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MRSC Insight Blog

Posts for Design

An architectural model of a dense area of town

2023 Planning Legislation Impacting Local Governments

September 11, 2023 by Jill Dvorkin
Category: Comprehensive Planning-Growth Management , Annexation , Design , Housing , New Legislation and Regulations

Common themes among these six new planning-related bills include streamlining local project review, decreasing the planning burden on smaller communities, incentivizing annexations, and increasing housing supply throughout the state.

Meeting the Challenge of Washington’s New Clean Buildings Standard

Meeting the Challenge of Washington’s New Clean Buildings Standard

March 4, 2021 by Bonnie Frye Hemphill
Category: Guest Author , Climate Change , Design , Energy Resources and Conservation

This blog post will provide an overview of the New Clean Building Standard and how it applies to your publicly owned buildings.

The Importance of Urban Design for Your Community

The Importance of Urban Design for Your Community

March 16, 2020 by John Owen
Category: Guest Author , Design

This blog looks at the key components of urban design and the role it plays in healthy communities.

The Power of Public Space

The Power of Public Space

August 21, 2017 by Mark Hinshaw
Category: Guest Author , Design

In this post, guest author and architect Mark Hinshaw looks at the power, and growing popularity, of public spaces.

Visualizing Compatible Density

Visualizing Compatible Density

April 10, 2017 by Bob Bengford
Category: Guest Author , Design

Density is a controversial subject. This post demonstrates that streetscapes, vehicular-access elements, and building design are all components that make developments appear less dense, more livable, and attractive.

Planners and Police Officers Working Together to Create Livable and Safe Communities

Planners and Police Officers Working Together to Create Livable and Safe Communities

June 14, 2016 by Steve Butler
Category: Design

Using Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) planners and police officers are working together more and more to achieve each other’s complementary goals to achieve an inviting and safe community.

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