Thread by @digiphile

Now listening to the 2021 DC #OpenGov Summit. dcogc.org/blog/2021-open…
In past years, the annual #SunshineWeek event was at @PressClubDC. The wifi is (much) better at home, but I miss seeing people. Thanks to @DCOGC for putting this together!

https://twitter.com/DCOGC/status/1372397881299206146

To lead off, @GingerMcCall asked @CouncilOfDC Members @chenderson & @CMBrookePinto why #opengov is important.

Henderson it's not just posting info online, but helping people to understand & engage, helping govt to be more responsive.

#OpenGov is fundamental to everything we do, said @CMBrookePinto, who was at the Office of @AGKarlRacine, including we're doing, why, & what our processes are as we go.

Pinto also said residents should be educated about how to make FOIA requests. cc @CouncilOfDC @DCOPENGOV

Everyone chuckled when @chenderson mentioned that Congress wrote the FOIA, but chose to exempt itself from the canonical public records statute.

As they note, the Members of the @CouncilOfDC ARE subject to FOI, like the legislators in 44 states:

https://twitter.com/digiphile/status/1105167315363082240

#opengov

Q: What could DC do better?
@chenderson suggests a common form for FOIA.
Please ask @OCTODC how much $ DC has spent on a "portal" & contractors for FOIA requests, &
try using it: foia-dc.gov/App/Index.aspx
Consider reform to define schema + a modern website: github.com/18F/foia-recom…

Now listening to @sandramoscoso talk with @ScottGoldstein from @EmpowerEdDC & @Kpattdc, who is discussing @ODCA_DC's new audit.

Patterson says transparency & public engagement are both critical. (She was a journalist for a decade & I think it shows!)

#SunshineWeek

ICYMI, @ODCA_DC just did a 2 year audit, & concluded "the District does not have the information it needs to accurately assess where children stand, how much learning has been lost, & what learners need to achieve their fullest potential."
dcauditor.org/report/measuri… #SunshineWeek

As @ScottGoldstein just explored, the disenfranchisement of 712,000+ Americans has a direct impact upon the ability of Washingtonians (like me) to engage in the self-governance of a critical government institution: our schools: ourschoolsourvoice.com

#DCStatehood #SunshineWeek

Now listening to @FOIANate (& awed by his beard), @DCOGC OG @fritzmulhauser, & @OOGDirector.
@DCOPENGOV Director says they'd like to see @DCPoliceDept reform fees for body cam footage as they're exorbitant compared to other city/states.

(@CouncilOfDC could do it…)
#SunshineWeek

The @OOGDirector says her office has "roared" at @MayorBowser's office about DC officials & staff not using @WhatsApp & other apps if public business there cannot be archived.

If so, @DCOPENGOV should disclose any guidance it has sent the Mayor on this count. #SunshineWeek

My favorite slip of the day just came at the end of @DCOGC's #OpenGov Summit, when Tom Susman referred to @chenderson @CMBrookePinto as Congresswomen. (If only!)

Susman has been a stalwart in improving & defending federal & DC FOI laws for many years:

https://twitter.com/digiphile/status/1128284898836516866