WashCOG, federal agency sponsor session on open government

OAK HARBOR — 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.

The event focused first on the Open Government Partnership, an initiative involving various nations promoting open government to improve governance and fight corruption worldwide. The U.S. seeks public feedback for its 5th National Action Plan, which currently involves 36 commitments. One commitment was the October release of a new Freedom of Information Act search tool. Another focuses on better transparency of federal funding. The plan and its commitments are updated every six months, according to the primary agency involved — the General Services Administration.

WashCOG joined the local event as a sponsor because the nonprofit, nonpartisan group’s mission aligns well with that of the federal OGP. WashCOG President Mike Fancher was one of several presenters who discussed the challenges faced in keeping government business open and accessible to the people. More than 40 people attended the July 15 event in person or virtually. Smaller group sessions were held to gather feedback about issues and possible solutions the federal government could address in its action.