Publications
Open Public Meetings Act
This publication covers in detail who is subject to the Open Public Meetings Act (OPMA), procedural requirements, executive sessions, exemptions, and penalties, and identifies relevant case law and attorney general opinions. Revised July 2024.
Alphabetical List of All Available MRSC Publications
2025 Budget Suggestions
Budget Suggestions has the latest information about things that might impact your city or county budget, including state shared revenue distributions, new legislation, economic trends, budget procedures, and more. Published July 2024.
Annexation by Washington Cities and Towns
This publication provides an in-depth review of annexation of territory by Washington cities and towns, including pros and cons, the consequences and impacts of annexation, and the various annexation methods. Published June 2020.
City Bidding Book - Washington State
Discusses competitive bidding requirements for city and town purchases, services, and public works contracts. Includes competitive bidding exemptions, piggybacking, small public works rosters, bidding errors and irregularities, and more. Revised August 2024.
Closest Governments to the People
This publication, written by Steve Lundin and edited by the Washington State University Division of Governmental Studies and Services, is a comprehensive general reference and resource guide to the complex and varied systems of local governments in Washington State. Topics covered include the historical development of local governments, home rule, local government finance, and the local judiciary. Revised 2015.
Code City Handbook
Provides essential information for code city officials and incites their powers, duties, and alternatives that are available under the applicable forms of municipal government. Published June 2009.
Conservation District Handbook - Guidelines for Purchasing, Bidding, and Contracting in Washington State Districts
Includes general guidance for procuring goods, services, and public works for conservation districts, as well as prevailing wage considerations unique to such districts. Revised September 2022.
Contracting for Services - Guidelines for Local Governments in Washington State
Provides guidance to local government agencies on contracting for professional architectural and engineering (A&E) services, purchased services, and personal services/consultants. Revised March 2024.
County Bidding Book - Washington State
Discusses competitive bidding requirements for county purchases, services, and public works contracts. Includes competitive bidding exemptions, piggybacking, small public works rosters, bidding errors and irregularities, and more. Revised July 2018.
County Commissioner Guide
Overview of county government in Washington State and specifically the role of the county commissioners and county councilmembers within county government. It covers key legal doctrines, such as the Public Records Act and the Open Public Meetings Act. Revised December 2023.
Getting into Office: Being Elected or Appointed into Office in Washington Counties, Cities, Towns, and Special Districts
This publication addresses issues relating to: qualifying and running for elective office in cities, towns, counties, and special districts; assuming office; vacancies in office; and appointments to fill vacancies. Revised January 2020.
Guidance for Accessory Dwelling Units in Washington State
This publication, created in partnership with the Department of Commerce, provides information on the 2023 legislation requiring jurisdictions to allow two accessory dwelling units per lot within urban growth areas, including policy options & examples. Published September 2023.
Homelessness and Housing Toolkit for Cities
Created in partnership between the Association of Washington Cities (AWC) and MRSC, this publication provides real-world examples of tools and actions Washington cities have used in responding to the issues of homelessness and affordable housing, including articles on housing levies, tenant protections, and more. Revised June 2022.
Initiative and Referendum Guide for Washington Cities and Charter Counties
Reviews the powers of initiative and referendum as they are exercised in cities and charter counties in Washington. It includes information on how to adopt these powers and which types of municipal activities are subject to these powers. Revised June 2024.
Knowing the Territory - Basic Legal Guidelines for Washington City, County and Special District Officials
Describes how local officials can keep out of legal trouble, including information on roles and responsibilities, conflicts of interest, Open Public Meetings Act, Public Records Act, Appearance of Fairness Doctrine, use of public funds, and more. Revised October 2023.
Local and Road Improvement Districts Manual for Washington State
Detailed overview of local improvement district (LID) and road improvement district (RID) procedures, from initiating the LID/RID all the way to the conclusion of financing. Published October 2009.
Local Ordinances for Washington Cities and Counties
This report has been prepared to assist Washington county, city, and town officials in the drafting and adoption of ordinances, resolutions, motions, and related devices. Revised September 2015.
Mayor and Councilmember Handbook
Reference guide for mayors and city councilmembers. Covers city council meetings, resolving and preventing conflict, budget basics, parliamentary procedures, Open Public Meetings Act, Appearance of Fairness Doctrine, citizen participation, and more. Revised September 2023.
Open Public Meetings Act
This publication covers in detail who is subject to the Open Public Meetings Act (OPMA), procedural requirements, executive sessions, exemptions, and penalties, and identifies relevant case law and attorney general opinions. Revised July 2024.
Personal Services Contracting Manual for Washington Ports
In 2008, the Washington State Legislature adopted legislation (codified primarily in Chapter 53.19 RCW) designed to improve public contracting for port districts. Published January 2009.
PRA and Records Management Technology Guide
This guide, created in partnership with the State Auditor’s Office Center for Government Innovation, is intended to help Washington government agencies to identify, evaluate, and select records management technology solutions that are best matched with their needs, goals, and budgets. Offers key questions to consider before purchasing records management software, an overview of software options, including descriptions of selected software, and more! Published March 2019.
Public Records Act for Washington Cities, Counties, and Special Purpose Districts
Basic outline of the Public Records Act (PRA) and procedures for responding to PRA requests. Includes common exemptions and prohibitions; appendices are especially relevant for public records officers and local government legal counsel. Revised March 2019.
Public Works Contracting Best Practices
Detailed publication provides helpful tips for public works contracting, focused primarily on the traditional design-bid-build model. Addresses ethics, competition, bid documents, contract award and administration, potential pitfalls, and more. Published June 2023.
Revenue Guide for Washington Cities and Towns
Detailed and up-to-date information on most of the revenue sources available to cities and towns, including property taxes, sales taxes, B&O taxes, lodging taxes, REET, and much more. Revised November 2023.
Revenue Guide for Washington Counties
Detailed and up-to-date information on most of the revenue sources available to counties, including property taxes, sales taxes, lodging taxes, REET, and much more. Revised November 2023.