Ep. 8 Backroom Deals in our Backyards
What happens when secrecy becomes routine in local government? From zoning boards to school districts to state agencies, closed-door decision-making shifts power away from the public — and it’s happening everywhere.
In this episode, Jamie Nixon is joined by journalist Miranda Spivack, author of Backroom Deals in Our Backyards, and reporter Shauna Sowersby of the Seattle Times. Together they unpack the tactics governments use to stall, deny, or bury records — and how everyday people can push back.
From “transitory” records excuses to the high cost of public records requests, we explore the obstruction playbook, the human toll of secrecy, and the hopeful strategies of “accidental activists” fighting for open government.
Whether you’re a journalist, a public records nerd, or just someone who wants to know what your government is hiding, this conversation will leave you better prepared to demand answers.
Transcript + Source Docs:
Get the full hyperlinked transcript and all documents referenced in this episode:
thepublicrecordsofficer.com
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About WashCOG:
The Washington Coalition for Open Government (WashCOG) fights for transparency and accountability in Washington State. Learn more:
washcog.org
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