Combo of record spending and low turnout in LA mayoral race sees 87 dollars spent per vote
Los Angeles mayoral race may have had the lowest turnout since '30s. Read More
Categories: Elections, Transparency
Transparency train keeps rolling with President’s open data executive order
President Barack Obama issued a historic executive order and new open data policy making vast troves of previously inaccessible government data available for public scrutiny and use. Read More
Categories: Transparency
Walnut Creek thinks outside the transparency box with new Budget Story
The Budget Story carefully lays out Walnut Creek’s finances in a way that’s visually appealing and easy to grasp – it’s more magazine than textbook. Read More
Categories: Accountability, Transparency
Sen. Leland Yee speaks on voting & civic education
Were able to ask State Sen. Leland Yee (D - San Francisco) about his views on some vital topics on the FOCE’s agenda. Read More
Categories: Elections, Transparency
Is the state Medical Board doing enough?
Wouldn't you like to know if your doctor is qualified, licensed and generally up to snuff? Read More
Categories: Transparency
San Francisco commits to open data
In 2010, San Francisco leaders passed the city’s first open data ordinance, which essentially said that “as a city we should consider any and encourage the release of data by our various city agencies.” Read More
Categories: Transparency
Interview with Chris Emami, author of Anaheim campaign finance report
Less than 10 percent of California cities make campaign finance and candidate filings available online. Read More
Categories: Transparency
California gets dismal grade from U.S. PIRG in government transparency
According to the annual “Following the Money” report, having dropped from 43rd to 49th place, California is only slightly more open about how it spends money than North Dakota. Read More
Categories: Government, Transparency
San Jose sets example of better, honest government after court ruling
City officials' texts, emails, and electronic communications will be made part of the public record Read More
Categories: Transparency
The State of Transparency in California: 2013
California Forward Wednesday released the State of Transparency in California, an analysis which explores the core issues of governmental accountability and transparency in the Golden State. Read More
Categories: Government, Transparency
California community colleges scorecard aims for higher transparency and accountability
For those interested in higher education, when it comes time, choosing the right institution is a tough decision. Read More
Categories: Education, Transparency
What does transparency mean to you?
One week from Monday marks the start of Sunshine Week, a global recognition of transparency efforts and an opportunity for watchdog organization to issue scorecard reports on local municipalities, states, and countries. Examples are all around us as to why such a week is necessary. It's an ideal as a standard but the gap between desire and reality is quite large. Read More
Categories: Government, Accountability, Transparency
Should LAPD follow the footsteps of other cities toward more transparency?
Transparency has always been a big deal here at California Forward, but events over the last few days have turned our attention to the issue even more. Read More
Categories: Transparency
City of Oakland jumps on transparency bandwagon
Oakland residents now have the city's data at their fingertips thanks to the recently launched Open Data Platform Read More
Categories: Transparency
The dynamics of governing Open Data
As public agencies are being pushed to release more data, a report from the Center for Technology in Government (CTG) looks at what governments should consider before implementing transparency initiatives to ensure efforts have a valuable impact on good governance and public utility. Read More
Categories: Government, Transparency
Video: Palo Alto continuing open data push for city government
The city is using technology to create a more inclusive form of local government. Months after its launch, we wanted to find out how if citizens are answering the call to become more engaged. Read More
Categories: Government, Transparency
CALPIRG transparency report raises broader questions on public access
Last week CALPIRG released a new report on Transparency in City Spending, evaluating transparency efforts in 30 of the nation’s most populous cities. Read More
Categories: Government, Transparency
Lakewood organization demands transparency, accountability from local elected leaders
When we hear about citizens taking action, we want to share their efforts. The Lakewood Accountability Action Group is a nonprofit “holding elected officials accountable for their action or inaction.” Read More
Categories: Government, Transparency
California Democrats continuing march toward campaign transparency
It is only weeks into this new legislative session and Democratic state lawmakers have already introduced a handful of bills aimed at increasing campaign disclosure requirements and transparency in California’s elections. Read More
Categories: Government, Transparency
Taking year-end inventory of government transparency in California
Looking back over the past year, the citizenry of California scored some wins in government accountability with upgrades like citizen redistricting and online voter registration. But the halls of state government are still being obscured by dark campaign money and shady legislating, such as the infamous gut-and-amend. Will 2013 be the Year of Transparency? Read More
Categories: Government, Transparency