No matter the level of government, residents have a right to know the decisions being made inside board rooms and offices.

Perhaps more importantly, an informed population is a vital part of a government’s success. An atmosphere in which government officials and residents have an open dialogue is crucial when tough decisions are being made.

In recent months, the word “transparency” has made headlines. It’s a buzzword, for certain, heard in political speeches and campaign promises. But it is also is an important part of a healthy government.

This is not a new concept in Cranberry Township.

For decades, transparency has been a top priority of our board of supervisors and administration staff.

You can see it in our public meetings, where residents are invited to see business being conducted twice a month. They’re also encouraged to provide feedback or share concerns.

But those legally required open meetings just scratch the surface.

Each month, our township manager and staff members host “Coffee and Conversation” events to talk about pertinent topics. Past conversations have dealt with issues like traffic, snow removal and new development.

Nothing is off limits, and often the subject at those events is inspired by community chatter or a topic in the news. Our most recent “Coffee” touched on new business in the township, and how the township can and cannot assist in attracting those businesses.

More than 70 people attended this session — a sure sign that our community values and understands the importance of this type of communication.

Elsewhere, the township produces endless publications and electronic communication pieces that are sent directly to residents. The website was recently upgraded with a focus on improved access to information for mobile devices and is constantly updated.

While others may shy away from a potentially contentious or uncomfortable conversation, we do our best to explain the facts behind a decision, ordinance or directive and help increase awareness.

That awareness is crucial, and something that is hard to achieve no matter how open we are. Even with our communications and outside media coverage, the thing we hear quite often from residents is, “I didn’t know about that.”

Delivering information to residents is complicated. Separating it from the information overload the average person sees each day is even more challenging. In a world where every bit of knowledge is at a person’s fingertips, making information resonate is tricky.

All we can do is continue to be open, honest and up-front about the way we manage our government and engage residents with our toolbox of communication platforms.

It’s not a concept we discuss for the sake of earning kudos — it’s one that makes up the foundation of Cranberry Township and continues to guide us as leaders. Without transparency and an engaged population, none of our work truly matters.

That’s a promise upon which we can deliver.

Dick Hadley is chairman of Cranberry Township’s board of supervisors.