This blog post looks at the legal issues involving homelessness, and how these issues can limit a municipality's response to unauthorized encampments, panhandling, and car camping. More from MRSC Insight

ESSB 5001 allows natural composting of human remains as an option to cremation services and traditional burials. This blog post provides an overview of the bill and the processes now allowed by it. More from MRSC Insight

Our recently updated Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU) page provides an overview of ADUs for cities and counties in Washington State, including legal requirements, examples of local ADU codes, emerging trends, and recommended resources.

Officials and employees from eligible government agencies can use our free one-on-one inquiry service, Ask MRSC.

In this webinar, land use attorney Phil Olbrechts will review recent, important land use cases applicable to Washington State, with particular attention paid to recent case law addressing the zoning implications of the state’s new marijuana laws as well as important developments in environmental review procedures. Register here

Your routine letters and forms may be creating more internal costs and citizen hassles than you realize. But research shows that dropping the jargon, simplifying the page, and understanding the reader can make all the difference in the world. Join us to learn how 'plain,' well-crafted documents can reduce your process hassles and win over citizens. Register here

You have a wonderful city with tremendous potential for growth, but do you know how to communicate the opportunities it provides for prospective businesses? AWC’s intermediate-level community planning and development course presents fresh strategies for attracting new business (and growing the businesses you have). Register here

A new fund will let cities and counties keep $51 million in sales tax revenue for low-income housing construction and maintenance. More from Crosscut

There is a housing crisis among the formerly incarcerated, particularly among those recently released from prison. More from Route Fifty

In 99 percent of U.S. counties, minimum wage can’t get you an affordable one-bedroom rental. More from Curbed

While the ideas of “Smart Cities” has been proposed as the future of urbanism, the question remains: how do we connect this new technology for the ultimately "efficient" society? More from Forbes

Cities need to evolve towards a mobility plan that interconnects walking with biking, public transit, and ride-sharing. To do that will require tech, partnerships and collaboration, say experts. More from Government Technology

Public-sector social media professionals are using Facebook’s Groups feature to generate increased reach and organic conversation that’s not always achievable on the platform with a simple government page. More from Government Technology

MRSC publishes a number of e-newsletters related to local government issues. You can also keep up with us on social media.