Decisions by local and state governments have major impacts on our daily lives. But as transparency about those decisions decreases, and underfunded newsrooms struggle to get answers, many affected citizens are taking matters into their own hands.

San Francisco Public Press Executive Director Lila LaHood spoke with award-winning journalist Miranda Spivack, author of the

 forthcoming book, “Backroom Deals in Our Backyards: How Government Secrecy Harms Our Communities — and the Local Heroes Fighting Back.” She shared what she has learned about keeping governments accountable.

As mentioned at the end of the episode:

How California Utilities Commission Undermines the Public Records Act

Web of corruption: Explore the cronyism, lies, and federal crimes at the heart of San Francisco’s government