WashCOG is pleased that the governor has paused state agencies’ practice of auto-deleting text messages, but what happens next will show how serious the state is about accountability and transparency.

Washington’s newest governor has always said he supports transparency in government, but has hung up a bit of a curtain so far; he has not met regularly with the Olympia media covering the state legislature, The Seattle Times reports. WashCOG weighs in.

The Winter 2025 newsletter shares WashCOG’s activities tracking legislation and legislators, promoting the PRA to student journalists and planning our annual Sunshine Breakfast.

Newly-elected Attorney General Nick Brown is keynote speaker for WashCOG’s 2025 Sunshine Breakfast and Awards Program March 14. Brown said he shares WashCOG’s commitment to open and transparent government and will provide transparency advocates a blueprint for his plans.

A half-dozen priorities focused on accountability, transparency and access head the wish list for the Washington Coalition for Open Government as the Washington state legislature begins its 2025 session.

We’re posting weekly reports on pending bills, votes and other action in the legislature in our Olympia Watch.

The University of Washington’s Board of Regents is not being transparent about its process of searching for and choosing a new president. Outside observers – that would be most of us – are unable to judge for ourselves the final vetting process and the alternative finalists. That’s troubling for a public university.

WashCOG was on hand as lawmakers, staff, media and residents came to Olympia as the Washington State Legislature begins its 2025 session. We’ll shine a light on the next 105 days of legislative activity — and welcome your help.

WashCOG is now accepting nominations for the 2024 Toby Nixon Award, which recognizes an individual or organization whose long-term commitment to the cause of open government is demonstrated through exemplary words or deeds.

Nominations are now open for the 2024 James Andersen Award, which recognizes an individual or organization that has made extraordinary effort to advance the priorities of the Washington Coalition for Open Government.

Reservations are open now for WashCOG’s annual Sunshine Breakfast: Friday, March 14 at Embassy Suites in Bellevue. The Coalition will honor outstanding efforts to promote transparency and accountability in government.

WashCOG asks open government advocates to contact the state attorney general to change the guide for state and local agencies to carry out their responsibilities under the Public Records Act. WashCOG has submitted comments and invites you to, as well.

WashCOG is now accepting nominations for its annual Kenneth F. Bunting Award for outstanding journalism in the interest of government transparency. Named for the late Ken Bunting, a former associate publisher of the Seattle P-I, the award recognizes work that uses or advances Washington’s open government laws. More information is available here.

The summer newsletter shares WashCOG’s news about our 2024 special report, tracking legislation and legislators, and preparing a digital posse for the 2025 session.

WashCOG and the U.S. Government Secretariat held a listen-and-share session on July 15, 2024 that touched on both federal and local open government issues.

Seven legislators are being honored for pledging not to invoke the legally challenged “legislative privilege” excuse for refusing to disclose communications related to their duties as elected officials. WashCOG applauds their commitment to transparency and accountability.

WashCOG applauds recent legal action enforcing the state’s Public Records Act in regard to use of digital communications that are not retained — apparently through the use of Microsoft Teams by state agencies.

A Thurston County Superior Court judge is expected to rule May 24 on WashCOG’s motion to depose Speaker of the House Laurie Jinkins in the Coalition’s suit challenging the legality of so-called “legislative privilege” that allows lawmakers to conceal some government records covered by the Public Records Act

A WashCPG data dive ranks agencies on how quickly they complete public records requests, declaring “Winners & Sinners” across the state for their responsiveness.

WashCOG will honor longtime access attorney Michele Earl-Hubbard, Board member and attorney Joan Mell, and journalists from acros the state for their work promoting transparency.

Sunshine Week is a national nonpartisan effort to shine a light on the value of open government and access to public records and meetings. Participating programs come from journalists, civic and government organizations and others who want to raise awareness of access issues.