Powell city clerk receives Franklin Award for open government

CHEYENNE (WNE)  — Powell City Clerk Tiffany Brando has been selected as the February recipient of the Benjamin Franklin Award for Open Government, a monthly recognition presented by the Wyoming Press Association to honor individuals and local governments that demonstrate an exceptional commitment to transparency, accountability and public access to information.

Brando was nominated by Toby Bonner, general manager of the Powell Tribune, who cited her leadership, accessibility and willingness to work collaboratively with the press to ensure citizens are informed about the decisions and operations of local government.

“As the president of the Wyoming Association of Municipal Clerks and Treasurers, City of Powell Clerk Tiffany Brando understands transparency,” Bonner wrote in his nomination. “We value the relationship we have with Tiffany and other public officials who help us keep our citizens informed and aware of the issues facing our cities and county.”

Bonner also highlighted Brando’s commitment to improving transparency statewide, not just within her own community. 

According to the nomination, Brando has pledged to engage with the WPA to help members of her organization better understand the public records request process and identify ways local governments can improve how they respond to citizens seeking information.

The Benjamin Franklin Award for Open Government was created by the WPA to recognize local officials and entities that go beyond minimum legal requirements and actively embrace transparency. 

One award is presented each month as part of a statewide effort that will continue through 2026, coinciding with the nation’s observance of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

This story was published on Feb. 5, 2026.