Local Government Transparency

See how local governments are stepping up across Texas to give taxpayers like you a transparent look at where your money goes. Who has an online budget? Who shows detailed expenses? Who is setting the standard?

We're tracking just how transparent cities, counties, school districts and other special districts across the state handle your hard-earned dollars. Texas Comptroller Susan Combs recommends that all local governments implement financial transparency by posting three key financial documents online: the annual budget, the annual financial report and the check register.

Cities

Most Texans live and work in urban, suburban or exurban areas. And most of the local services and programs they use come through municipal governments. More…

Counties

Counties represent another major type of local government. While they vary widely in size and population, all counties perform the same basic functions. More…

Public Schools, Colleges and Universities

Public and higher education together constitute the largest category of state spending by far, accounting for 42.0 percent of all state appropriations and 56.5 percent of general revenue spending in the 2012-13 biennium. More…

Special Purpose Districts

These autonomous, quasi-governmental entities are proliferating across Texas, especially in fast-growing areas. The districts tax residents to provide a variety of public services. More…

The Comptroller Leadership Circle encourages and applauds local governments across Texas that have focused on giving taxpayers a transparent look at local expenditures. More…

Reports

The Texas Comptroller’s office publishes a variety of reports to help taxpayers better understand complex state data, trends and policy. Here you can explore our rich collection of special reports on education and local debt, economic development, community reinvestment and more. More…