Atlanta Mourns Advocate for Transparency Matthew Charles Cardinale

Atlanta, October 2, 2025

News Summary

Matthew Charles Cardinale, a prominent advocate for transparency in government and founder of Atlanta Progressive News, passed away at the age of 44. His commitment to accountability and civic engagement left a significant impact on the Atlanta community. Cardinale’s legal victories and advocacy for open records have reshaped how the public engages with local government. Memorial services are planned to honor his contributions to progressive journalism and transparency in Atlanta.

Atlanta is mourning the loss of Matthew Charles Cardinale, a well-known advocate for transparency, who passed away on September 29, 2025, at the age of 44. Cardinale was the founder and news editor of Atlanta Progressive News, where he passionately reported on local issues from 2005 to 2023. His commitment to accountability and transparency in government has left a lasting mark on the community.

Cardinale’s journey began when he moved to Atlanta from New Orleans following the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. He founded Atlanta Progressive News to provide a platform for progressive journalism and to challenge the status quo of the Atlanta City Council and mayors. Over the course of 18 years, he authored 1,718 articles, averaging nearly 100 articles per year, reflecting his relentless commitment to informing the public and engaging them in the democratic process.

Cardinale held a diverse academic background, including a bachelor’s degree in sociology and political science, two master’s degrees in sociology and public administration, a Juris Doctor, and a Master of Laws in environmental law. His educational accomplishments equipped him with the tools necessary to engage in legal advocacy, particularly in areas of transparency laws. He famously challenged established journalistic norms, notably firing a reporter for demanding objective reporting—a stance seen as contrary to the publication’s editorial policy.

Throughout his career, Cardinale was a major proponent of transparency in government, taking on the City of Atlanta in legal disputes to uphold transparency laws. Notably, he represented himself in a lawsuit regarding the Georgia Open Meetings Act, leading to a favorable ruling by the Georgia Supreme Court in 2012. This ruling mandated that City Council meetings must accurately note how council members voted on issues, enhancing the public’s access to governmental decision-making.

In 2018, Cardinale earned his law degree, further solidifying his advocacy for government transparency. In 2022, he won a significant lawsuit that allowed private parties to seek penalties against government officials for violations of the Georgia Open Records Act. As of 2025, he was involved in ongoing legal actions, including a lawsuit against the City of Dunwoody concerning the Open Records Act.

His enthusiasm for civic engagement also led him to run for the District 3 seat on the Atlanta City Council during a special election in 2019. Although he faced disqualification due to residency issues, a judge later ruled in his favor, allowing him to continue his campaign. Throughout his journey, Cardinale earned respect in accountability journalism circles for his active advocacy and unwavering dedication to transparency laws. His work was often recognized with accolades from peers, who dubbed him the “city gadfly.”

Atlanta Progressive News was also known for honoring progressive activists, often publishing obituaries with the title “¡PRESENTE!” to recognize their contributions. An archive of Cardinale’s writings is housed at Georgia State University, covering materials from 2002 to 2012. In addition, supporters are working to secure a permanent home for the comprehensive archive of Atlanta Progressive News.

Cardinale’s burial is scheduled for October 6, 2025, in Danville, Illinois, with a memorial service set to take place in Atlanta at a later date. His legacy continues to inspire advocates for transparency and civic engagement across the nation.

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Additional Resources

• Matthew Cardinale Obituary
• AJC Opinion on Cardinale
• Eleventh Circuit Ruling on Cardinale’s Case
• Atlanta Magazine on Housing Affordability
• Vox Media Coverage
• Wikipedia: Government Transparency
• Google Search: Matthew Charles Cardinale
• Google Scholar: Transparency Laws
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Civic Engagement
• Google News: Matthew Charles Cardinale

Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER

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