August 26, 2016

Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar Recognizes City of Carrollton for Government Economic Development Transparency

(AUSTIN) —Carrollton recently became the state's first local government entity to achieve specific economic development transparency goals through Comptroller Glenn Hegar's Transparency Stars program.

Carrollton received an Economic Development Transparency Star, awarded to those entities whose websites inform taxpayers about programs and incentives supported by their tax dollars that are designed to attract industry and investment, create jobs and otherwise grow the economy.

"I want to congratulate Carrollton for this achievement, and for its ongoing efforts to make its economic development efforts more transparent for taxpayers," Hegar said. "By embracing this effort and becoming the first local entity to be recognized with our Economic Development Star, Carrollton has taken an important step toward improving access to essential information."

The Comptroller’s office launched the Transparency Stars program in March to recognize cities, counties and school districts that provide easy online access to important financial data.

The program allows local governments to apply for recognition in up to five areas. Carrollton is also receiving a transparency star for debt obligations and received a star for traditional finances in April. After receiving a Traditional Finances star, local entities can go on to apply in other areas, for a total of five stars:

• Traditional Finances
• Contracts and Procurement
• Economic Development
• Public Pensions
• Debt Obligations

The U.S. Public Interest Research Group noted the Comptroller's new program in its evaluation of states' transparency efforts.

For more information on the program including qualification criteria and other award recipients, visit the Comptroller’s Transparency Stars website.

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