Sitka’s city hall rolled out new public records request software Friday (6-12-26). Up until the launch, city staff managed requests through emails, a spreadsheet, and sticky notes, and they say the update will make the process more efficient for the clerk’s office and the public.
Deputy Municipal Clerk Holley Bayne said handling requests has become cumbersome in recent years. She said the number of requests has quadrupled in the past decade. In 2017, staff received 54 public records requests. That number grew to 209 in 2025.
“The times have changed from 15, 20 years ago, so we just want to change with it,” Bayne said. “And I think it’ll work out good on both ends.”
In February, the assembly unanimously approved roughly $21,000 for a two-year contract with NextRequest, an online platform designed to manage public records requests.
Bayne said the software will provide tips on how to narrow down a request, track staff time and the status of a request, and redact documents automatically. She said there’s also an option to make the requests go public facing, which could make it easier for other Sitkans to access information.
“Once we have our records that are returned to the public, now they’re a public document, [and] we can make a library where someone can search those documents available. They don’t have to do another records request,” Bayne said. “So that would be super helpful if there’s a hot topic that’s happening, you can just search for those records.”
Bayne said Sitkans will still be able to submit a paper request form if they prefer. You can find a link to the new portal here.
