Our Mission & Principles
A nonpartisan public accountability organization dedicated to transparency, oversight, and citizen engagement in public education finance.
Why We Exist
Transparency for Education Dollars was founded on a simple but powerful premise: taxpayers have a right to know how their education dollars are used, redirected, and managed by public institutions.
In Utah and across the country, billions of dollars earmarked for public education are diverted annually through tax increment financing districts, redevelopment agency agreements, and complex economic incentive packages — often without meaningful public disclosure or debate.
We exist to change that. Through rigorous research, public records requests, community education, and direct citizen engagement, we ensure that every Utahn has the information they need to hold their government accountable.
Our Organizational Commitments
- We are nonpartisan and data-driven
- We pursue facts, not narratives
- We support all public records requests
- We are transparent about our own funding and operations
- We do not accept funding from parties with financial interests in the agreements we investigate
- We publish all research openly and without restriction
- We engage respectfully with public officials and institutions
What We Are Working Toward
A Utah where every citizen can easily access complete, accurate information about how public education funds are collected, managed, and spent — and where public officials who divert or obscure those funds face meaningful accountability.
We envision a state model for education funding transparency that other states can follow — one built on open data, proactive disclosure, and genuine civic participation.
Near-Term
- ›Index all RDA/TIF agreements statewide
- ›Launch interactive funding dashboard
- ›Publish quarterly transparency reports
Mid-Term
- ›Advocate for stronger disclosure requirements
- ›Build statewide network of engaged citizens
- ›Partner with educators and parent organizations
Long-Term
- ›Model legislation for TIF transparency
- ›Annual State of Education Funding Report
- ›Become the definitive Utah resource on education finance accountability
Core Principles
These principles guide every research project, publication, and advocacy campaign we undertake.
Transparency
Government and public institutions should operate in the open. Financial records, meeting minutes, contracts, and incentive agreements should be easily accessible to the citizens who pay for them. Opacity in public finance is not acceptable.
Accountability
Public officials, agency directors, and elected representatives are stewards of taxpayer resources — not owners. They must be held accountable for every dollar allocated, diverted, or spent on behalf of the public.
Public Participation
Citizens have both the right and the responsibility to participate in decisions about public education funding. Informed engagement — not apathy — is the foundation of a functioning democracy.
Fiscal Responsibility
Every dollar entrusted to public institutions must be managed with integrity, purpose, and efficiency. Diversion of education funds for non-educational purposes without full public disclosure is a breach of public trust.
Open Government
Access to public records is not a privilege — it is a right. We support strong public records laws, proactive disclosure, and digital-first approaches to government transparency.
Nonpartisan Integrity
Accountability has no party. Our research and advocacy are driven by facts, data, and public interest — not political affiliation, ideology, or partisan agenda.
What We Do
Research & Analysis
We analyze RDA agreements, TIF structures, and education funding impacts using public records and financial data.
Public Records Access
We help citizens file GRAMA requests and navigate public records systems to access government financial documents.
Community Education
We publish plain-language guides, reports, and explainers to help non-experts understand complex fiscal mechanisms.
Advocacy & Engagement
We advocate for stronger transparency laws, better disclosure practices, and meaningful public participation.