Public Meetings Overview

The Oregon form of government requires an informed public, aware of the deliberations and decisions of governing bodies and the information upon which such decisions were made.  It is the intent of [Oregon’s public meeting laws] that decisions of governing bodies be arrived at openly.  Oregon’s public meeting laws are intended to benefit both the public and government. The public benefits by gaining a better understanding of the reasoning behind decisions, which in turn leads to greater public trust in government and greater public involvement.  Oregon’s public meetings are governed by ORS 192.610 to 192.695 which addresses faucets of public meetings including notice and recordkeeping requirements, public attendance, and executive sessions.