January 2026 · Celebrating a Year of Growth, Collaboration, and Innovation
info@opengovhub.org · (202) 847-5513 · 1100 13th Street NW, Washington, DC 20005
The Open Gov Hub's 2026 Annual Newsletter comes at a moment of reflection, pride, and renewed energy. This past year was an incredibly challenging one for the nonprofit sector—and especially for our members—as shifting political, economic, and social realities tested capacity, resources, and resolve. Yet again and again, the Hub community met those challenges with creativity, collaboration, and deep commitment to open government values. The strength and resilience shown across our network is something worth celebrating.
Within these pages, you'll find highlights of member achievements, snapshots of Hub events that brought our community together, and introductions to new organizations that joined us this year. Together, these stories showcase not only the impact of individual members, but the power of the Hub as a shared space for connection, learning, and collective action. We hope this newsletter leaves you inspired, proud of what we've accomplished together, and excited for what's ahead.
ACET advanced Africa's development agenda with the release of the 2025 African Transformation Report! Drawing on ACET's African Transformation Index and global gender metrics, the report highlights clear links between women's empowerment and stronger performance in productivity, diversification, technology, and human well-being. It offers actionable policy recommendations with new accountability tools to equip African leaders to drive more inclusive, sustainable, and gender-responsive growth.
The Accountability Lab participated together with artists, storytellers, and activists from across Africa at the Afrotellers Conference 2025. Accountability Lab East and Southern Africa team (ALESA) showcased how art, film, and poetry can amplify citizen voices, foster healing, and reimagine people-centered governance. The gathering reinforced Accountability Lab's commitment to using creative expression as a strategic tool to inspire civic engagement and shape more just and accountable futures.
BRAC has launched a landmark five-year, $50 million partnership with the LEGO Foundation to bring learning and play to 400,000 children in humanitarian settings across Bangladesh and Uganda. This first-of-its-kind collaboration will expand BRAC's Humanitarian Play Lab model, combining play-based learning, psychosocial support, and caregiver engagement to create safe, inclusive spaces that support early childhood development and resilience in crisis-affected environments.
BudgIT marked a major milestone as the 10th edition of its flagship analysis State of States Report 2025 tracking fiscal performance across Nigeria's states. Over ten years, the report has become a trusted benchmark for evaluating revenue generation, spending priorities, and debt sustainability, equipping citizens and policymakers with clear, comparable data on subnational governance.
Over the past year, the Center for Civil Society and Democracy in Syria (CCSDS) reinforced its role as a leading platform for Syrian civil society, advancing inclusive dialogue, policy engagement, and locally driven solutions for Syria's future. Through high-impact convenings, thought leadership, and advocacy, CCSDS amplified the voices of women, youth, and grassroots actors at key regional and international moments. Initiatives such as the Voices for Change webinar series, Syrian Democracy and Peace Week, and the Civic Solutions for Peace, Justice, and Development dialogue forum provided spaces to articulate grassroots priorities and explore practical pathways toward democracy, peace, and sustainable development.
The Center for Progressive Reform's Project 2025 Tracker reports that the Trump administration has initiated or completed 47% of the Project 2025 domestic agenda, up from 28% earlier this year. The tracker monitors executive orders, regulations, and agency actions tied to the administration's authoritarian agenda.
Center for Open Data Enterprise's report analyzes how recent federal changes to data programs, agency structures, and funding threaten the availability and usefulness of vital public data. The report outlines key risks such as discontinued programs, agency defunding, and loss of disaggregated data. Beyond providing a comprehensive overview it also calls for a coordinated roadmap to protect and modernize America's data infrastructure for public good.
Climate Justice Alliance's 2025 Annual Report highlights how the alliance continued to advance a Just Transition even amid federal funding cuts and a shifting political landscape. Over the past year, CJA supported 94 frontline organizations through organizing, policy defense, movement tech, and investment in community-led climate solutions. The report underscores CJA's role in strengthening collaboration, protecting environmental safeguards, and keeping frontline communities at the center of climate action.
