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 Mayor’s Office maintains the following general categories of records:

• Mayor’s Public Calendar 
• Press Releases 
• State and federal legislative records and ordinances 
• Policy proposals
• Initiative summaries
• Policy research and analysis

For Mayor's Office 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: MOfoia@cityofchicago.org

Please note that all FOIA requests are posted online. When you submit a FOIA request, your name and information about the request will be made available on the City's website.

Click here for the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Program & Initiative Page