Sunshine Review, a nonprofit, pro-transparency organization, released its state transparency analysis for Utah’s government websites. Graded on a 10-point transparency checklist, Utah scored an overall “B” with the five largest counties and cities and ten largest school district websites all averaging a “B” as well.
“Utah’s scores are well above average but there is still work that needs to be done to improve their grade to an A’,” said Michael Barnhart, President of Sunshine Review. “A common lapse in a majority of Utah’s government websites was a lack of displaying information on taxpayer funded lobbying. This information is vital to the citizens of Utah because they deserve to know how their money is being spent.”
Sunshine Review’s state rankings are based on content available on government websites against what should be provided. The checklist seeks information on items such as budgets, meetings, lobbying, financial audits, contracts, academic performance, public records and taxes.
The Utah state website earned a "B" grade, accounting for half of Utah’s overall grade. Sunshine Review also analyzed the websites of the five largest counties averaged a "B." The five largest cities scored a “B+” and the ten largest school districts earned a "B" average.
Out of the 27 states analyzed by Sunshine Review, Utah is ranked 6th in transparency. Utah’s state website failed to make public information on taxpayer funded lobbying. Looking at local scores, the city of Salt Lake City earned an “A-,” while Salt Lake County earned a “B.”
Information on the individual cities, counties, and schools can be found by clicking on the below links.
Counties:
Cities:
School Districts:
- Jordan School District
- Granite School District
- Davis School District
- Alpine School District
- Weber School District
- Salt Lake City School District
- Nebo School District
- Washington County School District
- Provo School District
- Cache School District
Sunshine Review is a nonprofit organization dedicated to state and local government transparency. Sunshine Review collaborates with individuals and organizations throughout America in the cause of an informed citizenry and a transparent government.
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