Columbia Transparency policy ordinance (§ 2-24.1)

(a) It shall be the policy of each department of the city to carry out its mission with full transparency to the public. Any data collected in the course of its duties shall be made available to the public in a timely fashion. Data, reports and other information resulting from any activities conducted by such department of the city in the course of its duties shall be easily accessible by any member of the public.

(b) Each department of the city shall broadly interpret any request for information under RSMo 610.023:

(1) Even if such request for information does not use the words "sunshine request," "open records request," "public records request" or any such similar wording;

(2) Even if the communication is simply an inquiry as to the availability or existence of data or information; and

(3) Regardless of the format in which the communication is made, including electronic mail, facsimile, internet, postal mail, in person, telephone or any other format.

(c) Any failure by a department of the city to release information shall, in addition to any other applicable violation of law, be considered a violation of the transparency policy of the city and shall constitute a breach of the public's trust.

(d) This section shall not be construed to limit or exceed the requirements of the provisions in RSMo ch. 610, nor shall this section require different treatment of a record considered closed or confidential under RSMo 610.021 than what is required under such section.