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.

Toby Nixon, a former state lawmaker and WashCOG president emeritus, has been named chair of the state’s struggling Sunshine Committee by Gov. Jay Inslee. Nixon will chair the March 12 committee meeting.

Another longtime member of the Sunshine Committee has resigned in frustration. Former state Rep. Lynn Kessler said she was tired of commttee volunteers being ignored.

A special WashCOG report released today is a call to action for civic leaders, organizations, businesses and all Washingtonians to work together to preserve the state’s Public Records Act.

2023 was a landmark year for the Washington Coalition for Open Government. We saw warning signs of eroding transparency in the state, but also the sunlight of new resources. We have additional staff, a new office and a special report on our challenges and opportunities.

The first newsletter of the year offers a variety of updates on WashCOG’s activities, including our increased presence in Olympia during the legislative session and our plans for promoting access in 2024.