Minnesotans for Open Government

Our commentary about lack of transparency in ICE operations is in the Minnesota Star Tribune. startribune.com/readers-writ…

Did you sign up for our new newsletter yet? MNOG's newsletter aims to warn you about dangers to public access in MN & to spotlight occasional victories. Check out the first edition here: minnesotans-for-open-governm…

We'd appreciate any donation amount, even $20! If money is tight for you, we'd also welcome your time. We have open seats on our board and we regularly have volunteer opportunities. Reach out if you're interested! THANK YOU!

We are working to do more training for journalists & members of the public about how to file public data requests. We also are always available to answer ??s or help troubleshoot (we can't offer legal services). Your donation will help us tackle these new initiatives!

MNOG has been around for a long time, but this past year we changed our name. It used to be Minnesota Coalition on Government Information (MNCOGI). We just launched a new website, mnog.org, & next month we are starting a monthly newsletter!

Are you passionate about transparency in local govt? If so, please consider donating to Minnesotans for Open Government. This is Minnesota's all-volunteer, non-partisan, nonprofit,working to ensure we don't lose access to govt records & mtgs. givemn.org/organization/Minn…

Check out our new website, mnog.org, and sign up for a monthly newsletter -- coming soon -- that will keep you up to date on Minnesota issues related to government record or meeting access.

Minnesotans for Open Government board members are deeply saddened by the violent actions & tragic loss of life today.  Political violence has no place in our civic life.  We extend our sympathies to the families of the legislators who have suffered these terrible acts.

Commentary from MNOG: Minnesota's Open Meeting Law damaged in rush to legislative finish line. wctrib.com/opinion/columns/m…

Today we gave the late Ramsey County District Court Judge Patrick Diamond the John Finnegan Freedom of Information Award. His 2024 ruling in a public records case set a valuable precedent that substantially contributes to open govt in MN. mncogi.org/2025-freedom-of-i…

Today we honored @StarTribune reporter Randy Furst (@randyfurst) with the John Borger Freedom of Information Lifetime Achievement Award. During his 52-year career he was a fierce defender of First Amendment & govt transparency. mncogi.org/2025-freedom-of-i…

We are an all-volunteer board and we're working hard to increase our reach because access to public records has become more crucial than ever. Thank you for your support!

We recognize excellence in pursuit of open government w/ John R. Finnegan Freedom of Information Award. Most recent winner: Elder Voice Family Advocates for creating online tool to search for facilities’ care-quality track records & any history of abuse, neglect or exploitation

MnCOGI worked on initiatives to improve Minnesota’s Open Meeting Law (OML), and also worked to stem problematic OML legislation.

MnCOGI spokesperson Don Gemberling testified before the Legislative Commission on Data Practices regarding problems with the Minnesota Supreme Court’s new interpretation of the Attorney General’s data classification statute.

MnCOGI has been providing input to a working group focused on red light camera/speed camera policy. During 2024 legislative session, MnCOGI took part in negotiations over the red light/speed camera pilot project that passed at the end of session.

At the Minnesota Capitol, MNCOGI protects the public's right to know under the Data Practices Act, working both to pass needed new laws and to curb efforts that could impinge on existing public data access rights.

MnCOGI frequently provides pro bono advice for average citizens, journalists and anyone else with public records and public meetings issues. postbulletin.com/opinion/let…

MnCOGI helped build media coalition that led to worldwide livestreaming of Derek Chauvin & Kim Potter trials. That persuaded MN Supreme Court to expand camera access to criminal trials. apnews.com/article/court-cam…

MnCOGI sued the City of Minneapolis over its denail of public access to police disciplinary files. We argued that the Minneapolis Police Department had been hiding discipline of serious misconduct by calling it "coaching". startribune.com/minneapolis-…