Data Practices Process Audit (RES 26-1704)

At a glance

Based on uploaded (human-made) captions; staff names are partly garbled, so staff are identified by role.

What: accepting the audit committee's report on how the city handles data practices (public records) requests, prepared by an outside research consultant.
Where it stands: report accepted 7-0 on 2026-10-14.
Next: departments act on the recommendations; the city is also reviewing a competing records request product.

Requests have grown since 2020, most go to the Police Department; average close time is about 13 days and falling, median 4 days.
The tracking system manages requests but does not search records, so staff do the work; email review is a bottleneck and compliance calls are highly interpretive.
Recommendations: use existing tools more fully, a structured intake form, standard citywide procedures, refresher training, publish frequently requested records, and reassess technology periodically.
Vice President Yang asked what other agencies use; Council President Noecker noted new data practices staff in the budget and that the next audits cover street maintenance and licensing and safety inspections.

2026-10-14 - City Council - Audit report presented by the consultant; accepted 7-0.