Ronald H. Webster, a lawyer who was serving as the chief counsel and legal adviser for the Washington State Tax Commission, was brought on to lead the organization, a role he filled until 1967.

The law established the Bureau as the official research and services agency for cities and towns in Washington State, a relationship it maintains today through RCW 43.110.030.

However, by 1940 the Institute had morphed into a general conference on emerging municipal issues, or as some called it, the “20th Century version of the ‘ole Town Hall meeting’".

[6] With its broader role and tighter relationship with the state, the 1970s were a large growth period for MRSC, with research requests tripling to over 3,000 annually.

[5] 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).

MRSC consultants maintain dozens of webpages on various municipal subjects that contain key information, news, and resources.

The website provides access to the largest collection of municipal documents in the state, including ordinances, RFPs, staff memos, job descriptions, budgets, and more.

[10] MRSC's staff consultants consistently provide training and learning sessions, generally as speakers at conferences and events for municipal workers.

[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.