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MRSC Insight Blog


Posts for Inclusive Communities

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

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.

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Many hands in a multitude of colors surround and stretch towards the earth

Centering Equity in Climate Plans and Programs

As new legislation (HB 1181) has added equity components to the Growth Management Act, it is essential to understand what climate equity means and how it is successfully being carried out by local governments across the state.

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A thermometer showing a temperature of 100+ against a background of an urban street

Protecting Communities When the Heat Is On

How can local agencies prepare for extreme heat events, including protecting those populations most vulnerable to heat-related illnesses and death? By looking carefully at how heat impacts various neighborhoods, an agency can take a variety of approaches to maximize services. 

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

For More Equitable and Livable Cities, Consider Trees

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.

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A man is excited to have received a gift card

Safely Using Incentives in Public Engagement Activities

Can gift cards be given as an incentive for completing a local government survey? Can stipends be provided to volunteers participating in local government projects or advisory boards? With proper procedures in place, incentives can be a way to boost community participation.

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Equitable Community Engagement in Comprehensive Plan Updates

Equitable Community Engagement in Comprehensive Plan Updates

Many local governments are updating their comprehensive plans, and in doing so, some are looking at how to develop intentional strategies that actively engage underrepresented communities in order to build a more equitable plan update in the process. 

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Closed Captioning: A Language Access Tool

Closed Captioning: A Language Access Tool

SB 5027, which passed during the 2021 legislative session, requires closed captioning be used on televisions in public places, including in local government-owned facilities, when the technology is available.

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Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Initiatives in Washington State – 2021 Update

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Initiatives in Washington State – 2021 Update

This blog looks at the many ways that local governments can build diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in their communities by highlighting specific policy examples from across Washington State.

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Investing in Equity To Prepare for Environmental Challenges

Investing in Equity To Prepare for Environmental Challenges

Some Washington local governments have placed equity front and center when preparing for the impacts of climate change. This blog looks at efforts in Lakewood and Shoreline.

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Making Local Government Holiday Observances More Inclusive

Making Local Government Holiday Observances More Inclusive

The upcoming holiday season offers municipalities a great opportunity to tie their Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion efforts into holiday observances so that everyone feels part of the celebration.

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How Local Ballot Measures Fared in the 2021 General Election

How Local Ballot Measures Fared in the 2021 General Election

From changes in governance to funding for criminal justice, libraries, and transportation, this blog covers many local ballot measures across the state and how these issues fared in the recent general election.

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The Lasting Impacts of Discriminatory Restrictive Covenants

The Lasting Impacts of Discriminatory Restrictive Covenants

This blog looks at discriminatory restrictive covenants in county real property records and how property owners may remove or "strike" them from the record. 

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Countering Racial Bias and Harassment Related to the COVID-19 Pandemic

Countering Racial Bias and Harassment Related to the COVID-19 Pandemic

This blog post looks at how local governments can counter racial bias and harassment that's arisen during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

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Social Equity in Cannabis Program

Social Equity in Cannabis Program

This blog post offers an overview of E2SHB 2870, 2020 legislation creating a social equity in cannabis program for Washington State.

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Advancing Racial Equity at the Local Government Level

Advancing Racial Equity at the Local Government Level

This blog post offers an overview of diversity and racial equity training options that local governments may wish to implement. 

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Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Efforts in Washington State

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Efforts in Washington State

This blog post offers an overview of how some Washington State local governments have approached efforts to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion.

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Washington Women Led the Way: National Women’s Suffrage Centennial 2020

Washington Women Led the Way: National Women’s Suffrage Centennial 2020

The Governor’s Women’s Commission has partnered with the Washington State Historical Society and the Women’s History Consortium to create a campaign commemorating the historical achievement of granting women the right to vote in Washington State in 1910.

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The Strong Roots of Community

The Strong Roots of Community

Real leadership is shown when someone can build a narrative of shared responsibility and values, argues Public Policy and Management Consultant Lynn Nordby.

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Renton Builds an Inclusive City, One Step at a Time

Renton Builds an Inclusive City, One Step at a Time

After seeing a dramatic growth in its population, in particular among ethnic and cultural minorities, the city of Renton undertook an ambitious effort to ensure all constituents have equal access to city services and equal opportunity for civic engagement. 

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New Rules Addressing Use of Gender-Segregated Facilities by Transgender Individuals

New Rules Addressing Use of Gender-Segregated Facilities by Transgender Individuals

Effective December 26, 2015, the Washington State Human Rights Commission (HRC) adopted new rules requiring that individuals be allowed to use gender-segregated facilities, such as restrooms, locker rooms, dressing rooms, and homeless or emergency shelters, that are consistent with their gender expression or gender identity.

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