Public Equals Online

The Open Government movement has been building across the country for several years. There are organizations, bloggers, web developers, and citizens in nearly every state who are working to make government more transparent through open data, but there are some states where activity and networks are especially strong.

During the first phase of our campaign - between now and November 2010 - we will be strategically targeting efforts in up to 8 states with extra attention and resources. That said, the campaign intends to operate at varying levels in all 50 states.

Our intent with this initial targeting is to learn as much as possible about what works and what doesn't, and ultimately be able to replicate best practices nationwide.

The Public=Online campaign is currently seeking to put extra attention and resources in the following states (subject to change at any point):

• Minnesota

• Pennsylvania

• Illinois

• Colorado

• New Mexico

• South Carolina

• Kansas

If you'd like your state to become a target state for the campaign, please contact campaign director Jake Brewer (jbrewer [at] sunlightfoundation.com)

Our initial target states have been chosen based on a number of factors, though primarily because there is already significant activity and organizing for more open government happening in each. We aim to put fuel on existing fires first and start new ones second.

Some of the other factors include:

• Strong blog and local media networks focused on state politics and transparency

• Communities of open government advocates taking action

• Organizations that are actively pursuing open government legislation in the state