Evaluating Public Access Ombuds Programs: An Analysis of the Experiences of Virginia, Iowa and Arizona in Creating and Implementing Ombuds Offices to Handle Disputes Arising under Open Government Laws

Abstract

The article begins with a review of literature regarding ombuds, public access laws, and dispute systems design. It follows with case studies of the development of public access ombuds offices in Virginia, Iowa, and Arizona. Finally, this article draws conclusions from those experiences, offering guidance to aid other jurisdictions in designing their own ombuds programs