FOG commends and congratulates Ed Williams of Searchlight New Mexico on this well-deserved recognition! FOG was involved last year in aiding Searchlight New Mexico’s investigation exposing the state’s Children’s Youth and Families Department’s use of Signal, a secure communication app, and has set chats to automatically delete. Once deleted, virtually no trace of a Signal Read More …

FOG was co-founded by Robert B. Trapp, Sr., owner and publisher of the Rio Grande SUN. The paper ‘s watchdog reporting has been crucial for holding accountable government to be open and responsive to the people of Northern New Mexico. Recently sold to new investors, the SUN was the subject of the documentary film, “The Read More …

FOG is pleased to announce our 2022 Continuing Legal Education (CLE) seminar will be held Wednesday, June 8 from 8am-5pm at the Albuquerque Journal auditorium. After concerns over COVID led us to postpone this event, we are excited to once again welcome attorneys and interested members of the public to join us and our expert Read More …

The New Mexico Foundation for Open Government (FOG) and The Santa Fe New Mexican filed a complaint against the city of Rio Rancho Monday in the New Mexico Thirteenth Judicial District Court. The complaint filed to enforce the New Mexico Inspection of Public Records Act (IPRA) alleges that the city of Rio Rancho has wrongfully Read More …

The New Mexico Foundation for Open Government (FOG) is marking Sunshine Week with reverence and appreciation for the essential role freedom of information and freedom of the press serve in guaranteeing our American democracy.  Sunshine Week is a national initiative spearheaded by the News Leaders Association to educate the public about the importance of open Read More …

In a victory for transparency, three New Mexico Inspection of Public Records Act (IPRA) Determinations by the New Mexico Attorney General’s Office today concluded that the records in question were wrongly withheld and should be made public. In the first complaint, FOG alongside Searchlight NM contended that the Children, Youth and Families Department was obligated Read More …

The bad news – FOG’s hotline is ringing off the hook with serious complaints of repeated public records violations. The good news – FOG has nearly reached our goal to raise $300,000 in “seed” money to bring on a staff attorney. As of today, in cash and pledges from our generous supporters, FOG has secured Read More …

Public Education Secretary Kurt Steinhaus has embarked on a seven-stop “listening” tour in which he is meeting with school superintendents and charter leaders from around the state. Unfortunately, members of the news media and the public won’t have the opportunity to hear what Sec. Steinhaus and those key education leaders have to say because PED has decided Read More …

Following APS once again wrongfully denying requests under the Inspection of Public Records Act, a settlement order has been issued, which required APS to pay $40,000 in damages, $14,000 in attorney’s fees, release the records in question within five days, and implement a series of new policies and procedures for handling requests. Under the settlement, Read More …

The New Mexico Foundation for Open Government (FOG) joins U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján’s friends and constituents in wishing him a full recovery from his recent cerebellar stroke and subsequent surgery. And, of course, our thoughts and well wishes extend to his family.  News of the stroke he suffered days ago shocked all of New Read More …

A powerful Senate committee charged with determining which bills are considered germane and will be heard in the 30-day session is not webcasting its hearings. FOG wrote to demand better transparency and public access to these proceedings. Read More …

We ask you to reconsider your denial of Ms. Traxler’s IPRA request and make those records available. Further I am making a mirror request on behalf of FOG for the same records pursuant to the Inspection of Public Records Act. Read More …

Open Government (FOG) reminds you that Article IV, Section 12 of the New Mexico Constitution requires that all sessions of each house of the Legislature be open to the public. Whether proceedings are conducted via digital streaming, in-person or in a hybrid environment, FOG urges transparency remain at the forefront. Read More …

Did you know FOG Board meetings are always open to the public? We would love for you to listen in or join the conversation during the public comment period. Please email our Executive Director, Shannon Kunkel, at director@nmfog.org if you would like the passcode to participate. We will also be recording the meeting and will Read More …

Transparency in government extends beyond open meetings and records. It requires that public officials openly communicate with the public they serve. The policy within the Santa Fe Public School Board prohibiting rank-and-file members from making public statements, and instead relying on the school board president to be the sole spokesperson for the entire body, is fundamentally at odds with the principles of transparency and accountability. Read More …

The Board of Directors of the New Mexico Foundation for Open Government (FOG) has named Shannon Kunkel as the new Executive Director of the organization beginning Jan. 3, 2022. Kunkel is an Albuquerque native who graduated with honors from the University of New Mexico, where she studied journalism, advertising and marketing. Her past employment includes Read More …