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Riverside, Calif., Announces New Transparency Measures

New transparency measures, including the creation of a public records advocate position, demonstrate the city's commitment to honesty and accountability.

On July 9, the city of Riverside, Calif., announced new measures to increase transparency of government operations. The new measures will make it easier for citizens to find information and understand their city, according to a press release (PDF).

The new measures include:

  • the creation of a public records advocate position, who will be responsible for fulfilling public records requests in “a timely manner";
  • centralizing all board and commission records and making them searchable;
  • automating Public Records Act requests through the city’s transparency portal, EngageRiverside;
  • posting agendas 12 days in advance for the City Council, Board of Public Utilities, Planning Commission and Community Police Review Commission; and
  • extending the meeting video retention policy from 90 days to five years.
“Riverside has been a statewide leader on government transparency, and we are kicking it up a notch,” Mayor Rusty Bailey stated in the press release. “There’s a direct connection between transparency and trust in local government, and we’re continuing our commitment to that cause.”

According to the city, EngageRiverside hosts more than 4 million pages of public records, meeting minutes and financial information.

 

Colin wrote for Government Technology and Emergency Management from 2010 through most of 2016.