Texas Comptroller Leadership Circle
The Comptroller of Public Accounts launched the Texas Comptroller Leadership Circle program in December 2009 to recognize local governments across Texas that are striving to meet a high standard for financial transparency online. We are spotlighting those local governments that are:
- opening their books to the public
- providing clear, consistent pictures of spending
- sharing information in a user-friendly format that lets taxpayers easily drill down for more information.
We are renewing this award program, effective Jan. 1, 2011, with improved award criteria. All nominations submitted after Dec. 20, 2010, must use the new award criteria available in this packet. The new criteria clarifies the definitions and adds a few new criteria to offer more options and reward those local governments that go beyond the basics of posting three recommended documents — the Budget, the Annual Financial Report (or Comprehensive Annual Financial Report) and the Check Register — in a user friendly manner. It retains the key qualities which have made the first year of this program so successful — simplicity, fairness to all applicants, the free, self-scoring nomination system and ease of use for both applicants and our staff.
We will award Leadership Circle designees with a certificate reflecting their Circle Award level: Gold, Silver or Bronze.
“Gold” highlights those entities that are setting the bar with their transparency efforts.
“Silver” encourages those who are making progress.
“Bronze” inspires those who are just beginning their transparency efforts.
Financial transparency is an ongoing goal for any government entity. We encourage and applaud local governments across Texas that are stepping up efforts to give taxpayers a transparent look at where their money goes.
Check back often at our website to find out who else has joined the Texas Comptroller Leadership Circle program.