International IDEA has launched INSPIRE UA, a European Union-funded initiative designed to strengthen democratic participation for Ukrainians living outside the country ahead of post-war elections. The program supports Ukrainian authorities in developing inclusive out-of-country voting (OCV) processes by fostering cooperation with EU member states to ensure that displaced citizens can meaningfully shape Ukraine's democratic future.
Humanitarian OpenStreetMap Team (HOT) launched the Myanmar Earthquake Response 2025 mapping initiative to fill critical open data gaps following the March 2025 earthquakes. HOT and volunteers have mapped and validated tens of thousands of roads and over 1.4 million buildings, dramatically improving essential geospatial data. This data strengthens disaster response by equipping humanitarian partners with accurate, open data and building local mapping capacity for ongoing recovery and future crises.
Open Data Watch released a new Planning Tool for Intersectional Data Capacity Analysis providing statistical offices and data partners with a practical framework for assessing and strengthening their ability to collect and use disaggregated data across multiple population attributes. The tool helps identify gaps in current data systems, such as where information on groups defined by gender, income, disability, or location is missing. As a result, it enables more equitable monitoring of development goals and better decision-making for underserved communities.
The Open Government Partnership (OGP) has launched its first-ever Open Gov Challenge Awards at the 2025 OGP Global Summit, honoring governments and reformers around the world across ten open-government priority areas, from anti-corruption to digital governance and public participation. With more than 160 commitments submitted, the Awards recognized leaders in multiple categories showcasing initiatives that advance transparency, accountability, and citizen engagement at national and local levels.
The second edition of the East Africa Data Governance Conference will take place on 10–11 March 2026 under the theme Navigating Duality in Data Governance, exploring how innovation and accountability can advance together. The conference brings together policymakers, technologists, civil society, journalists, and development partners to address a central question: how can East Africa drive digital innovation while safeguarding rights, trust, and accountability? As digital systems rapidly expand across the region, governance frameworks and rights protections are struggling to keep pace. Building on the inaugural conference, the 2026 edition—organised by the Open Institute and Amnesty International Kenya—continues the regional dialogue, convening voices from Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and beyond to examine key challenges and pathways for effective data governance.
The Open Contracting Partnership marks 10 years of advancing more open, effective public procurement, with reforms influencing over US $120 billion in public spending worldwide. Through partnerships with governments and civil society, they have helped make procurement more transparent, accountable, and focused on people's needs. Looking forward, their goal by 2030 is to expand impact from 200 million to 1 billion people globally.
In 2025, PolicyEngine reached many significant milestones this year, as highlighted in its Year in Review, demonstrating continued growth in the reach, sophistication, and impact of its open-source policy modeling tools. A major achievement was the signing of a memorandum of understanding with the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta which enables the integration and validation of the Atlanta Fed's Policy Rules Database (PRD), significantly strengthening the accuracy and credibility of PolicyEngine's tax-and-benefit simulations. Additionally, PolicyEngine secured a grant from the Pritzker Children's Initiative to expand its work on child poverty, including the development of a national child poverty dashboard and enhanced modeling of TANF and childcare subsidies.
The session focused on the need to ensure that people are at the center of development programs and how CSOs can engage with governments in this regard despite an increasingly difficult operating environment and shrinking civic space.
The Trust, Accountability, & Inclusion (TAI) Collaborative has launched The Stories We Tell, a new report which explores how civil society actors worldwide can resist authoritarian efforts to undermine civic space by crafting positive narratives that foster trust, inclusion, and democratic participation. The report offers insights for funders and organizations on developing and amplifying narratives that build legitimacy and bridge social divides, to counter repressive laws, online harassment, and negative messaging which try to silence them.
