Posted October 6, 2008

WSSDA is partnering with ten local government associations in Washington to co-sponsor a workshop on the state’s laws governing open public meetings and public records. The workshop, which will be offered in four locations around the state, is focused on helping local officials comply with the law and avoid missteps that can erode public trust, cost money and distract from the organization’s overall mission.

The one-day workshops will include presentations from experts about the statutory requirements of the Open Public Meetings Act and the Public Records Act as well as practical "how-to" advice on conducting meetings and responding to public record requests. Program highlights include:

• Six essential features of an effective public records program

• How the exemptions in the Public Records Act serve the public interest

• Open public meeting or not? How to know when the Open Public Meetings Act applies

• To go or not to go into executive session

Workshop facilitators will provide information and materials about "best practices" to make meetings and public records programs run smoothly and efficiently. The session will also point out "red flags"—actions that may raise concerns and warn of potential violations.

"We know that a misstep on these laws can quickly erode the public confidence we all work so hard to build," said WSSDA President Ted Thomas (Longview). "This is a great opportunity for you and your colleagues in city, county, port, fire, water, utility, and hospital districts to get the latest information on the laws and ask questions about situations that might have come up in your own school district."

The workshop is designed for local elected and appointed officials and their executive management teams. Cost is $75 per person, which includes the workshop, binder with workshop materials, access to online materials, lunch and coffee breaks.

The workshops will be offered in four locations – Pasco (Nov. 17), Spokane (Nov. 18), Lakewood (Dec. 2) and Mount Vernon (Dec. 3). For workshop details and online registration, visit the Association of Washington Cities Web site. For more information, contact Sheri Sawyer at sheris@awcnet.org or 360/753-4137.

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