MNOG: Advocating for public access

Minnesotans for Open Government (MNOG) is Minnesota's advocate for public access to government data, documents and meetings. We changed our name in 2025. Previously, we were Minnesota Coalition on Government Information (MnCOGI).

We believe that widespread access to government information is essential to a democratic society. Our all-volunteer team of experts helps Minnesotans understand and exercise that right. We help journalists, librarians, local government officials, small businesses and even individuals seeking information about what's happening in their community.

We work at the Minnesota Legislature, in the courts and to educate the public on a bipartisan basis. Our volunteers includes news media representatives, attorneys, IT professionals, librarians and other people and organizations committed to government transparency. 

Just a few examples of our recent work: 
* MNOG helped the media coalition that led to worldwide livestreaming of the Derek Chauvin and Kim Potter trials in 2021 and 2022. Those televised trials of police officers persuaded the Minnesota Supreme Court to expand camera acces to criminal trials.

* We sued the City of Minneapolis over its denial of public acess to police disciplinary files. We argued that the city's police department had been hiding discipline of serious misconduct from public view by calling it "coaching," which it claimed was not discipline. One internal letter even stated: "As discipline for this incident, you will receive coaching." This lawsuit is pending. See ACLU press release and Minnesota Star Tribune story.

* At the Minnesota Capitol, we protect the public's right to know under the Data Practices Act, working both to help pass needed new laws and to curb efforts that could impinge on existing public data access rights.

* MNOG worked on initiatives to improve Minnesota's Open Meeting Law (OML), and to stem problematic OML legislation.

* MNOG offers pro bono advice to journalists and citizens on the ins and outs of obtaining public information and regularly hold seminars on how to use the state's public records law. Don Gemberling, one of the state's premier experts on the Data Practices Act, and other MNOG members frequently are quoted in news and opinion articles.

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About Minnesotans for Open Government

MNOG is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to the public’s right to know, the promotion of public access to government information and transparency of government operations. MNCOGI Board members are MaryJo Webster, chair; Don Gemberling, vice-chair; Mary Pattock, secretary; Matt Ehling, treasurer; Kristine Tietz; Hal Davis; Brandon Stahl, Chris Weiland; Paul Bosman. For more information about MNOG, please visit our website at http://www.mncogi.org (we're working on a new one!