Lexington Mayor Jason Hayes to Be Honored for Open Government

Lexington Mayor Jason Hayes will be recognized for his commitment to open government as part of Sunshine Week, receiving a statewide award celebrating transparency and public access to information.

Hayes will be honored on March 27 at the NC Local News Summit, where leaders in journalism, government and public service gather to discuss the importance of strong local news and accountable leadership.

The recognition highlights Hayes’ efforts to promote transparency in local government and maintain open lines of communication with the community. Sunshine Week is a national initiative dedicated to celebrating open government and the public’s right to know.

The nomination for the award was submitted by Davidson Local, which cited Hayes’ leadership and willingness to engage with the public and the media as key reasons for the recognition.

Supporters say the honor also reflects the collaborative work of the city’s staff and council.

A special acknowledgment goes to City Clerk Emily and the Lexington City Council, whose work behind the scenes helps ensure that public records, meetings and city communications remain accessible to residents.

Open government advocates often point out that transparency is not the work of one person alone but a shared commitment across an entire municipal team.

Hayes’ recognition comes at a time when access to local government information remains a cornerstone of civic engagement, allowing residents to stay informed and participate in the decisions that shape their community. Hayes is active in many civic groups, including the Davidson County NAACP.

The award will be presented during the NC Local News Summit on March 27, an event that brings together journalists, policymakers and community leaders from across the state to highlight the vital role of local news and government transparency.