We hear it all the time: “Our government is transparent.” Officials say it. Agencies repeat it. Press releases frame it as a fact. But transparency isn’t a slogan – it’s a practice. And that practice doesn’t happen unless the public shows up and insists on it.
Right now, too many public meetings are filled with praise for “all the hard work being done,” followed by rubber-stamped approvals, vague references to behind-the-scenes conversations and information shared only after decisions have already been made. That’s not transparency. That’s performance.
So, the question becomes: What are we, the public, going to do about it?
Here’s the answer: We stay involved, we ask better questions, and we expect better answers. We don’t just show up once – we keep showing up.
The Public Has a Role to Play – And a Toolbox to Use
Real transparency means citizens watching the actual work of government happen in real time. It means decisions being made in full view of the public – not behind closed doors, not inside conversations, not with documents dumped online after a vote.
We don’t need special credentials or insider knowledge to ask for this, we just need to use the tools every citizen already has. Come to meetings. Ask focused questions. Stay on topic and follow up when your questions aren’t answered. If it helps, write them down in advance.
Keep your tone respectful, but don’t mistake civility for passivity. If you’re giving respect, it’s fair – and necessary – to expect it in return.
Government Accountability Requires More Than a Report
Public officials should not just tell us whom they met with or how hard they’re working. They should be doing the actual work of governing – budget reviews, decision-making, policy debates – in front of the public. In plain sight. With a clear explanation of when they received information, how thoroughly they reviewed it before voting or if they have any concerns.
Transparency means seeing not just the outcomes, but the process.
It’s not enough to ask what has been done. Ask:
What information was considered?
When was it received?
Who reviewed it?
Were those discussions open to the public?
If the answer is unclear, don’t let it slide. Keep asking.
The Meeting Room Belongs to the People
Let’s also be honest: Public meetings can feel intimidating. A board or committee member cuts you off. A condescending response makes you question whether you should’ve spoken up at all. But the reality is you belong in that room.
Your tax dollars pay for it. Your vote helped seat the people behind the table. You have every right to ask questions, expect answers, and push back when you’re not treated with respect.
That’s not being disruptive. That’s being a citizen.
We Can’t Just Watch. We Have to Participate.
Our democracy works best when the people who are governed stay engaged, not just when there’s a hot-button issue or controversy, but all the time. Transparency isn’t a favor elected officials do for the public. It’s a responsibility they owe us.
But they’ll only take that responsibility seriously if we do, too.
So, let’s keep showing up. Let’s keep asking the hard questions, not with hostility, but with clarity and resolve. Let’s expect not just access to documents, but access to the decision-making itself. Let’s remind our public servants that civility is a two-way street.
Because the minute the public stops asking, the answers stop coming. And if we want a government that works for the people, the people have to work for that government – by watching, questioning and refusing to let go of the thread.
Transparency starts with us. So let’s not just demand it. Let’s make it happen.
Toolbox: What to Bring to a Public Meeting
Want to show up prepared? Here are some tools to carry with you:
Your questions (written down): Prepare them ahead of time. Focus on facts, decisions, timelines and public access, not fluff.
A notebook or phone for notes: Write down responses, deferrals or promises made for follow-up. This holds everyone accountable.
Meeting agenda and minutes: Review the agenda before the meeting. Compare it to previous minutes to see what’s changed or delayed.
A calm, clear voice: Practice your statement or question. You’ll sound more confident, and be harder to ignore.
Civility and assertiveness: Respect others, but speak up if you’re not being respected in return. You have every right to be heard.
A follow-up plan: If you don’t get an answer, plan to return next time. Keep track of when and how your concerns are addressed.
A community ally or two: Bring a friend, neighbor or fellow advocate. It’s harder to dismiss citizens when they show up united.
Engaged citizens are the most effective oversight a government will ever have. Use your tools. Use your voice. And never underestimate the power of simply showing up.
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