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
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.
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.
“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
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.
News
News, opinion and open government information from the Michigan Coalition for Open Government.
MiCOG mourns passing of journalist & MiCOG co-founder Jane Briggs-Bunting
Michael Reitz, president of the Michigan Coalition for Open Government), released the following statement today on the death of journalist and college journalism dean Jane Briggs-Bunting, who was one of MiCOG’s founders.
Continue Reading MiCOG mourns passing of journalist & MiCOG co-founder Jane Briggs-Bunting
Opinion: Celebrate Sunshine Week, but know that government is still working in the dark
Open government laws are truly about life-and-death matters. We continue to fight the deadly coronavirus pandemic, struggle to come to grips with policing practices that discriminate against people of color and debate the election process that is so key to the survival of a democratic society.
Steve Delie selected as MiCOG’s first executive director
The Michigan Coalition for Open Government has selected Steve Delie as its first executive director, bringing on board an attorney who specializes in open government issues at the Mackinac Center for Public Policy to further MiCOG’s mission of making government more accountable to citizens.
Continue Reading Steve Delie selected as MiCOG’s first executive director