The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) is a state law that provides citizens with access to public records. Each City department is a separate agency responsible for maintaining its own records, so requests should be submitted to the department that maintains the records you want.

All Freedom of Information requests submitted to City of Chicago departments must include the following information:

1. The name, mailing address and contact information of the requester;
2. A description of the records that are being requested.

Submit a FOIA request online

The Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events maintains the following general categories of records:

• Special Event permit applications for Neighborhood Festivals, Parades and Walks and Runs (however DCASE does not produce these events with the exception of the Memorial Day Parade and does not enter into any contracts related to them)
• Completed film permits
• Grant applications and fact sheets for Chicago Cultural Grants administered by DCASE
• Information related to DCASE produced festivals and events
• Information related to Millennium Park, the Chicago Cultural Center and the Clarke-Ford House Museum
• Information related to Chicago Farmers Markets

Please note: records listed on this page may not be subject to disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act.

Requests can be emailed, mailed, faxed or dropped off in person.

For Cultural Affairs and Special Events FOIA requests, write to:

Please be specific about the information you are seeking, and indicate the exact locations and dates. Please indicate in your request how you would like the information sent to you (via email, mail, or available to pick up at our office).

Due to our request volume, the most efficient way for us to respond to questions is via email: DCASEFOIA@cityofchicago.org

Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Program & Initiative Page