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CREW Welcomes Administration’s Bold New Open Government Directive

Washington, D.C. - Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) today praised the White House’s Open Government Directive (OGD), a boldly innovative step that brings the executive branch closer to the president’s vision of a transparent and accountable government. Resting on the cornerstones of transparency, participation, and collaboration, the OGD provides a road map for creating and institutionalizing a culture of open government, starting with the direct participation of senior agency staff.

OGD charges each agency with the affirmative responsibility to make information publicly available. As a starting point, within 45 days all agencies must identify and post online at least three “high-value data sets.” The directive also provides opportunities for meaningful public input all along the way and establishes benchmarks to improve the quality of government information. Each agency must now develop and implement an Open Government Plan that will be posted on an Open Government Dashboard. The OGD also proscribes a critical role for Office of Management and Budget, including an identification of impediments to open government.

Anne Weismann, CREW’s Chief Counsel, said, “This directive represents the kind of bold and far reaching initiative President Obama promised on his first full day in office. By establishing a new paradigm of public access to government information, the administration has paved the way for a truly transparent and accountable government.”

Click here to read the administration’s Open Government Directive.