Promoting Government Transparency

WHEREAS, transparency is a fundamental principle of good governance that promotes accountability, public trust, and effective public service delivery; WHEREAS, access to information and open communication are essential for community members to participate in the decision-making process and to hold government officials accountable; WHEREAS, a lack of transparency can lead to corruption, mismanagement, and abuse of power, all of which undermine public trust in government institutions; WHEREAS, there is a growing demand for greater transparency from the public and civil society organizations; WHEREAS, Council approved increased funding in the fiscal year 22-23 budget to hire four new full time employees for the public records process to address the existing backlog and avoid backlogs in the future; WHEREAS, Council approved the creation of a privacy and city-wide data governance team to identify best practices in how the city manages and shares data; WHEREAS, Council appointed a transition team for charter reform and changes to government related to measure 26-228 — with the intent to educate, engage, and inform the community; WHEREAS, Council supported the now dissolved Charter Commission in the exploration of new ideas and respects that the Commission did not have the time to vet the concept of a Transparency Advocate. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that all members of Council recognize the importance of government transparency as a means of fostering public trust, promoting accountability, and enhancing public service delivery. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Council requests the Auditor perform the following analysis: Review city policies that promote transparency and access to information, including the adoption of open data initiatives, freedom of information laws, and whistleblower protection laws. Review existing efforts to increase public participation in decision-making, and make recommendations on ways to improve those efforts, including the city’s network of advisory boards and commissions, public comment periods, participatory budgeting, and other feedback mechanisms. Ensure procedures are in place to train government officials and employees on the importance of transparency, and how to effectively communicate with community members and respond to their requests for information. Explore the concept of a Transparency Advocate that would review acts of city bureaus and city officials, build upon current public record practices and aim to further increase transparency and engagement. Council supports such position as having timely access to employees, information, and records. Review costs associated with the Transparency Advocate conceptual position, including the time and budget needed to support bureau and city official responsiveness. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Council supports the Auditor providing regular reports on progress made in the research of and any recommendations related to the actions listed above—and supports the Auditor bringing back to Council for consideration a future ballot referral that has been fully vetted and, in partnership, will continuously seek ways to enhance transparency and accountability in the City’s operations.