Observer Corps
What is Observer Corps?
Observer Corps is a structured way for individuals to exercise their right to know and a way to promote government transparency and accountability.
Nonpartisan, fair-minded Observer Corps volunteers regularly attend public meetings of local government and write up reports summarizing the main items of discussion at each meeting, noting any issues with open meetings or good governmental practices. These notes are shared with LWVLL board members, who may consider taking action based on the LWVLL program and legislative priorities. Observer notes are shared each month on the LWVLL website and highlights are reported in The Voter monthly newsletter.
What are the LWVLL program and legislative priorities?
LWVLL is a grassroots nonpartisan nonprofit organization that neither supports nor opposes candidates or political parties at any level of government. LWVLL encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy.
As a part of this work, League members at the national, state, and local levels select public policy issues to study and – after consensus is reached – present a public policy position under which League action may be taken. The collection of these public policy positions is called a program. The programs for the Lincoln-Lancaster County, Nebraska, and United States LWV are linked in the “resources of observers” section below.
Because the public policy positions in League programs are extensive, LWVLL members discussed legislative priorities to help guide local action in 2026. The following legislative priorities will be used to focus Observer Corps efforts in 2026:
- Affordable housing / land use
- Climate change / sustainability
- Corrections / jail overcrowding
How do I get more information about Observer Corps? How do I join?
Contact Observer Corps Director Katie Bradshaw at observer.corps@lincolnleague.org
Reports:
2026 Reports
Resources for observers:
Agendas, meeting minutes, and meeting access:
Lancaster County Agenda Center
Lancaster County Organization Chart
Lincoln City Council Minutes & Agendas
Lincoln / Lancaster County Planning Commission (includes current agenda on the main page and links for minutes under “additional information”)
Lincoln Electric System (includes links for agendas and minutes and a Board Agenda section that includes a Microsoft Teams link for virtual attendance)
Lincoln Public Schools Board of Education (includes links for agendas and minutes and a tab for live meetings and recordings)
LNKTV – website includes livesteams and recordings of City of Lincoln and Lancaster County meetings. Meetings can also be watched on Allo Ch 2 and Spectrum Ch 1300, as well as on Facebook Live.
League programs:
LWV Lincoln / Lancaster County program