January Training Opens for Iowa Open Meetings Records

By Andi Anderson

Iowa public officials have an opportunity this January to meet required training standards and strengthen their understanding of government transparency.

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Community and Economic Development is offering Open Meeting and Open Records training through a series of virtual sessions.

Under House File 706, newly elected or appointed public officials in Iowa must complete training on the state’s open meetings and open records laws.

This requirement applies to city and county officials, board and commission members, municipal staff, and extension council members. The ISU Extension and Outreach course is approved by the Iowa Public Information Board and meets the legal requirement.

The training focuses on Iowa Code Chapters 21 and 22, often known as the state’s sunshine laws. Participants learn how to properly post public meeting notices, prepare clear agendas, manage closed sessions, and handle public records requests in line with state law. The sessions are designed to explain these topics in a clear and practical way.

Sara Shonrock, community development specialist with ISU Extension and Outreach, explains the value of the program, saying, “Many officials want to do the right thing but aren’t always sure how the statute applies in real-world situations,” and adds, “We break it down in plain language and use examples that reflect the decisions local boards and councils make every day.

Six virtual training sessions are scheduled in January. These include sessions on January 6, 8, 20, and 22, as well as January 27 and 29. Each session lasts about two hours and includes time for questions and discussion of real situations faced by local officials.

The training helps participants understand how open meetings and records laws guide daily governance decisions. By using real examples, the sessions support better decision making and help officials build public trust.

The registration fee for the training is $50 per participant, and advance registration is required. These sessions offer a practical and accessible way for Iowa public officials to meet state requirements while improving transparency and accountability in local government.

Photo Credit: iowa-state-university