SEPTEMBER 2026

Good news on the legal front, a new strategy for moving forward at a complicated time, and celebrations of good transparency actions across Washington. Those issues are the focus of this edition of  The WashCOG Watchdog. 

Executive Director’s Message

Fighting for transparency sometimes feels like whacking at cobwebs with a broomstick. You think you’re making headway, but the sticky strands cling to everything, and little pieces remain tucked away in dark corners.

Sometimes, the challenges require a new approach. A twist of the broom instead of a swipe. Or a vacuum instead of a broom. 

The WashCOG board looked at tools and methods of engagement during its annual retreat this summer in Redmond. The coalition uses that one-day gathering to share ideas and set strategy for the coming year based on what has happened and what might come next.

Good news came Sept. 2 with the Washington State Supreme Court’s decision to review our case against legislative secrecy. It means the subject isn’t yet closed, which gives us a chance to ask for some clarity.

It’s been a grueling three years since the Washington Coalition for Open Government joined with resident Jamie Nixon to sue the Legislature over its claim of privilege to withhold documents from the public.

The issue looms large in the people’s ability to keep an eye on their governance. We’ve seen a steady push toward secrecy in government for years now. We don't know the date yet, but the case is alive. We are thrilled for the opportunity to argue for the people's right to know.

SPOKANE — Online news outlet Range Media received a Key Award this summer from WashCOG for an investigative series about the increasing use of Flock Safety license plate cameras.

The newsroom spent five months gathering information, using the Public Records Act extensively to produce its series about issues raised by the surveillance cameras. 

SEDRO-WOOLLEY — Joe Kunzler of Sedro-Woolley, publisher of the online "Advocate's Corner," was presented a Key Award by the Washington Coalition for Open Government in June 2026 to honor his work advocating for government transparency and access by helping to track proposed legislation during the legislative session.

CENTRALIA — Brittany Voie was presented a Key Award in May 2026 for her use of public records to engage and enlighten the public about an official who left office and several others hoping to win an elected seat.

SEATTLE — Manuel Villa (right), stands with his editor, Mike Reicher, during a Key Award presentation at The Seattle Times offices in May 2026. Villa's investigative story reported on data that showed Seattle police officers and firefighters adding millions to their pensions through a practice called “spiking.”

The so-called “dog days” of summer have traditionally been the slow period for the Washington Coalition for Open Government. But this year, like last year, that trend seems to be changing.

The Government Committee continued to meet because we anticipate a slew of attacks on government transparency in the 2027 legislative session.

Tell friends and family about how important transparency is to a healthy government by and for the people. Read and share our newsletter and emails.  Many people have no idea of what's at stake. People like you make a difference. 

The Washington Coalition for Open Government believes government work is meant to be for the people and should be done in full view. We run on people power and donated funds. Email info@washcog.org if you can help with either of those.

Use the button below to easily donate.

Your concern for a responsible and transparent government that serves the people is essential to the health of our state and nation. Together, we can Shine the Light. 

Our Contact Information

Washington Coalition for Open Government

c/o Clark Raymond & Co., PO Box 2633 Redmond, WA 98073

(206) 782-0393

washcog.org

Email: info@washcog.org

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