Transparency
Key Parts of US Laws are Hard for the Public to Find and Read
Oblique or missing references to standards and codes specified by law make it difficult for judges, lawyers and the general public to comply with regulations.
3 Ways Governments Can Regain Citizens’ Trust
COMMENTARY | Transparency, efficiency and accountability are the key ingredients to rebuilding confidence.
States and Cities are Moving to Make Virtual Hearings Permanent
In the nation's statehouses and city halls, officials want remote meetings to outlast the Covid-19 crisis. Disability advocates are among those who support the idea. Others worry about the loss of in-person interactions and diminished oversight.
Mayor Snagged in WhatsApp Debate
Use of the encrypted messaging app by Washington, D.C., Mayor Muriel Bowser’s administration rekindles discussion over apps that allow officials to skirt the spirit, if not the letter, of open records laws.
Legislation Seeks to Block Secrecy With Economic Development Deals
Bills put forward in at least three states aim to ensure there's transparency around tax breaks and other incentives.
How One City is Working to Make Spending Data More Transparent
Efforts by Los Angeles' controller to open up city fiscal data took on an added dimension when Covid-19 hit.
Billions Are Coming From Washington. The Fraudsters and the Corrupt Are Drooling.
COMMENTARY | Local governments should recognize the potential threat of corrupt uses of federal stimulus money by public officials. There are some steps auditors and honest public leaders can take to prevent fraudulent activity.
A Transparent Look at How Governments Are Spending the $350B in ARPA Funds
On Aug. 31, states and large localities had to provide reports on how they are allocating their federal funds. They also have to post them on transparency websites, which can help them learn from one another and coordinate spending plans.
These Steps Can Help Build Trust in Vaccination Programs
COMMENTARY | States and localities should prioritize using clear, science-based communication, restoring trust and providing better data to address the hesitancy some people have about getting the Covid-19 vaccine.
In One State, a Battle Over Publicly Naming Disciplined Police Officers
A state appeals court in New Jersey ruled that the attorney general does have the power to compel police departments to disclose the names of police officers who have been disciplined for misconduct.
A State Moves to Publicly Disclose Information on Workplace Coronavirus Outbreaks
The decision by Oregon officials comes after scrutiny over outbreaks at a fruit company there.
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