State Attorney General’s Office Creates Public Records Consultation Program for Local Governments

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Washington state Attorney General Bob Ferguson has announced a new program from his office intended to help local governments comply with public records laws. 

The Local Government Public Records Consultation Program was created through a 2017 amendment to the state Public Records Act, according to the AG’s Office. 

“Local officials from across our state have reached out to my office with questions about handling public records requests,” said Ferguson in a statement. “We now have a dedicated program to provide them with the help they need to ensure that all Washington residents have access to the information they are entitled to.”

The program has dedicated staff to help local government officials with questions on responding to public records requests, seeking resources to develop or update public records technology and ensuring proper responses to records requests. 

Officials in any form of government in Washington can make use of the consultations. 



Toby Nixon, president of the Washington Coalition for Open Government, spoke in favor of the move. 

“Local governments, especially smaller cities and special purpose districts with limited staff, do not always know which steps they need to take to increase transparency,” said Nixon. “This consultation program will help local officials around the state provide Washingtonians easy access to government information and comply with all the detailed requirements of our open government laws.”

Officials can submit a request for consultation to atg.wa.gov/PRA-consulting-program or by contacting Public Records Act Consultant Morgan Damerow at 360-570-3418 or praconsultation@atg.wa.gov.

“The Attorney General’s new Local Government Public Records Consultation Program will be a valuable resource for local governments seeking to improve their public records practices,” said Peter B. King, CEO of the Association of Washington Cities.