Overview

I'm an approver in Legistar. I've just received an email saying I need to approve a file, but I'm unsure what to do next. How do I approve files?

Resolution

You can approve files both inside Legistar and though the web.

Legistar Approval Process

To approve a file using Legistar, complete the following steps:

  1. From the Home module, select the file you need to approve from the Approval Requests pane in the lower right quadrant of the screen.

  2. Review the TypeIn Control, and Agenda Date fields from the top of the screen.

  3. Click the Text File tab. If changes to the text are required, click Edit to access the text. Click Save to return to the Files screen.

  4. Click the Attachments tab to review attachments. Make sure they are named appropriately.

  5. Click the Associations tab to review any information there.

  6. Click the Details tab and make sure the drafter correctly added a File NameDepartment, and filled out any other necessary fields.

  7. Click the Approval Tracking tab. Your name will be highlighted in the list. 

  8. Click the Approver Action tab in the lower right.

  1. From and this tab, you can enter a note if you wish, then use one of the buttons to take your action:

  • Approve – Sends the file to the next person in the approval process.
  • Disapprove – Sends emails to the drafter and anyone who already approved the item, informing them that you did not approve the file. Be sure to add a note explaining why you did not approve the file.
  • Extend Due Date – Gives you more time to consider the file by extending the due date.
  • Use the Delegate drop-down menu to send the item to another eligible approver. 
  1. Whichever action you choose to take, you'll receive a prompt requiring your confirmation. Click Yes to continue.

Note: If you want to edit a file or add additional people to the approval sequence after sending it for approval, click the Approval Tracking tab and press the Pause button. This stops the approval process and allows you to modify the file.

Web Approval Process

To approve a file using the web, complete the following steps:

  1. Navigate to your organization's InSite webpage by clicking the link in your approval notice email or by entering the web address in your browser: <your site name>.legistar.com (remember to leave off the "www").

  2. Click Sign In in the top right corner. Legistar will remember you so you won’t have to do this every time.

  3. Click the Approval Tracking tab. If you don’t see that tab, click the My Accounts link in the top right corner to pull it up. You may also need to ask your Legistar system administrator to enable the tab.

  1. You can click Approve or Disapprove from this page if you're already familiar with the contents of the file. If you need to review the file, click the File ID of the item you would like to approve.

  2. Review the information on the screen.

    1. Make changes to the text if needed.

    2. Click View to review attachments.

    3. Click Edit to modify attachment names.

    4. If you make any changes to an existing attachment or need to upload a new attachment, do so using the Add new attachments field.

  3. Change the text and upload new attachments if needed.

  4. Enter any Notes if needed.

  5. Use the Action drop-down menu to select your approval action: Approve, Disapprove, or Extend Due Date. Alternately, use the Delegate drop-down menu to select an approver to delegate to. 

  1. Click Submit