Demand Transparency for Steele County Families

Steele County and the City of Owatonna are planning a $30M+ highway project called the East Side Corridor (ESC) that will run dangerously close to our homes—some within just 17 feet of the right-of-way. Many families with young children live in these neighborhoods, yet many city and county leaders refuse to engage with the community in good faith.

Despite our legal right to access public records under Minnesota’s Chapter 13 Data Practices Act, release of all data by the county and city is being delayed, blocked, and denied. It has been months since we requested this data (October 2024 for county and January 2025 for city).

County and city meetings have been held behind closed doors, with no public documentation.

Citizens have been denied access to public data, and even when available, they are not allowed to photograph it—despite state and local precedent.

What are they hiding?

Our message to local officials:

"Government should work for the people, not against them. We have followed the law. We have asked for transparency. Instead, we have faced roadblocks, secrecy, and silence. We will not stop until the truth is revealed."

To demand accountability, we need to file a legal request for the State of Minnesota to investigate these violations. Each request costs $1,000 per government entity, meaning we need to raise at least $2,000 to move forward. If violations are confirmed, fines may be imposed, records will be required to be released, and individuals could even be removed from office.

Every dollar counts! Any unused funds will be donated to local organizations that strengthen our community.

This isn't just about a road—it's about accountability.

How You Can Help

✅ Donate – Even a small contribution makes a difference.

✅ Share – Spread the word to friends, family, and neighbors.

Together, we can demand transparency, accountability, and a voice in the future of our community!

For more information about our cause, please visit our website and Facebook page.