In today's edition, the Wisconsin Senate disapproves of the State's ethics and elections leaders, MuckRock explains why it's not worth trying to FOIA the White House and where your efforts would be better directed, tech giants make 2017 a big year for lobbying, bad news for a Russian opposition leader, and more.
Continue readingToday in OpenGov: Under pressure
In today's edition, the federal government reopens, Facebook starts to face the facts, Ryan Zinke fails to disclose, varied interests boost their lobbying investment, we launch our crowdlaw guide, and more.
Continue readingHow Glendale, Arizona is using Tactical Data Engagement to improve procurement
We collaborated with the City of Glendale, Arizona on our first Tactical Data Engagement pilot project. Building on the success of this first project, Glendale also wanted to use data and evidence to improve the way it manages city contracts.
Continue readingMake open data policy more participatory with our new crowdlaw guide
Crowdlaw and open data policies are uniquely suited for one another: both are rooted in the principle that democratic government is a participatory and collaborative exercise. Successful crowdlaw processes require more than simply posting a draft policy language online, however. Our new guide is designed to help city staff make this process as robust and inclusive as possible.
Continue readingToday in OpenGov: Closed government
As of Monday morning, the U.S. federal government is officially shut down. The Senate has a vote scheduled for 12 PM EST, but it is still unclear if there is a deal in place to fund the government. Despite the closed government in Washington, it was a busy weekend for open government news. Read on for all the latest, including an attempt to undermine Congress' independent ethics office, a look at how President Trump handles his political money, renewed anti-corruption protests in Romania, and more.
Continue reading6 Ways to Free the Freedom of Information Act
In its first meeting of 2018, the federal Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Advisory Committee unanimously voted to approve a series of recommendations. If implemented, they would improve transparency, accountability and efficiency in administering the nation's preeminent public records law at federal government agencies. Bonus news: a new FOIA.gov is coming soon.
Continue readingHelp community groups use your city’s open data: Apply to be the next pilot of Tactical Data Engagement
Is your city interested in helping community groups put city open data to use addressing local challenges? If so, consider applying to be a Tactical Data Engagement pilot city.
Continue readingToday in OpenGov: Shut it down?
In today's edition, Washington inches closer to a government shutdown, several Trump administration figures face conflict questions, Idaho lawmakers opt out of disclosing their finances, attempts to remove a key anti-corruption official face backlash in Portugal, and more.
Continue readingToday in OpenGov: Faking it
In today's edition, President Trump announces his "fake news" awards, there were more FOIA lawsuits in 2017, the House makes moves on foreign lobbying reform, What Works Cities reaches a milestone, world press freedom is ranked, and much more.
Continue readingToday in OpenGov: Subpoenas
Quote of the day: “Only truth and transparency can guarantee freedom.” - Senator John McCain (R-AZ). Read on for the rest of the days open government news including, piloting our ideas around tactical data engagement, a subpoena for Stephen Bannon, a meeting of the FOIA Advisory Committee, and more.
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