Clerk Ethan Watson, Keller Appointee Who Led Administration Improvements of IPRA Process, Named 2020 William S. Dixon Award Winner

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – The New Mexico Foundation for Open Government (NMFOG) has announced their 2020 William S. Dixon Awards. This year, the Albuquerque City Clerk, Ethan Watson, received this important distinction in the category of Government, citing his prioritization of transparency and open government. The Dixon Award honors the late William S. Dixon, a first amendment advocate, and is awarded each year to citizens and organizations who champion transparency.

Watson, an Albuquerque native and UNM Law School graduate, was hired by Mayor Keller in 2018 as the City’s first Deputy City Clerk for Open Government. In this position, Watson centralized and professionalized the Inspection of Public Records (IPRA). In early 2020 Watson was promoted to the position of City Clerk where he continued to improve the IPRA response process, used data and analytics to drive digitization and publication of public records, and began a city-wide records retention and IPRA training program.

“My administration has long been committed to transparency and accountability,” stated Mayor Keller. “I appreciate NMFOG’s recognition of our City Clerk and the investments and commitments we’ve made to open government.”

“I’m grateful to receive this award, and appreciate the recognition.” Stated City Clerk, Ethan Watson. “This administration and my office work every day to make the government more accessible, and I look forward to continuing this important work.”

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