Award for Transparency in Government - Call for Entries

Does your city/town have an individual that deserves
to be recognized for their principles of transparency? 

The Don Rider Transparency in Government Award recognizes municipal governments and employees who live up to the principles of transparency, both in the letter and spirit of the law. Don Rider was a leader in the creation and passage of the two most important Oklahoma laws that help citizens interact with their government – the Open Records Act and the Open Meeting Act. The award was created in 2021 by the Oklahoma Municipal League and is co-sponsored by the Oklahoma Press Association.

Criteria for Selection:

• Encourage and promote citizen understanding of governmental processes and problems.
• Demonstrate and foster belief that all citizens have a right to know and be fully informed about their government.
• Recognize and exhibit that transparency in government builds trust with the public and press, and enhances credibility in the actions of government. 
• Understands and fosters the public need to engage in meaningful ways and have a broad and balanced view of their government and its services. 
• Establish and nurture opportunities for citizens to readily have access to information, teach or show citizens how to access that information, and understand how to use that information to improve the quality of life for their fellow citizens.
• Deliver and advance the public expectation that increasing access to information can lead to innovation, discovery, insight, understanding, and new ideas that improve government services for the people. 

Nomination Process:

To nominate someone, please submit a Letter of Nomination. This letter is not to exceed two pages and should include length of service, various positions held with the city and community involvement. Up to two additional Letters of Recommendation from other community, state, or national leaders may be submitted, along with the Letter of Nomination.

Please include a photograph or digital picture of the nominee with the nomination materials.

SUBMIT A NOMINATION

Nominations are due no later than August 1, 2025. A selection committee will review each nomination. The nominees will be invited to attend and be recognized at the Oklahoma Municipal League Awards Banquet scheduled for Thursday, September 11, 2025. If you have any questions, please contact Leslie Blair at OML.