About the Project

The Transparency Project of Georgia advocates for openness in local government — because an informed citizenry is the foundation of a free society.

Our Mission

The Transparency Project of Georgia is dedicated to the principle that government belongs to the governed. We believe that citizens can only exercise meaningful oversight of their government when they have access to the information they need — access to public records, access to public meetings, and access to the knowledge required to use those rights effectively.

Our mission is to provide that knowledge. We do this through educational resources, advocacy editorials, practical guides, and a community of citizens and journalists committed to holding government accountable.

What We Do

The Transparency Project of Georgia provides:

  • Educational resources on Georgia's Open Meetings Act and Open Records Act
  • Free editorials on open government topics, available for republication by any media outlet
  • Practical guides for citizens making records requests or attending public meetings
  • A platform for sharing experiences with open government battles in Georgia
  • Connections to legal resources through our partnership with the Georgia First Amendment Foundation

Our Core Belief

Patrick Henry warned that "the liberties of a people never were, nor ever will be, secure when the transactions of their rulers may be concealed from them." Thomas Jefferson declared that an informed public — not government — holds the ultimate power in a republic.

These principles are not historical artifacts. They are the living foundation of American democracy. The Open Meetings Act and the Open Records Act are modern expressions of these founding ideals — and the Transparency Project of Georgia exists to help all Georgians use them.

Our Partnership with the GFAF

The Transparency Project of Georgia operates in close partnership with the Georgia First Amendment Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and advancing First Amendment rights. The GFAF's resources — including the Red Book, Blue Book, and Green Book guides to Georgia sunshine laws — are featured prominently on this site and are available free of charge to all Georgians.

Disclaimer: The Transparency Project of Georgia does not provide legal counsel. The opinions expressed on this site do not constitute legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney for individual legal guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions About TPOG

What is the Transparency Project of Georgia?

The Transparency Project of Georgia (TPOG) is a research and advocacy project dedicated to promoting openness in local government across the state. We provide citizens, journalists, and public officials with information and resources related to Georgia's Open Meetings Act and Open Records Act.

The project was created by Jim Zachary, an award-winning editorial writer and longstanding advocate for open government, and was later adopted by the Georgia First Amendment Foundation as a sister initiative.

Who founded the Transparency Project of Georgia?

The project was founded by Jim Zachary, who is also the creator of the Tennessee Transparency Project. Zachary has spent decades covering local government as a journalist and writing editorials advocating for stronger sunshine laws and better compliance by government bodies.

The project has involved many contributors, including Kelsey Cochran, who served as project manager and moderator, and numerous volunteer writers and advocates who shared their experiences with open records and open meetings.

How does the Transparency Project of Georgia differ from the Georgia First Amendment Foundation?

The Georgia First Amendment Foundation (GFAF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a broader mission that includes defending all First Amendment rights — press freedom, speech, religion, assembly, and petition. The GFAF publishes legal guides, advocates in the legislature, and provides legal referrals.

The Transparency Project of Georgia has a narrower focus on practical open government advocacy — sharing information, publishing editorials, and helping citizens understand how to use Georgia's sunshine laws in everyday situations. The two organizations work closely together and share resources.

Does the Transparency Project of Georgia take on individual cases?

The project is primarily a research and education initiative, not a legal advocacy organization. We can point citizens to appropriate resources — the GFAF, the Attorney General's mediation program, the Georgia Press Association — but we do not provide direct legal representation or case advocacy.

We do provide guidance based on our knowledge of Georgia sunshine law, and we encourage citizens to share their experiences with us so that patterns of obstruction can be identified and publicized.

How can I contact the Transparency Project of Georgia?

You can reach the project by email at [email protected]. We welcome questions, editorial submissions, experience reports from citizens and journalists, and partnership inquiries.

We read all messages but may not be able to respond individually to every inquiry. For time-sensitive legal issues, we recommend contacting the Georgia Attorney General's Office directly at (404) 656-7298.