Transparency, Civic Engagement, and Technology Use in Local Government Agencies: Findings from a National Survey

Abstract

This report presents findings from a 2010 national survey of local governments on transparency and information dissemination, public participation, and technology use and its effects, as part of a long-term research study interested in understanding the relationships between technology and civic engagement in local governments sponsored by Institute for Policy and Civic Engagement at University of Illinois at Chicago. The survey was administered to government managers in 500 local governments with citizen populations ranging from 25,000 to 250,000. For each city, lead managers were identified in each of the following five departments: general city management, community development, finance, police, and parks and recreation. A total of 902 responses were received for a final response rate of 37.9%. This report draws from the statistical analysis of the survey data, and is organized into three sections: Transparency and Information Dissemination, Public Participation, and Technology Use.