Beginning today, residents can complete a more detailed search of City Council legislation. City Clerk Miguel del Valle’s office created an enhanced search feature that allows users to search key 2009 legislation by sponsor or co-sponsor, committee, date or legislation status.
“Over the last 2 years I’ve worked to modernize our office and make it more accessible to everyone. This new feature is another step in this modernization and increase in transparency,” said Clerk del Valle.
While the Web site has had the capability for users to search legislation dating back to 1981, Clerk del Valle has consistently worked to make the Website even easier to navigate. He and his staff meet on a regular basis with community groups and residents to find out what features they would like to have available on the Web site.
One of the most frequent requests is for legislation sponsor search feature.
The new Web site feature is found under the City Council drop down menu at ChiCityClerk.com.
The Key Legislation search allows a user to search 2009 legislation by sponsor or co-sponsor, City Council committee, status of the legislation, or date of introduction or passage. Eventually, the office hopes to also add the same search function for 2008 key legislation.
Former Alderman Dick Simpson and current University of Illinois at Chicago Political Science Professor said Clerk del Valle’s office has made great strides to increase access to City Council documents. “It’s a thousand times better than it was when I served in the Council,” Simpson said.
But community groups I work with have consistently mention the desire to search on the website for legislation by their local alderman or committee. Now with the new enhanced search feature they will be able do this. It will be easier for everyone to find information and participate in their government.”
In addition, the City Clerk’s office now records and archives video broadcasts of the City Council meetings, which are available to the public. City Council meetings continue to also be broadcast live on the City Clerk’s Web site.
Since being elected City Clerk in 2007, del Valle has greatly increased transparency and access to Chicago government.
The City Clerk’s Web site now posts Aldermanic Financial Interest Statements and City Council legislation, including the Journal of Proceedings and Executive Orders, broadcasts City Council meetings, and has a searchable database of all City Council legislation dating back to 1981.
About City Clerk del Valle
Miguel del Valle was elected as Clerk of the City of Chicago in 2007.
City Clerk del Valle’s office is responsible for maintaining official city government records, distributing approximately 1.3 million vehicle stickers and residential parking permits, and issuing city business licenses.
City Clerk del Valle is bringing more efficiency and visibility to City Clerk services by providing greater access to public records, including web casting of City Council meetings, expanding community outreach programs, modernizing operations to expedite the sale of dog registrations, city stickers and residential parking.
Visit ChiCityClerk.com for more information.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Kristine Williams, 312-744-2507
Kristine.Williams@cityofchicago.org
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