Municipal Research and Services Center

Contract fine print is where agencies get burned. Julie Nicoll's new post has the tips and a checklist to review them safely.

Read the full post at https://zurl.co/wSweR

Exciting times ahead!

https://zurl.co/yrC6x

Work has started at the Oakesdale Mill. The building will be stabilized and utilities extended to the site. The project is funded by a $1 million grant from CERB's Rural Ports Program. Make sure to… | Port of Whitman County Work has started at the Oakesdale Mill. The building will be stabilized and utilities extended to the site. The project is funded by a $1 million grant from CERB's Rural Ports Program. Make sure to follow us on social media for the latest on construction at the Mill!

Local governments are rolling out AI faster than residents trust it. A new survey shows how wide that gap has gotten.

Read more from Smart Cities Dive: https://zurl.co/Bv5hR

AI adoption by local governments outpaces public trust: survey Transparency about AI use and quality of digital infrastructure were among the issues where resident perceptions were less favorable, the survey found.

Sounds like a great development!

https://zurl.co/ulSa5

New Public Art at SEA | C Concourse Expansion | Port of Seattle Experience PNW-inspired art throughout SEA Airport’s new C Concourse Expansion. Look up to spot hidden details, pause at the Grand Stairs, find stillness in the sensory room, or stumble upon a splash of whimsy. Hear directly from the artists as they share the inspiration behind the works transform...

The 2026 legislative session brought changes for Washington's public safety agencies, from new automated license plate reader restrictions to a ban on officers wearing facial coverings.

MRSC Legal Consultant Harry Boesche breaks down the key bills here: https://zurl.co/rH3Et

Get those ballots in!

https://zurl.co/BubRx

RETURN YOUR BALLOTS: Washington’s Primary Election Day — Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2026 — is next week. Here’s how to return Spokane County ballots: • Ballot Drop Box: Return by 8 p.m. on Aug. 4; find… | Spokane Public Schools RETURN YOUR BALLOTS: Washington’s Primary Election Day — Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2026 — is next week. Here’s how to return Spokane County ballots: • Ballot Drop Box: Return by 8 p.m. on Aug. 4; find locations at https://lnkd.in/gG9yTi4B. • In person: The Spokane County Elections Office (1033 W....

Tax increment financing can help fund public improvements and revitalize downtowns.

Our Finance Consultant Eric Lowell covers two tools available to Washington local governments, plus how new legislation (HB 2451) changes the rules.

Learn more: https://zurl.co/YLGYA

Kelso has installed Flock license plate reader cameras, reigniting debate over surveillance and privacy. Chief Rich Fletcher defends the move as a crime-fighting tool while acknowledging residents' Fourth Amendment concerns.

Learn from : https://zurl.co/vz2AZ

Kelso installs Flock cameras, police chief pushes back against ‘misinformation’ Fletcher notes that some may have concerns about the implementation of the system, and he is willing to talk to anyone about the decision.

Three 2026 bills are reshaping local government procurement in Washington.

Our Procurement Consultant Josh Klika breaks down what changed for small works rosters, contractor misclassification, and utility energy projects.

Read more here: https://zurl.co/AeL0T