The Washington State Open Public Meetings Act (OPMA) requires that all meetings of governing bodies of public agencies, including cities, counties, and special purpose districts, be open and accessible to the public. A meeting generally includes any situation in which a majority of a city council, board, commission, or other governing body meets and discusses the business of that body.

In order to be valid, ordinances, resolutions, rules, regulations, orders, and directives must be adopted at public meetings. The OPMA contains specific provisions regarding: regular and special meetings; executive sessions; types of notice that must be given for meetings; conduct of meetings; and penalties and remedies for violation of the OPMA. Here is a link to a great resource regarding Open Public Meetings (PDF).

Effective July 1, 2014, all members of governing bodies must complete OPMA training. Training must be completed within ninety days of taking the oath of office or assuming duties. Refresher OPMA training is also required for members of governing bodies every four years. Access the OPMA online training course here: Open Public Meetings Act.