AGA's Citizen-Centric Government Reporting Initiative
Governments exist to serve their citizens. Citizens have the right to an understanding of how their government operates and if their tax dollars are being spent efficiently and effectively. And governments have a responsibility to provide that information in an easily understandable way.
This initiative encourages governments to produce and publish an annual ‘state of the government’ report that is no more than four pages long. The reports, designed to be visually appealing, provide understandable information to citizens about the financial condition and performance of the government that answers the question, “Are we better off today than we were last year?”
AGA believes that the report will make governments more accountable to their citizens and will help Americans become more educated citizens, who are better able to participate in government activities. Governments are encouraged to include the report in their local newspaper and post it to their government website, which would provide easy access to the public.
Government financial statements are too large and too complicated for average citizens, meaning those without a college degree in finance, economics or accounting. Therefore, the majority of governments—federal, state and local—are not reaching their citizens with some of the most significant financial and performance information. Even local governments, rich with readily available financial and performance information, may fail to inform citizens if the data is not provided in an interesting and understandable way.
Where Do We Go From Here?
This document will improve governmental financial and performance reporting to citizens. As the thought leader for government accountability, we feel that this task is AGA’s responsibility. If we do not do this, who will?
AGA is working with public interest groups interested in civic engagement, good government, transparency and accountability. The initial reaction from the League of Women Voters and other groups has been very positive. Their willingness to participate with us in this grass-roots effort is very encouraging.
Get started with your own report!