The Lag-Lead Trap (Founding White Paper)
Why local government must adopt private-sector productivity standards before the property-tax base contracts.
Read paper →
Local Government Accountability Inc
The records are public.
The accountability is missing.
LGAI is a nonpartisan research organization that conducts forensic analysis of local government finances. We turn complex public records into clear, verifiable findings so citizens can hold their government accountable.
The Accountability Gap
Local government spending happens with almost no independent scrutiny.
Over 3,200 local newspapers have closed since 2005. One in two U.S. counties now has little or no independent local news coverage. At the same time, local government budgets and debt have grown substantially — often with minimal independent oversight.
LGAI was created to address this gap. We conduct forensic-level analysis of public financial records and deliver findings that citizens can use to evaluate their government's performance.
3,200+
Local newspapers closed since 2005.
Source: Rebuild Local News
67%
Decline in reporters per $100M of local government spending since 2005.
Source: Rebuild Local News
1 in 2
U.S. counties with little or no independent local news coverage.
Source: Medill Local News Initiative
$2.5B
Sarasota County FY2026 budget — a single-year increase of $500 million.
Source: Sarasota County FY2026 Adopted Budget
How We Work
How We Work
LGAI follows a structured, nonpartisan process:
Six Core Areas
Our Methodology
We use a consistent, public framework to evaluate local government performance. This framework examines six key areas:
- Fiscal Management
- Staffing and Compensation
- Service Demand and Demographics
- Procurement and Contracting
- Technology and Productivity
- Political Disclosures and Governance
This methodology is designed to be transparent and repeatable. Any citizen or researcher can apply the same approach.
We begin every project without political assumptions. We follow the data wherever it leads.
Our Research
White papers and forensic methodology.
McKinsey-style analysis — executive summaries, sourced data, and PDF editions.
The Six-Pillar Audit Framework
McKinsey-style methodology for investigating any local government — templates, case studies, seven pillars.
Read paper →Productivity Parity
The 36-month window every local government faces — and the efficiency parity standard citizens should demand.
Read paper →The Florida Laboratory
How Florida state reforms and citizen-led investigations are rewriting local accountability.
Read paper →Findings & Impact
Community investigations with sourced outcomes.
Our current investigation slate covers Sarasota County, the City of Sarasota, Louisville, St. Petersburg, Hillsborough County, Frisco, and Denver. Each engagement began with a citizen referral. Each relies on primary public records — budgets, audits, contracts, and debt disclosures — and produces findings citizens can verify independently.
For Citizens
Bring LGAI to Your Community
If you believe your local government’s spending, debt, or contracting practices warrant independent review, we can help.
LGAI works with residents, neighborhood groups, and local organizations who want clear, fact-based analysis of how their tax dollars are being managed. We conduct forensic reviews of public records and publish our findings so citizens can make informed decisions.
We do not work for candidates, political parties, or incumbents. Our only client is the public record — and the citizens who fund it.
How to Engage:
- Submit information or concerns through our tip form
- Request a preliminary assessment of issues in your community
- Support our ongoing research through donations
We prioritize projects based on the strength of the public record and the potential impact for residents.
About LGAI
Nonpartisan. Forensic. Citizen-first.
LGAI is a nonpartisan research organization that conducts forensic analysis of local government finances. We turn complex public records into clear, verifiable findings so citizens can hold their government accountable.
No political assumptions
We do not begin with a target, a party, or a preferred outcome. The public record sets the direction of every review.
Data-driven methods
Budgets, audits, debt schedules, payroll data, and contracts — analyzed against comparable jurisdictions and published standards.
Clear public reporting
When stewardship falls short or conflicts of interest appear, we report findings directly — with sources citizens can verify.
Stay Informed
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Support Our Work
Independent research requires independent funding.
LGAI accepts no government contracts and no candidate or party funding. Citizens who value fiscal accountability make this work possible.
Local Government Accountability Inc
1250 Connecticut Avenue NW, Suite 700 PMB 5459, Washington, DC 20036
202-349-3720 (main)