Transparency begins by offering openness, communication, and accountability. Transparency in Local Government is described simply as Open Meetings + Open Records = Open Government.

"Open Government" is the Charles County Commissioners' initiative using information technology as a tool in assisting the success of being transparent. This will permit the citizens to know exactly what goes on when "public officials" transact public business.

Measures for Success

This Transparency Portal will eventually be where all "Public Goods" can be found. The following measures will be used to ensure Charles County Government is meeting its transparency success goals:

• Is our data open and accessible?
• Are County Government spending reports easily accessible online?
• Is Procurement Process available and accessible?
• Are all items crawlable/searchable?

Our Mission

The mission of Charles County Government is to provide our citizens the highest quality service possible in a timely, efficient, and courteous manner. To achieve this goal, our government must be operated in an open and accessible atmosphere, be based on comprehensive long- and short-term planning, and have an appropriate managerial organization tempered by fiscal responsibility.