Charter Amendment regarding open government and transparency in City Government 

Ballot Question:

​

Shall the Spokane City Charter be amended to require all collective bargaining negotiations be transparent and open to public observation, requiring public notification of such meetings as required by the Washington State Open Public Meetings Act and require all contracts be available for public review and observation on the City’s website?

 

Summary of Measure:

​

THE LAW AS IT CURRENTLY EXISTS: 

The City and the respective represented labor groups negotiate collectively bargained agreements pursuant to the Washington State Public Employees’ Collective Bargaining Act, Chapter 41.56 RCW.  Collective bargaining sessions are conducted in private meetings between the parties and are not required to be open to the public pursuant to the Open Public Meetings Act, RCW 42.30.140 (4).

 

THE EFFECT OF THE PROPOSAL, IF APPROVED:

This measure will amend the City Charter to require all collective bargaining negotiations be transparent and open to public observation, public notification of such meetings as required by the Washington State Open Public Meetings Act and all contracts be available for public review and observation on the City’s website.