That’s the line Oklahoma law professor D.A. Jeremy Telman dropped; and it’s shaking up how cities handle big business deals. Companies like Chick-fil-A and data center developers have long used NDAs to keep选址 plans under wraps. But when those plans involve public land, taxpayer money, and new power lines? Residents are asking: Why can’t we know what’s happening in our own backyards? Communities from Claremore to Yukon are now debating whether confidentiality agreements cross the line. Some NDAs even hide the fact that an agreement exists; a move that directly clashes with Oklahoma’s Open Records Act. Critics say it’s not about protecting trade secrets; it’s about hiding big decisions from voters. Supporters argue secrecy is needed to stay competitive in luring major employers. But here’s the catch: once a project starts using public infrastructure or incentives, the public has a right to know. And courts agree; you can’t contract away transparency laws. The real question? Where does business privacy end… and public accountability begin? As more cities face this dilemma, one thing’s clear: NDAs are no longer just legal formalities. They’re becoming flashpoints in the fight for local democracy.