Each month entities, such as the cities of San Marcos, Buda and Kyle as well as the Hays CISD and San Marcos CISD boards of trustees, hold meetings to discuss spending, ordinances and matters of importance. To provide more transparency in local government, the Texas Open Meetings Act was adopted in 1967 to ensure meetings are open to the public. Although the act includes a number of requirements for entities to follow, one of the most important provisions allows for public comment, which gives citizens the ability to formally express opinions relating to their local government. Our issue this month features a number of stories relating to meetings in the area. In San Marcos residents had a chance to voice their opinions on whether a local business received an alcohol permit and whether to allow a rezoning for a new retirement care facility. Meanwhile, both Kyle and San Marcos city councils are changing the way their meetings are run. Find more details inside (see Page 19).