San Jose Municipal Code Part 1 Name and Purpose

A. This chapter will be referred to as the "open government ordinance." The city is committed to open and honest government and strives to meet the community's expectations consistently by providing excellent service, in a positive and timely manner, and in the full view of the public.

B. The city council appointed the sunshine reform task force to provide recommendations on a number of matters related to open government. The recommendations of the sunshine reform task force included tools to increase public access to information, enhance neighborhood and community participation, and ensure government accountability.

C. The specific recommendations of the sunshine reform task force, as adopted by the city council, are contained in that certain consolidated open government and ethics resolution adopted simultaneously with this chapter and referred to as "the consolidated open government and ethics resolution." These policies and procedures are an integral part of a citywide initiative to assist all segments of city government to understand and adopt the reforms and model the behavior of an ethical organization. These policies and procedures are intended to complement the city employee values of integrity, respect, innovation, excellence, collaboration and celebration.

D. The provisions of this chapter and the consolidated open government and ethics resolution implementing this chapter, are in addition to all applicable state laws.

(Ord. 29460.)