AWC public records requests

Beginning April 1, 2025, AWC is using JustFOIA to manage public records requests. Please contact the Public Records Officer with questions related to public records requests which were closed prior to April 1, 2025.

• Request a public record from AWC through the public records center

View the AWC Public Disclosure Policy for more information regarding how requests are processed by AWC.

FAQs

What is a public record?

A public record is defined in RCW 42.56.010(3) as any writing that is prepared, owned, used, or retained by any state or local agency which contains information that relates to the conduct of government.

How are the five business days calculated when responding to a public records request?

RCW 42.56.520 provides that a response to a request for public records must be made within five (5) business days. The day the request is received does not count as one of the five (5) days. Weekends and holidays observed by the organization are also excluded in the calculation.

The Public Records Officer will respond to your records request within five (5) business days by taking one of the following actions:

• Provide notice when responsive records are available on the Public Records Portal, or make the record(s) available;
• Acknowledge receipt of the request and provide a reasonable estimate of when the records will be made available.
• Acknowledge receipt of the request, request clarification if all or a part of the request is unclear; and provide a reasonable amount of time when records will be made available;
• Deny the request.

What if I do not know the exact name or date of a record that I am looking for?

A valid public records request is a request for a specific and identifiable document. You do not have to identify the record you want with exact precision, but as much detail as you can provide will be helpful. Our public records officer is happy to assist in clarifying your request. Just let us know that you need assistance identifying the record or group of records when you place your request.

What information is exempt from disclosure?

Each record must be reviewed to determine whether it is exempt from disclosure. Most exemptions are listed in RCW 42.56.230 – 42.56.480. However, certain state and federal statutes outside the Public Records Act also provide exemptions from disclosure or prohibitions on disclosure of particular records. When a record is withheld, the specific statutory exemption on which the denial is based must be identified, along with a brief explanation of how the exemption applies.

Are public records requests confidential?

No. Once a public records request is received the request itself becomes a public record. We are required by law to retain public record requests for two years after the request was completed. During that time someone else may make a public records request for that document and we will provide it.

Is AWC required to provide all of the records responsive to a request at one time?

No. In some circumstances, the Public Records Officer may need to provide records in installments.

If the requestor fails to inspect one or more of the installments, the Public Records Officer will stop searching for the remaining records and close the request.

Must AWC create a document when responding to a specific request for public disclosure?

No. Washington case law has established that an agency is not required to create a record which is otherwise non-existent.

How can I make a payment for my request?

Fees are assessed in accordance with RCW 42.56.120 and section II.F.2 of the Public Disclosure Policy.

Please note that if no payment is made and other arrangements have not been made within 30 days of the request for payment, the request will be considered abandoned and closed.

Pay online using ACH, debit, or credit card!

1. Follow the link to the request or visit https://wacities.justfoia.com/publicportal/home/track
2. Select “Track Status” and enter the request number and security key
3. Click “Track”
4. Click on the credit card icon
5. Click “Continue to Payment”
6. You will be redirected to PayPal to make your payment
7. Login to PayPal, or select “Pay with Debit or With Credit Card”
8. Enter your payment information to securely pay your bill
9. Upon payment, the Public Records Officer will provide the requested records in the manner requested

Pay by mail or in person:

• Acceptable forms of payment: check, cashier's check, money order, and cash.
• Mail or bring payments during business hours to: AWC, Attn: Public Records Officer, 1076 Franklin Street SE, Olympia, WA 98501.
• Ensure the check is properly filled out, signed and references the request number.
• Anonymous requesters can use the request number instead of a name on cashier's checks or money orders.
• Upon payment, the Public Records Officer will provide the requested records in the manner requested.