A benefit of its scale, local government provides greater accessibility to the public than do its state or federal counterparts. The general public can attend municipal and school board meetings, often with the ability to address the governing boards directly. They may interact with their elected officials as part their daily life. More so than any other level of government, the engagement and participation by the public in helping shape local policies is limited more by the public itself than by the government.
Access to government is commonly discussed in terms of open and transparent meetings and decision making pursuant to the Open Meetings Law, and the disclosure of records and information under the Freedom of Information Law. Mobile devices, wireless and cellular technology and social media make all of this information (and its evil twin, misinformation) available almost instantaneously. Often, someone does not even have to be searching for the information; it can be instantly pushed to their device of choice, be it a mobile phone, laptop or smartwatch. Participation in government action is no longer confined to in-person meetings and traditional media. A wide array of social media and online forums or communities create new avenues of access to local government for the public.
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