Open Meetings Act

The District of Columbia Open Meetings Act 
Open Meetings Act Training Video facilitated by Director Niquelle Allen:

The District of Columbia Open Meetings Act (OMA) requires that any gathering of a quorum of a public body where members consider, conduct or advise on public business offer the opportunity for the public to observe the meeting. The public must be given proper notice of such meetings and afforded the opportunity to review recordings of public meetings upon request. The Office of Open Government is responsible for training agencies, employees, and boards and commissions on the requirements of the OMA. The video above is a 30 minute training video on the requirements of the Open Meetings Act. Read the entire OMA.

What are the requirements of the Open Meetings Act?
The OMA is triggered anytime there is a gathering of a quorum of a public body, including hearings, roundtables, regular, special, or emergency meetings where members consider, conduct or advise on public business. (DC Official Code §2-574(1))

Who is excluded from the Open Meetings Act?  
A public body does not include District of Columbia courts, the Mayor’s cabinet, and Advisory Neighborhood Commissioners (ANC). (DC Official Code §2-574 (3)(A-F)). Private, not-for-profit organizations are not considered public bodies as contemplated by the Open Meetings Act. (Find your ANC)

How much notice is required?
All regularly scheduled meetings must be published in the District of Columbia Register. If a public body schedules a regular or special meeting, notice must be provided 48 hours or two business days (whichever is greater) in advance of the meeting. Notice must include date, time, location and the planned agenda. View a list of public bodies here.

How do I file an Open Meetings Act complaint?
Complaints may be submitted in person or via U.S. Postal Service at the Office of Open Government, Board of Ethics and Government Accountability, 1030 15th Street, Suite 700, Washington, DC 20005.  Complaints submitted by mail should be marked on the outside of the envelope "Open Meetings Complaint." Complaints may also be submitted by electronic mail at open.govoffice@dc.gov, with "Open Meetings Act Complaint" in the subject line of the electronic mail message.  Please copy niquelle.allen@dc.gov on your electronic mail complaint. The Office of Open Government will confirm receipt of your complaint within five (5) business days. 
Complaints should include the following: details of the meeting complained of; the public body that is the subject of your complaint; the date (or dates) the violation(s) occurred; and, if possible, the provision(s) of the OMA that were allegedly violated. You may also submit supporting records and/or the location of those records, including audio and video files if applicable.
You can access the OMA complaint form here: OMA Complaint Form.

What are the Regulations Concerning Open Meetings?
The Office of Open Government has the authority to issue regulations to implement the Open Meetings Act. Regulations were last issued and updated in 2019. The Regulations concerning Open Meetings may be accessed here: Open Meetings Regulations.

To file a OMA Complaint or for OMA Assistance
If you have questions about OMA or would like to file a complaint, contact:
Office of Open Government (BEGA)
1030 15th Street NW, Suite 700
Washington, DC 20005
Telephone: (202) 481-3411
Email: opengovoffice@dc.gov