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Plain-language guides for reading public meeting packets, questioning budgets, and turning what you find into action.
Getting started
A practical guide to finding resolutions, votes, and spending decisions inside a city council meeting packet — and knowing which sections actually matter.
August 12, 2026 · 7 min read
Read guideBudgets
Seven patterns in municipal and school district budget drafts that deserve a second look, plus the questions to ask at the podium.
August 20, 2026 · 8 min read
Read guideTransparency
A step-by-step guide to writing a public records request that gets answered, including timelines, fees, and what to do when you are denied.
August 26, 2026 · 6 min read
Read guideSchool boards
Where school board packets hide the decisions that affect classrooms: bond spending, enrollment projections, curriculum adoptions, and personnel actions.
August 29, 2026 · 6 min read
Read guideNew guides and findings from the network, delivered as they publish.
