By Adam Andrzejewski, OpenTheBooks CEO/Founder | Full article published at BaltimoreSun.com

With the recent debut of Comptroller Bill Henry’s Baltimore City Open Checkbook website, citizens can follow the money. The website finally answers the important question burning since the city was chartered in 1797: “What the heck is my government up to?”

Comptroller Henry pioneered what is essentially online access to the city’s checking account. As city checks clear, the transaction is posted the next day on the city’s transparency portal. You’ve had this at home for a couple of decades; it’s called online banking. However, it’s the first time we know of that it’s been accomplished at the big-city level anywhere across America.

Government accountability starts with the “you.” We — regular people — must make the city better. Now that the Baltimore City Open Checkbook is here, give it a try. It’s easy.

Read the full article.