Steve Butler

Some significant housing laws adopted this year are HB 1110, which requires certain cities to allow "middle housing" in residential zones, and HB 1337, which requires all GMA-planning cities & counties to allow ADUs in residential areas. See MRSC Insight: mrsc.org/stay-informed/…

The FCCs 2018 Declaratory Ruling was meant to accelerate deployment of small wireless facilities, but it also restricts how local governments can regulate their installation. Here are key takeaways for agencies to avoid coverage gaps. From MRSC Insight: mrsc.org/stay-informed/…

Thrilled to share some exciting news. I’ll be speaking at Washington Planning Directors Conference on Sep 05 - 08, 2023, along with many other amazing speakers. Topic is "Why You Should Engage Youth in Your Planning Processes."

This MRSC Insight blog discusses how to develop a missing middle housing program that can help to build and diversify the local housing supply. mrsc.org/Home/Stay-Info…

Manufactured homes are often overlooked yet can be an important affordable housing option. This MRSC Insights blog reviews how local governments can protect them. mrsc.org/Home/Stay-Info…

Congratulations 🎉 to WA State Chapter inductees into the College of Fellows: Linda Amato (2022), ⁦@PaulInghram⁩ (2020), Michael Cardwell (2022) & Chris Comeau (2022) ⁦@APA_Planning⁩

Increased zoning can result in gentrification the displacement of vulnerable populations. Affordable housing overlay zoning can help to increase density without triggering the unintended consequences of gentrification and displacement. See MRSC Insight zcu.io/kHJR

Promoting Youth Voices in Local Decision-Making. zcu.io/1U9L

Cities are opting to build mixed-use developments near public transportation, but experts in Seattle, Atlanta and elsewhere say getting it right is a big challenge. zcu.io/urGB

Do an increasing number of short-term rentals impact the local housing market, especially for low- and moderate-income residents? This MRSC Insight blog looks at how some WA local governments are regulating short-term rentals differently.

Fixing our earlier tweet that had a broken link. Puyallup is changing how homeowners, developers get permits. thenewstribune.com/news/local/com…

This MRSC Insight offers an overview of the 15-Minute City concept, which encourages the development of walkable neighborhoods where a variety of services are within easy reach. zcu.io/5Lv4

This MRSC Insight blog looks at pilot programs that allow delivery by robot. While the state offers some guidance on safety requirements and where these devices can operate, local governments will need to consider creating their own regulations. zcu.io/74jN

Hey WA local govts planners, MRSC is hosting a 1.5 hour Planning Ethics webinar to help you earn Ethics CM! Register for our Tues., Nov 30 webinar. zcu.io/exit

have you ever wondered how much of Copenhagen could fit in your grocery store's parking lot? i have.

This MRSC Insight blog provides and overview and guidance regarding E2SHB 1220, which encourages local governments to take active steps to accommodate transitional housing, emergency shelters, and similar facilities via zoning and regulatory updates. zcu.io/bZ3i

This MRSC Insight blog post looks at small-scale manufacturing, its role in a strong local economy, and how local governments can encourage the growth of these critical businesses. mrsc.org/Home/Stay-Info…

This MRSC Insight blog post summarizes major planning/land use-related bills that were passed during the 2020 Washington State legislative session. mrsc.org/Home/Stay-Info…

This MRSC Insight blog post highlights local planning/building departments that quickly converted from a traditional permitting/plan review process to an online system. mrsc.org/Home/Stay-Info…

Here is my blog post on creative use of the public right-of-way (ROW) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Loosening restrictions on street vendors should also be considered by local governments.