In 2025, Project On Government Oversight found that ICE published 36.25% fewer detention facility inspection reports even as immigration detentions climbed to record levels, severely reducing oversight of conditions in custody. The investigation highlights how this drop in inspections occurred alongside surging deaths in ICE custody and rapid expansion of detention facilities. POGO's work underscores the urgent need for stronger transparency and enforcement of humane detention standards.
At the Open Gov Hub, we believe that meaningful change begins when people come together to share ideas, challenge assumptions, and build collective solutions. Our space is more than a venue—it is a hub for connection, collaboration, and thoughtful exchange among those working to advance transparency, accountability, and democratic governance.
Throughout the year, we are proud to host a diverse range of events in close partnership with our Members and Network. These gatherings bring together policymakers, civil society leaders, researchers, advocates, journalists, and practitioners from around the world to engage in dialogue, launch impactful research, reflect on emerging challenges, and strengthen networks across sectors.
The events highlighted below represent just a small sample of the countless conversations, collaborations, and moments of shared purpose that take place within our community. For more information on hosting your next report launch, event, team meeting, or fun gathering at the Open Gov Hub, we invite you to visit our Event Info Page and explore how our space can support your work and mission.
The Open Gov Hub is a collaborative workspace and convening center in Washington, D.C., dedicated to advancing open government, transparency, accountability, and civic participation around the world.
Anthony Rodriguez, Director of the Open Gov Hub
Adam Morales, Operations and Events Manager
To close out the year, we were delighted to host the FACT Coalition Christmas Party at the Open Gov Hub café. The gathering brought together members of our community for a warm and intimate evening, creating space to connect, reflect, and celebrate the year together.
It was a joyful moment of shared conversation and community spirit, reminding us of the strength and value of coming together beyond our day-to-day work. We extend our sincere thanks to everyone who joined us and helped make the evening such a special way to end the year.
On December 3rd, Open Gov Hub was proud to host Accountability Lab, Transparency International US, and the Coalition for Integrity for a timely and thought-provoking discussion on the future of global anti-corruption efforts.
The event marked the official launch of Bribery Beyond Borders, a new book by Severin Wirz that examines the history, evolution, and global impact of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA). The conversation was led by Gary Kalman of Transparency International US in an engaging fireside chat with the author, exploring how cross-border corruption is evolving, what is working in enforcement, and where global integrity efforts must focus moving forward.
We were honored to welcome practitioners, advocates, and partners from across the sector into our space, and to continue the exchange of ideas during a lively networking reception that followed. Purchase the book here.
The Open Gov Hub partnered with Public Value Lab (PVL) after an introduction by Collin Steele, to help bring their innovative accelerator program to life. PVL supports former federal employees in developing business ideas that create public value—turning their experience in government into new ventures for the common good.
PVL's Public Value Accelerator took place at the Hub, helping participants refine their concepts and build impact-driven solutions. The program concluded in Washington, DC, where participants gathered to showcase their final projects.
During the event, six participants presented their final projects—many of which centered around artificial intelligence. It was fascinating to see how AI is being used for social innovation. One standout idea came from Diana, from Root for Good, who developed a text-messaging tool using AI to reduce loneliness in DC—recently identified as the #1 city for loneliness. We're thrilled to share that Diana is now one of the newest members of the Hub community!
At Open Gov Hub, one of our core missions is to connect with organizations that share our values of transparency, collaboration, and public impact. What happened during this meeting was more than just discovering PVL's program—it was a reminder of the power of shared purpose. In the end, it's this kind of symbiosis—between ideas, people, and purpose—that truly makes Open Gov Hub thrive. The Hub is proud to be one of the first partners of PVL.
On Friday, October 17th, 2025, the Open Gov Hub community came together for a truly special evening—celebrating 13 years of advancing transparency, accountability, and civic engagement around the world.
The Hub came alive with energy and joy as members, partners, and friends gathered for an evening filled with connection, storytelling, and reflection. From the first cocktail clink to the final toast, the celebration was a beautiful reminder of the power of collaboration and community-driven impact.
