Sunshine Week: Why Government Transparency Matters for Minnesota Cities

Each year, Sunshine Week (March 15–21) highlights the importance of open government and the public’s right to access information. For city officials and staff, it’s also an opportunity to reflect on the role transparency laws play in strengthening public trust and supporting effective local governance.

In Minnesota, those principles are embedded in the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act and the Open Meeting Law, which guide how cities provide access to government data and conduct public meetings. The Minnesota Data Practices Office (DPO) serves as a key resource to help government officials understand and comply with these laws.

To mark Sunshine Week, we spoke with Minnesota Data Practices Office Director Taya Moxley-Goldsmith about why transparency matters and how cities can support open government in their communities.

What Is Sunshine Week?

According to Moxley-Goldsmith, Sunshine Week is an annual, national initiative to highlight freedom of information and open government. The Minnesota Government Data Practices Act ensures the right of Minnesotans to access to government information.

Sunshine Week is scheduled each year around the birthday of James Madison, one of the nation’s Founding Fathers and a strong advocate for informed self-government.

“Government transparency laws are at the heart of American democracy,” Moxley-Goldsmith said. “The ability for voters to access information allows them to make informed decisions at the ballot box, participate fully in the democratic process and civic discourse, and hold their elected officials accountable.”

Why Transparency Laws Matter for Cities

For cities, transparency laws provide the framework for sharing public information while protecting private data. When implemented well, they can help strengthen relationships with residents and reinforce confidence in local government.

“The Data Practices Act serves as both an open records law and a privacy law,” Moxley-Goldsmith said. “When governments show the work they do, by providing access to public data, it allows constituents to have confidence in the decisions government makes.”

At the same time, protecting private data is equally important.

“When government protects data that are private, members of the public feel secure that their information is safe and used appropriately,” she said.

Transparency can also help cities navigate challenges.

“Government data can also show when government makes mistakes,” Moxley-Goldsmith said. “For government to acknowledge and remedy those mistakes in public fosters a healthy dialogue and feedback loop between communities and government.”

Best Practices for Promoting Transparency

City officials can take several proactive steps to support transparency and reduce confusion when responding to data requests.

“Keep lines of communication open,” Moxley-Goldsmith said. “Taking the time to discuss and explain how records are maintained is another way to keep the public informed and can result in clearer data requests.”

That communication can also help cities respond more efficiently.

“This in turn, helps government to identify responsive data more easily,” she said.

Cities can also make transparency easier by sharing information before requests happen.

“Proactively disseminate data that government knows will be of interest by posting public data on their websites and letting people know the data are available,” Moxley-Goldsmith said.

She also recommends making sure policies are easy to find.

“Make sure that the city’s access policies are updated and easily available.”

Communicating With Residents Before Requests Happen

Cities don’t have to wait for a formal request to share information with the public. Proactive communication can often reduce confusion and help residents better understand how government works.

“Communication is key,” Moxley-Goldsmith said. “If there’s an important decision or a significant incident in a city, they may choose to post public information on a website or explain why some information is available and some is not.”

Even when some data cannot be shared, explanation helps build understanding.

“Even when a city must withhold data because it is not public, explaining how the law works educates the public and hopefully leads to more informed engagement.”

Resources for Cities and the Public

The Minnesota Data Practices Office provides a variety of resources to help both government officials and members of the public better understand transparency laws.

“We have a lot of information on our website for government and the public and a YouTube channel with recorded trainings,” Moxley-Goldsmith said.

The office provides several specific tools:

• For the public: Resources explaining how to request government data, including a webpage with step-by-step guidance and a short YouTube video that walks through the process.
• For government officials: Model access policies, a model data inventory, training opportunities, and a bi-monthly newsletter to help cities stay informed and compliant.
• For both the public and government: Assistance answering questions about rights and responsibilities under the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act and the Open Meeting Law.

City officials or residents with questions can also contact the office directly.

Learn More: Free League Webinar on Responding to Data Requests

For city officials looking to strengthen their understanding of transparency laws, the April 16 “Your City’s Role in Responding to Data Requests” webinar offers a practical opportunity to learn more.

This free LMC webinar will walk through the basics of how cities should respond to data requests under the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act. Participants will gain practical guidance on roles, responsibilities, and best practices to help ensure their city responds to requests efficiently and in compliance with the law.

City staff and elected officials who handle or receive data requests are encouraged to attend.

A Shared Responsibility

For city officials and staff, transparency is an ongoing commitment, one that supports both accountability and community trust.

“The Data Practices Act needs and deserves routine attention from government and members of the public,” Moxley-Goldsmith said.

She also emphasized that transparency laws continue to evolve.

“Though the legislature determines what information is public in Minnesota, they balance the competing policy interests by hearing what’s working, what the challenges are, and what can be improved.”

Ultimately, maintaining open government requires participation from everyone.

“We each have an important part to play in that conversation.”