Guides
How to File a Public Records Request: FOIA and State Laws
How to file a public records request: federal FOIA vs. state laws, finding the records officer, a sample request letter, fees, deadlines, appeals, and MuckRock.
Resources
Everything you need to take part
Guides with copy-ready templates, a glossary of the jargon on council agendas, and the official lookup tools worth bookmarking.
Start with the basics
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How local government works
Cities, counties, school boards and special districts — who has power over what, and why it differs by state.
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How to be heard
Sign up for public comment, write testimony that enters the record, and follow up so it is not forgotten.
📝
How to organize
Petitions, records requests, coalition building and the paperwork that makes an ask enforceable.
Step-by-step guides
Guides
How to Write to Elected Officials: Letters, Emails and Calls That Work
How to write to your congressman or city council: email, letter, and call templates, what staff actually do with your message, and a clear do/don't table.
Guides
How to Find Your Representatives by ZIP Code or Address
Find my representative by zip code: official tools for your U.S. House member, senators, state legislators and council district — and why ZIP codes mislead.
Guides
How to Start a Petition: Local and State Rules Explained
How to start a petition in your state or city: informal vs. legally binding petitions, initiative states, signature validation, and a step-by-step checklist.
Guides
How to Speak at a City Council Meeting: A Step-by-Step Guide
How to speak at city council meeting: find the agenda, sign up for public comment, know your time limit, and deliver a two-minute script that lands.
Explainers
How Local Government Works
How City Budgets Work: Revenues, Capital Plans and Public Hearings
How city budgets work: where local revenue comes from, operating vs. capital budgets, the budget calendar, public hearings and how to read a city budget.
How Local Government Works
School Boards Explained: How They Work and How to Run for One
How do school boards work? Elected vs. appointed boards, their power over budgets and curriculum, public comment rules, and how to run for school board.
How Local Government Works
County Government Explained: Boards, Row Officers and What Counties Do
What does county government do? A guide to boards of supervisors and commissioners, row officers like the sheriff and assessor, and where county money goes.
How Local Government Works
Mayor-Council vs. Council-Manager: Forms of City Government Compared
Council-manager form of government vs. mayor-council: how strong mayor, weak mayor, commission and town meeting systems work, with real city examples.
How Local Government Works
How Does Local Government Work? Cities, Counties and Special Districts
How does local government work? A plain-English guide to cities, counties, school boards and special districts, plus who to call when something goes wrong.