LANDER — The Wyoming Press Association announced that the City of Lander has been selected as the April recipient of the Benjamin Franklin Award for Open Government, a monthly recognition to honor local governments that demonstrate an exceptional commitment to transparency, accountability, and public access to information.

The nomination was submitted by WyoToday Media’s Lander Journal, which cited a citywide culture of openness across departments and leadership. From Police Chief Kelly Waugh’s commitment to access and transparency, to City Attorney Adam Phillips and City Clerk Rachelle Fontaine proactively ensuring elected officials understand the public’s rights, the city has made transparency a routine part of its operations. The community also benefits from consistent and informative communications from Community Development Coordinator Anne Even, 

The Lander Journal also highlighted the city’s responsiveness during unexpected challenges. When a Zoom bombing disrupted a city council meeting, city officials quickly ensured the public and press remained informed.

“Lander’s commitment to transparency sets an example that we hope others will follow,” said Managing Editor Sarah Squires. “When a Zoom bombing incident pulled a city council meeting off-line, city leaders actually called our reporter, put her on speaker phone, and passed the phone around the meeting so that she could hear what was happening while the online meeting was down. It’s moments like those that help us appreciate that transparency isn’t just a buzzword at city hall, but a priority that is apparent even during fast-moving events.”

Squires pointed to the leadership of the police chief as a key factor in the city’s approach to open government.

“I have worked with dozens of law enforcement agencies over the last 20-plus years, and I cannot think of an agency that’s come close to the openness embraced by Chief Waugh,” Squires said. “The LPD understands that building trust requires honesty and accountability, and sets an example for law enforcement across Wyoming and the U.S.”

Under Waugh’s leadership, the Lander Police Department has prioritized accessibility and transparency, including making time to speak with the press and continuing the practice of presenting detailed annual statistics to both city officials and the public.

Wyoming Press Association President Joshua Wood said Lander’s example reflects how transparency strengthens communities and civic engagement.

“When local governments operate in the open, citizens are better informed and better equipped to participate in the decisions that affect their lives,” Wood said. “That leads to more meaningful public input, stronger accountability, and ultimately better government. The press plays a critical role in that process, and we want to work with local governments that see transparency as a shared responsibility.”

Wyoming Press Association Executive Director Steve Kiggins said partnerships between public officials and local news organizations are essential to maintaining an informed electorate.

“An educated voter is the foundation of a functioning republic,” Kiggins said. “When governments provide clear, timely information and work with the press to distribute it, they empower citizens to engage, ask questions, and hold leaders accountable. The City of Lander has demonstrated what that partnership can look like when it’s done right.”

The Benjamin Franklin Award for Open Government was created by the Wyoming Press Association to recognize local governments and officials who go beyond minimum legal requirements and actively embrace transparency. One award is presented each month as part of a statewide effort through 2026, coinciding with the nation’s observance of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

By highlighting positive examples such as Lander’s, the association aims to encourage best practices, strengthen public trust, and reinforce the principle that an informed citizenry is essential to a functioning democracy.