MRSC Services
The Municipal Research and Services Center (MRSC) is an independent, nonpartisan, and educational nonprofit organization that helps local governments across Washington State better serve their communities by providing legal and policy guidance on any topic.
Below is a summary of the services we provide to local government staff and officials.
Have a Question? Ask MRSC!
Staff and officials from all cities and counties in Washington State, as well as hundreds of eligible special purpose districts, can use our free Ask MRSC service. With one call or click you can get a personalized answer from one of our trusted attorneys or policy consultants!
Stay Informed with E-Newsletters
Get the latest news, analysis, and training opportunities from MRSC, with our e-newsletters. MRSC staff regularly write about a wide variety of local government topics, including new legislation and court decisions, emerging issues, policy guidance, and management tips.
Explore Topics
Learn about hundreds of local government topics on MRSC’s website and get plain-language legal guidance, helpful practice tips, examples of local government policy approaches, and recommended resources for more information. You can use the search bar at the top of our website, browse by topic area, or view all topic pages A-Z.
Research Tools
MRSC offers a variety of tools for you to research sample documents, topics, and questions across Washington State. Find what other jurisdictions are doing through our custom searches, city/county profiles, and more.
Training Opportunities
MRSC provides virtual, in-person, and on-demand training on key local government issues including public records, public meetings, procurement, leadership, planning, finance, and more. Our staff members also frequently speak at local government conferences and events. To see our latest offerings, visit our Upcoming Trainings page or sign-up for our training e-newsletter.
Detailed Publications
Our downloadable publications provide an in-depth look at key local government issues such as public records, open public meetings, budgeting, procurement, the roles and legal responsibilities of elected officials, and more.
MRSC Rosters
MRSC Rosters is the only statewide directory that connects public agencies with businesses for small public works projects, consulting opportunities, and goods and services.
Effective July 1, 2024, MRSC Rosters is the official state-designated roster for small public works (construction) projects. See MRSC’s Small Works Roster Manual for more information about contracting for small works projects.
MRSC Rosters also offers a vendor roster (for purchases and purchased service/maintenance contracts) and a consultant roster (for personal services/consulting and professional architecture & engineering services).
MRSC Electronic Bidding
MRSC Electronic Bidding, offered in partnership with Bonfire, allows public agencies to move their bidding processes online – including informal or roster-based procurements as well as formal sealed bids. This allows agencies to reduce their administrative effort, increase bidder participation and satisfaction, and access valuable reporting capabilities.
While the e-bidding program is administered by MRSC Rosters, it is a separate subscription and agencies can sign up for the e-bidding service even if they do not currently use MRSC Rosters.
Webinar Overview of MRSC's Services
This recorded webinar provides a comprehensive overview of MRSC's tools, resources, and information, along with tips on how to use MRSC’s website more effectively.