New Local Government Transparency Initiative

The Wisconsin Women’s Council, in partnership with the Wisconsin Newspaper Association and the Wisconsin Broadcaster’s Association, is launching a new initiative recognizing units of local government that provide easy access to information on public officials and public meetings through their official websites.

“ConnectWI is a platform for recognizing excellence in transparency and creating a source for best practices. Done well, website transparency is a tremendous resource for the media, the public and opens doors for constituents to better know and engage with their public officials,” said Christine Lidbury.

“The public often struggles to find the most basic information about who represents them and how to participate,” said Beth Bennett, executive director of the Wisconsin Newspaper Association. “Hopefully, this program will encourage all levels of government to be more transparent.”

“It is well worth the time and effort to simplify the digital connection between people and their local governments,” said Michelle Vetterkind, president and CEO of the Wisconsin Broadcasters Association. “Expanding knowledge and information is always a good thing and ConnectWI is a great program to help build this civic bridge.”

Wisconsin is home to 2,350 local elected bodies, with a combined total of more than 13,000 elected officials. ConnectWI will accept applications from interested entities and announce recipients on a quarterly basis.

Interested units of governments can apply for the designation online at womenscouncil.wi.gov/ConnectWI. The first round of website recognitions will be announced on July 15.