimum Wage , Law Enforcement , Ballot Measures , Special Districts

Tax-related initiatives struggled to gain voter approval in the 2024 November general election, and it was a mixed bag for other local ballot measures across the state.

Sunset with Port of Everett in background

Recapping the August 2024 Local Ballot Measure Results

September 4, 2024 by Steve Hawley
Category: Parks, Recreation, and Culture , Transportation , Port Districts , Emergency Medical Services , Fire Protection , Law Enforcement , Ballot Measures

Local governments placed 90 ballot measures in the August primary election, including many levy lid lift proposals, various public safety taxes, fire benefit charges, a citywide cannabis sales ban, and proposed service expansions.

MoreHide

Blog Archives