The ABCs of Open Government Laws

Mar. 17, 2026

Popular ILG Resource Updated for 2026

Governing and operating transparently is a key component of building trust within your community. Especially in the wake of recent updates to the Brown Act, it is important to understand how your community expects your agency to ‘conduct the public’s business in public.’

We have updated* our popular pamphlet, “The ABCs of Open Government Laws,”which provides a plain-language overview of what decision-makers need to know about California’s transparency laws (the Brown Act and the Public Records Act). As a bonus, we have also included a draft Model Policy on Disruption of Telephonic or Internet Service During Meetings of Eligible Legislative Bodies.

This resource summarizes three core areas of governance:

  1. General rules of the Brown Act and closed sessions
  2. The public’s rights in public meetings
  3. General rules of the California Public Records Act (CPRA)

ILG is able to make this resource available to local officials and others as a result of much-appreciated support from our valued Corporate Partners.

Click/tap the image below to download the pamphlet.

The image features a guide titled "The ABCs of Open Government Laws," emphasizing transparency in public agency processes.

 

* ILG Corporate Partners contributed to reviewing and updating this resource. All decisions regarding the final content of this pamphlet were ILG’s.