Municipal Research and Services Center

08/31/2026

In his recent blog, MRSC Planning Consultant Leonard Bauer discusses the benefits, costs, and evolving state policies on data centers that Washington local governments should consider.

Read more here: https://zurl.co/T1889

08/28/2026

Pasco has adopted new water efficiency goals aimed at reducing water demand and improving conservation efforts. Valley News Now reports on the updated benchmarks and what they mean for the city's water system.

Read more: https://zurl.co/2lNU4

08/28/2026

Utility billing errors can create challenging legal issues when overcharges or undercharges go undetected for years. MRSC Insight explains how Washington's statutes of limitation apply to utility billing disputes.

Read more: https://zurl.co/ZVHv0

08/28/2026

An interesting read from :

https://zurl.co/dICzs

From a hundred-person agency to a one-person consultancy, the answer is yes. The difference is what “policy" means.

08/28/2026

Worth a read!

https://zurl.co/wnUhm

While cities are moving quickly to address data centers’ impact, they don’t have to choose between welcoming them and protecting their communities — but they do need to be proactive, experts said during a National League of Cities and American Association for the Advancement of Science webinar...

08/28/2026

Disconnected technology systems can increase costs, create security risks, and make it harder for governments to deliver services efficiently. Fifty's Matt Hastings explores strategies for reducing IT complexity.

Read more: https://zurl.co/U5mj2

COMMENTARY | Tool sprawl creates various challenges, including requiring more manual work and undermining security. A stronger operating model can reduce that complexity.

08/27/2026

MRSC's 2027 Budget Suggestions highlights new revenue options, legislative changes, and state revenue forecasts to help local governments prepare their budgets. MRSC Finance Consultant Eric Lowell summarizes the key updates.

Read more: https://zurl.co/6MZOR

08/27/2026

Several Washington cities have adopted local bans on cryptocurrency kiosks in response to a growing number of fraud cases. In her recent blog, MRSC's Leah LaCivita highlights the Washington communities taking action to protect the public.

Read more: https://zurl.co/Izqbk

08/21/2026

Washington lawmakers passed several elections-related bills in 2026, affecting voter registration challenges, voter privacy, and the Washington Voting Rights Act. MRSC Legal Consultant Linda Gallagher summarizes key changes in her recent blog.

Read more: https://zurl.co/jz8dp

08/20/2026

Tacoma City Council is considering joining Pierce County's Unified Regional Approach to homelessness. News reporter Joel Moreno covers the proposal and its potential implications for regional coordination.

https://zurl.co/hmzD9

City leaders in Tacoma could soon join a countywide effort to coordinate homelessness services as Pierce County seeks to replace a patchwork of local responses