Open Wyoming: Equality State Policy Center’s Government Accountability Initiative

Presented By Wisconsin Equality State Policy Center

This Movement Is Currently
In The Planning Stage.

Wyoming stands as a state of stunning natural beauty, fierce independence, and deep community bonds. Yet beneath this proud tradition lies a troubling reality: our state government operates with some of the weakest transparency protections in the nation. Public records can remain shrouded in secrecy, government meetings occur without adequate notice, and ethics regulations leave wide gaps that undermine public trust. The Equality State Policy Center believes that regardless of political affiliation, all Wyoming citizens deserve a government that operates in the clear light of day.

Our government accountability initiative addresses fundamental questions at the heart of Wyoming’s democracy: Who holds power? How are decisions made? And most importantly, whose interests are being served? In a state where extractive industries wield significant influence, where rural communities struggle for representation, and where complex policy decisions impact generations to come, these questions could not be more urgent.

The path toward a more transparent Wyoming begins with concrete policy reforms. We are advancing a comprehensive legislative package to strengthen the Wyoming Public Records Act, ensuring that citizens can access information about how their tax dollars are spent. Simultaneously, we’re working to modernize the Open Meetings Act for the digital age, closing loopholes that allow critical decisions to occur outside public view. These efforts are complemented by our campaign to establish an independent ethics commission with real enforcement authority – a basic accountability measure already present in 43 other states.

Beyond legislative reform, we recognize that transparency requires active citizen engagement. That’s why we’re developing an innovative Democracy Lab program in communities across Wyoming. These civic training institutes equip ordinary citizens with the knowledge and skills to effectively participate in government processes. From understanding how to request public records to learning how to testify at legislative hearings, participants emerge ready to exercise their democratic rights. In rural communities often left out of decision-making, these skills prove particularly transformative. As one participant from Thermopolis reflected, “I always thought government was something that happened to us, not something we could shape. Now I see paths to make our voices heard.”

The digital transformation of government presents both challenges and opportunities for transparency. Our Digital Democracy Initiative harnesses technology to make government more accessible to all Wyoming residents. Through our Government Guide online portal, citizens can track legislation, access voting records, explore campaign finance data, and connect with elected officials – all in one user-friendly platform. We’re also piloting a text alert system that notifies residents about upcoming meetings, public comment periods, and policy decisions relevant to their interests and location.

Wyoming’s unique political landscape demands innovative, non-partisan approaches to advance accountability. Rather than imposing solutions, we’ve launched Listening Sessions in communities from Sundance to Evanston, bringing together diverse stakeholders to identify shared transparency priorities. These conversations bridge political divides by focusing on common values: honest government, efficient use of taxpayer money, and citizen access to decision-making processes.

The future we envision is one where ranchers checking water quality data, parents reviewing school board decisions, small business owners examining tax policy, and community advocates tracking healthcare funding can all readily access the information they need to participate meaningfully in democracy. With your support, Equality State Policy Center will continue building a Wyoming where government truly belongs to its people – transparent, ethical, and accountable to all.