Additional menu

Michigan Coalition for Open Government

Information about open access to government information

Open Government is Good Government

The Michigan Coalition for Open Government is a statewide, volunteer effort of individuals, businesses and organizations committed to educating citizens about their right to access public records, attend public meetings and watchdog their local and state governments, school boards and other public bodies. Become a member or make a financial contribution to our efforts.

Join the Coalition
View of the Michigan Capitol building from the east side
Michigan Capitol

Democracies die behind closed doors. … When government begins closing doors, it selectively controls information rightfully belonging to the people.

U.S. APPEALS COURT JUDGE DAMON KEITH, IN DETROIT FREE PRESS V. ASHCROFT, AUG. 26, 2002
A man in a dark suit holds a manilla file folder behind his back

PUBLIC RECORDS

Learn about how you can access government records

The Michigan Freedom of Information Act helps ensure your access to documents held by state and local government entities and public schools.

Freedom of Information Resources
People sit in the audience of a public meeting in front of a dias where decision-makers sit.

PUBLIC MEETINGS

Learn about attending state and local government meetings

Michigan’s Open Meetings Act requires state and local government boards, councils, commissions, committees and other entities hold meetings in public to conduct their business.

Open Meeting Resources

“It is the public policy of this state that all persons … are entitled to full and complete information regarding the affairs of government and the official acts of those who represent them as public officials and public employees, consistent with this act. The people shall be informed so that they may fully participate in the democratic process.”

Michigan Freedom of Information Act, MCL Sec. 15.231
The sun shown on the horizon of a sky with a yellow and orange glow

support open government initiatives

MiCOG’s Sunshine Agenda

The board of directors of the Michigan Coalition for Open Government has established a set of guiding principles to promote and expand the public’s access to its state and local governments.

Learn More

News

More News from MiCOG

News, opinion and open government information from the Michigan Coalition for Open Government.