This page provides key resources on municipal incorporation, governance, and funding. It includes MRSC guides on incorporation procedures, city government structures, and revenue sources, along with the Adopted Birch Bay Community Plan outlining growth and conservation strategies. Hopefully, these resources help offer a comprehensive look at the process and impact of cityhood.
MRSC – Municipal Incorporation
The Municipal Incorporation page on the Municipal Research and Services Center (MRSC) website provides an overview of the process and key considerations for communities in Washington State seeking city or town status. It outlines the legal requirements, including population thresholds, geographic criteria, and procedural steps such as petitioning, feasibility studies, public hearings, and voter approval. The page also discusses financial and governance factors, emphasizing the need for a sustainable tax base, revenue sources, and service costs. Additionally, it includes resources, case studies, and lessons from past incorporation efforts. The guide serves as a valuable resource for communities exploring incorporation, highlighting both the opportunities and challenges involved.
MRSC – The Closest Governments to the People
The Closest Governments to the People is a reference guide to local government structures and functions in Washington State. Written by Steve Lundin and edited by the Washington State University Division of Governmental Studies and Services, the document explores the historical development of local governance, from territorial administration to the establishment of counties, cities, and special purpose districts. It explains the concept of home rule, which allows counties and cities to adopt their own charters for self-governance, granting them greater autonomy from state legislative oversight. Additionally, the guide examines local government finance, detailing revenue sources, budgeting processes, and financial management practices essential for sustaining public services. It also provides an overview of the local judiciary, covering municipal and district courts and their role within Washington’s legal system. This resource serves as a valuable tool for understanding the structure, powers, and responsibilities of local governments in the state.
MRSC – City and Town Forms of Government
This page provides a basic overview of the mayor-council, council-manager, and commission forms of government in Washington State, including relevant statutes, statistics, and procedures for changing form of government.
MRSC – Revenue Guide for Washington Cities and Towns
The Revenue Guide for Washington Cities and Towns is a comprehensive resource detailing the various revenue sources available to municipalities within the state. It provides in-depth information on property taxes, including levy limits, lid lifts, and the annual certification process. The guide also covers retail sales and use taxes, explaining the distinctions between the “basic” and “optional” sales taxes, as well as specific taxes earmarked for affordable housing and public safety. Additionally, it addresses business and utility taxes, lodging taxes, real estate excise taxes, and state-shared revenues such as liquor and cannabis excise taxes. This guide serves as an essential tool for city officials and staff to navigate the complexities of municipal finance and ensure compliance with state regulations.
The Title 35 RCW Dispositions page provides information on municipal governance in Washington State, including the legal framework for cities and towns. It outlines statutes related to municipal classification, incorporation procedures, governance structures, annexation, and local government powers. The page also tracks repealed, recodified, and decodified laws, reflecting changes in municipal regulations over time. This resource is useful for understanding the legal process of incorporation, the authority of city governments, and how municipal laws have evolved in Washington State.
Adopted Birch Bay Community Plan
The Birch Bay Community Plan, adopted by the Whatcom County Council on September 28, 2004, provides a framework for sustainable growth while preserving the area’s coastal character. It promotes land use and development that balances residential, commercial, and recreational spaces, supporting mixed-use areas and scenic preservation. Transportation improvements focus on pedestrian and bicycle connectivity, traffic calming, and public transit options. Environmental conservation is a key priority, with strategies for stormwater management, shoreline restoration, and water quality protection. The plan also emphasizes community amenities, including parks, open spaces, and recreational facilities, to enhance quality of life.