You can now submit, track progress, and view responses to City of Piedmont public records requests entirely online, through a new portal available at piedmont.ca.gov/PRA.
The system, called NextRequest, creates a “one-stop shop” for all activities related to public records requests. In addition to managing their own requests, community members will be able to use the portal to view and track requests submitted by others.
Visit the portal
The platform collects all actions and information related to an individual records request, including clarifying questions and responsive documents, on a single page that can be viewed anytime, by anyone.
Online portal brings convenience and transparency to records requests
The NextRequest portal streamlines public records requests and makes the entire process more transparent.
State law mandates that cities provide records related to operations, activities, and decision-making processes to the public by request within certain timeframes. This can include documents, emails, maps, audio and video recordings, and photographs. Many public records, such as meeting agendas and videos, audited financial statements, and campaign finance reports, are already available online.
For records not readily available online, the City previously managed requests primarily through email, which could quickly become unwieldy, especially for complex requests.
NextRequest part of larger project to modernize City operations
The launch of NextRequest is another step forward in the City’s ongoing work to modernize operations, including making more services available online. This is one of several public- facing technology upgrade projects planned for 2025, which also include online business licensing and a new City website.
Visit piedmont.ca.gov/PublicRecords to learn more about what is considered a public record, and for step-by-step instructions for making a records request. With questions, contact City Clerk Anna Brown at [email protected].