The night began with a vibrant cocktail hour, where changemakers from across sectors reconnected and welcomed new members into the Hub network. During the program segment, we heard powerful reflections and inspiring stories from several member organizations and partners: Josh Powell from Development Gateway: An IREX Venture; Dr. Suzanne Le Menestrel from the Society for Research in Child Development (SRCD); Max Ghenis from PolicyEngine; and Wolf Pamphile from Haiti Policy House. Their insights captured the essence of what makes the Hub so unique—a diverse ecosystem of organizations and individuals working toward shared goals of openness, equity, and good governance.
The evening concluded with a joyful toast and community activity, raising our glasses to 13 years of shared purpose and the incredible work our members lead every day.
We are deeply grateful to everyone who helped make this milestone possible—especially our Platinum Sponsor, Ocean Solutions, whose generous support helped bring this celebration to life. From all of us at Open Gov Hub, we are truly overjoyed! Seeing our community come together to share ideas, stories, and inspiration fills us with immense gratitude and pride. Thank you for being part of this journey—here's to many more years of collaboration, innovation, and impact, together at the Hub!
We were delighted to host a special Happy Hour in collaboration with PEN America, bringing our community together for an afternoon of literature, reflection, and connection.
The event opened with remarks from Hadar H., followed by participants sharing excerpts from banned books and texts—creating a meaningful space to reflect on freedom of expression and the power of the written word. It was a thoughtful and engaging gathering, and we were grateful to share such a memorable moment with everyone who joined us.
To kick off the final week of September, our community came together for Muffin Monday—one of our favorite Open Gov Hub breakfast rituals. With muffins on the table and everyone's favorite bagels to share, it was a simple moment of connection that set the tone for the week ahead.
That morning also featured a powerful session hosted by UFacilitate, led by Andrés Marquez-Lara, on Everyday Rituals that Strengthen Connection. Through stories and interactive exercises, Andrés reminded us that strong communities are not built through large, one-off events, but through small, consistent moments—exactly like the one we had just shared together.
Participants were introduced to Rituals 2.0: modern, co-created practices designed to help groups navigate egos, miscommunication, and cultural friction by transforming routine into intention. It was a timely and inspiring conversation that reinforced the value of intentional community-building in our daily work.
In a year where the unexpected became the norm, the Hub looked for new tools to help our Members stay focused and overcome the psychological adversity we all faced. We were pleased to host Sarah Miller, CMS-CHt from Tree Star Hypnosis, for an insightful and engaging workshop focused on demystifying hypnosis and its practical applications.
During the session, Sarah introduced participants to what hypnosis truly is and how it can be used as a tool to cultivate greater focus, calm, and positive change. Her clear and approachable facilitation created a comfortable space for learning and reflection.
We were pleased to host the Unpacking Fiscal Sponsorship Workshop, bringing together nonprofit leaders, funders, and changemakers for an important and timely conversation.
We are grateful to Changemaker Legal and to experts Anna R. Marx and Vineeta Gupta, for leading such an insightful session and for shedding light on the models, challenges, and best practices of fiscal sponsorship. It was encouraging to see so many members of our community actively engaging in discussion and learning together around this critical topic.
The Open Gov Hub hosts four core Member-only events each month that each aim to bring together our Members for collaboration opportunities AND some fun!
Complimentary breakfast for our members, featuring a new theme or Hub update each month.
Happy Hour for all Members and their guests to help introduce our newer members!
A virtual meeting hosted by Hub Director Tony Rodriguez. Members can join anytime to share a “Need,” provide a “Lead,” or “Brag” about their organization's work or talents.
In June, we launched our newest recurring event, “Member Minutes.” Members of the Hub can sign up to share a little about their mission and recent work.
In September, Open Gov Hub had the pleasure of welcoming three of the 56 fellows selected for the 2025 edition of the Community Solutions Program (CSP), who joined us as part of their professional internship experience.
