Who's behind the news?
Who's behind the news?
1.5.2
Newsjunkie.net is a resource guide for journalists. We show who's behind the news, and provide tools to help navigate the modern business of information.
Use of DataThe Municipal Research and Services Center (MRSC) is a nonprofit organization that helps local governments across Washington State better serve their communities by providing legal and policy guidance on any topic. At MRSC, we believe the most effective local government is a well-informed one, and as cities, counties, and special purpose districts face rapid changes and significant challenges, we are here to help.
MRSC's core service is answering questions and providing research support to its customers (which include city, county, and some special purpose district staff and officials).[7] Half of MRSC's staff consultants are municipal lawyers while the other half are experts in various areas of municipal governance including management, public works, finance, and planning.[8] Requests range dramatically from clarification of a state or local law, to information and examples regarding new types of policies. In 2008 MRSC responded to over 7,000 research requests.[5] The majority of these requests were from smaller cities and counties.[1]
MRSC's website is another one of its main services. MRSC consultants maintain dozens of webpages on various municipal subjects that contain key information, news, and resources. Over the last decade, with the rise of the internet, MRSC has worked to make much of its research library resources available online. The website provides access to the largest collection of municipal documents in the state, including ordinances, RFPs, staff memos, job descriptions, budgets, and more.[9]
MRSC produces a number of popular publications for city and county officials.[7] These include, Knowing the Territory, a handbook of basic legal guidelines for newly elected officials, the annual Budget Suggestions, the Bidding Book for cities and counties, and Contracting for Services, a guide to professional, personal, and purchased services contracting.[10] In conjunction with the State and the Association of Washington Cities, MRSC also produces the City Officials Directory, a catalog of all elected officials and key staff in Washington State cities.[10]
MRSC's staff consultants consistently provide training and learning sessions, generally as speakers at conferences and events for municipal workers. More recently, MRSC has started producing a series of webinars.[7]
Started in 2007, MRSC Rosters is a small public works and consultant roster membership service.[5] As a shared roster database for municipalities, the program aims to provide a more efficient, and cost-effective solution to maintaining public works rosters, especially for smaller jurisdictions. As of 2015 the program had 415 participating municipalities.[11]
In the last few years MRSC has started contracting with various professional associations in Washington State to provide administrative, accounting, registration, and website support. Currently MRSC provides this support to five associations:[1]
Washington City/County Managers Association (WCMA)
Washington State Association of Municipal Attorneys (WSAMA)
Washington Finance Officers Association (WFOA)
Washington Municipal Treasurers Association (WMTA)
American Public Works Association Washington Chapter (APWA-WA)
