What can government-owned drones can look at? And what kind of information they can gather? Those were a few of the topics discussed at a preliminary meeting of the state Unmanned Aerial Systems Task Force on Monday in Olympia.

The 16-member group was established in April by Gov. Jay Inslee, after he vetoed House Bill 2789, which would have regulated “technology-enhanced government surveillance” including the government’s use of drones. read more »

OLYMPIA — Attorney General Bob Ferguson applauded new rules announced by Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Gina McCarthy setting strong emission limits on existing fossil-fuel power plants to reduce pollution in the U.S.

“Existing fossil-fuel power plants are the single largest source of climate change pollution,” Ferguson said. “These new federal rules will help limit pollution to protect the environment and improve the health of our communities.”

A history of legal action read more »

SEATTLE (AP) — The Seattle City Council unanimously passed an ordinance Monday that gradually increases the minimum wage in the city to $15 an hour, which would make it the highest in the nation.

Government agencies frequently advertise for “Sources sought” – what does that mean? Should you bother responding to a sources sought when it doesn’t result in a contract? Isn’t this just a waste of government time and money? What is the government doing? read more »

SEATTLE — Seattle Mayor Ed Murray on Thursday proposed a phased-in increase of the minimum wage to $15 an hour over the next seven years — a compromise endorsed by both business and labor that would make the city’s pay baseline the highest in the nation. read more »

In the latest twist as the state tries to get a legalized marijuana industry going, the Suquamish Tribe wants a license to sell marijuana on the Port Madison reservation.
 
The Kitsap Sun reported that the tribe has proposed an agreement with the state Liquor Control Board to create a framework for legal pot sales by the tribe and tribally approved businesses.
  read more »

Kitsap County is seeking road project ideas and suggestions to be included in the six-year Transportation Improvement Program (TIP).  read more »

BUSINESS WIRE

WASHINGTON — The Smart Cities Council, an industry coalition to improve the livability, workability and sustainability of the world’s cities, has released a new resource to help cities understand the financing options available for technology projects. The Smart Cities Financing Guide outlines 28 of the most promising financial tools for urban infrastructure enhancements, including some techniques that do not require any upfront money from the city. read more »

Steve Boyer, Kitsap County’s sheriff for the past 15 years, announced recently that he will retire at the end of his fourth term this year. read more »