The Community Solutions Program is a year-long leadership development initiative for established community leaders, sponsored by the U.S. Department of State and implemented by IREX. The program supports leaders working to strengthen their communities by addressing issues related to democracy and human rights, environmental sustainability, peacebuilding, conflict resolution, and social cohesion.
As part of the program, fellows participate in a three-month professional internship in Washington, DC, alongside a graduate-level leadership curriculum and the design of a community development initiative to be implemented upon their return home.
From September through November 2025, we were proud to host Tatiana Oviedo, Basiame Kelapile, and Ardit Frroku at Open Gov Hub. During their time with us, they contributed their perspectives, experience, and energy to our community, enriching our work and reinforcing the value of global exchange and collaboration.
This year, Open Gov Hub had the pleasure of hosting two high school interns through the High School Internship Program: Tina Vu from Episcopal High School and Leah Garcia from The Madeira School, both in Virginia.
During their time with us, Tina and Leah gained hands-on experience in a professional environment, developing work-readiness skills, leadership abilities, and project-based learning while contributing to the Hub's daily activities.
The High School Internship Program supports District youth ages 14–21 in building the skills, confidence, and experience needed to transition successfully from high school to postsecondary education, advanced training, or meaningful employment. We are proud to have Tina and Leah with us and grateful for the energy and perspective they brought to our community.
At Open Gov Hub, we are deeply grateful for the support and collaboration of our esteemed partners. Their contributions and commitment play a crucial role in helping us advance our mission and create impactful initiatives.
The Washington Plaza Hotel has consistently provided a welcoming and comfortable environment for our events and guests. Their exceptional hospitality and attention to detail have made every stay and event memorable. We deeply appreciate their ongoing support and partnership. www.washingtonplazahotel.com
Founder of the Open Gov Hub. DG creates tools and designs processes that help collect, visualize, and use data for a more equitable world. www.developmentgateway.org
A global leader in geographic information system (GIS) software, ESRI has been at the forefront of innovation in web GIS and geodatabase management applications since 1969. ESRI empowers organizations worldwide with cutting-edge tools to analyze and visualize geographic data, helping communities and businesses make informed decisions. www.esri.com
With over a century of combined experience, Ocean Solutions stands out as a premier Managed Service Provider. Their expertise in delivering real-time IT support, managing infrastructure, and enhancing client IT strategies has significantly contributed to our operational efficiency and technological advancement. www.oceansls.com
Jimell Greene is a Washington, D.C.–based photographer and visual storyteller known for capturing authentic, expressive portraits that highlight people's stories and experiences through powerful imagery. His work spans portraiture, event, and project-based photography, using visual narratives to deepen connection and visibility for his subjects. jimell.com
At Open Gov Hub, we are proud to welcome the newest members who have recently joined our community. Their presence enriches our collaborative ecosystem and strengthens our shared commitment to transparency, participation, and social justice around the world.
A Washington, DC–based organization that conducts research and develops innovative impact investing tools and strategies to help investors maximize both financial and social returns.
Conducts community surveys and data analysis to help organizations better understand public opinion and community needs, using reliable data to support informed decision-making, advocacy, and strategic planning.
A nonprofit organization that advocates for leadership, equity, and opportunities for Black women and girls through policy, education, and community engagement.
Builds free, open-source software that helps people and policymakers analyze the impacts of public policy, particularly tax and benefit reforms. Its tools allow users to estimate effects on individual households and broader outcomes like poverty, making policy analysis more accessible and transparent.
A nonprofit organization that advances scientific research on child and human development and promotes the use of evidence to inform policies and practices that support children, families, and communities.
A nonprofit organization that empowers global migrants and diaspora communities by strengthening networks, advancing research, and supporting inclusive policies that enhance their social and economic inclusion.
For more information about the Open Gov Hub and our full slate of services, please visit the links below. Thank you in advance for your support of the Open Gov Hub. Donate to the Hub's Mission.