The City of Wichita website wichita.gov has won a Sunny transparency award, which honors the most transparent government websites in the nation.
“The City Council has stressed the importance of transparency for this organization,” City Manager Robert Layton said. “We’re honored to receive a Sunny Award and we will continue to empower and engage citizens by providing information necessary to keep them informed on the actions their government is taking on their behalf.”
Editors at Sunshine Review analyzed more than 1,000 qualifying government websites, grading each on a 10-point transparency checklist. They looked at content available against what should be provided, seeking information on items such as budgets, meetings, lobbying, financial audits, contracts, academic performance, public records and taxes. Sunny winners received an “A” grade during the extensive grading process. The award went to 250 government entities.
“The Sunny Awards recognize governments that make transparency a priority,” said Michael Barnhart, President of Sunshine Review. “The Sunny winners are cities, counties and school districts that proactively share public information that empowers citizens and keeps government accountable to the people. We congratulate Wichita for being a champion for transparency.”
The Sunny Awards announcement falls during the annual Sunshine Week, March 10-16. Wichita’s recognition was postponed a few days after the City recently launched an updated wichita.gov. The new wichita.gov also met “A” grade level for transparency.
Sunshine Week is a period recognized nationally by hundreds of media and civic organizations. The week celebrates the efforts of activists and the strides taken towards open government.
Sunshine Review is a nonprofit organization dedicated to state and local government transparency, collaborating with individuals and organizations throughout America in the cause of an informed citizenry and a transparent government. Since its inception in 2008, Sunshine Review has analyzed the websites of all 50 states and more than 7,000 state and local entities. For information on Sunshine Review, please contact Meghan Tisinger at
Meghan@TKOCommunicationsLLC.com or (703)965-1145.
