City Council Open Government Training

The Sammamish City Council received open government training on January 16, emphasizing the City's commitment to openness and transparency as part of its obligations under the Public Records Act (chapter 42.46 RCW; “PRA”) and the Open Public Meetings Act (chapter 42.30 RCW; “OPMA”). The PRA governs public records in Sammamish, which mandates public access to records and materials held by state and local agencies.

Sammamish's adherence to the PRA and its proactive approach starts with investments made in recent years, which includes a dedicated Public Disclosure Officer (PDO) who works with other city staff in every department to oversee public records requests, ensuring efficiency and transparency. The City has also invested in technology to make searches more efficient and established an online public records portal, allowing residents to submit requests electronically. This portal and a dedicated tracking system ensure a streamlined and accessible process. Sammamish embraces technology to facilitate public participation and make government information readily available.

The public records request process offers multiple submission methods, including online, email, fax, mail, in-person, or by phone. Sammamish provides extensive information on the types of records that can be requested, offering a wide range of accessible resources online, including permit information, development maps, government meeting records, and more.

Moreover, the City categorizes public records requests based on the complexity, volume, and availability of records, providing a transparent framework for requestors. Sammamish's commitment to responsiveness is evident in its estimated completion dates for each category, ensuring requestors clearly understand the timeline.

The City's dedication to transparency extends to its fee structure. While there is no charge for requesting or inspecting public records, Sammamish follows a reasonable fee schedule for copying, mailing, and other associated costs. This approach aligns with the principles of the PRA.

Sammamish's proactive measures, online accessibility, and commitment to transparency set a standard for cities of its size. By investing in public disclosure training and embracing modern tools, the Sammamish City Council demonstrates its commitment to fostering an open and accountable government for its residents.

Visit this link to submit a Public Records Request.

Click here to learn more about Washington's Open Public Records law.