#local-government-transparency

#local-government-transparency

"There was a public meeting, which most were unaware of," Jessie Chandler, a resident of rural Marion County, told Capital B, referring to a Jan. 22 council meeting. "I know legally they had to announce the public meeting within a certain time frame for all of us to attend, but most of the county [was] preparing for this winter storm, which we know firsthand will affect us all because it has before."

Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee faces a city with sky-high expectations. Residents demand immediate solutions to crime, illegal dumping, homelessness, and a struggling local economy. They also want their new leader to make local government more transparent and accountable. And many hope to see the mayor unify a city that became deeply polarized during the 2024 recall elections. Lee unveiled her political strategy right after the election.