Freedom of Information Act

FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT

What is the Freedom of Information Act?
The Michigan Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) regulates and sets requirements for the disclosure of public records by all public bodies in the state, including all state agencies, county and other local governments, school boards, and boards, departments, commissions, councils, and public colleges and universities.

What types of records can be requested under the Freedom of Information Act?
All writings prepared, owned, used, in the possession of, or retained by a public body in the performance of an official function are covered by the Freedom of Information Act, with the exception of computer software and records explicitly specified as exempt from disclosure in Section 13.

Eliminate the need to file a Freedom of Information Request and save time! Check out the following links to publicly available information from the City of Ann Arbor:

A2 Open Book (City Checkbook and Financial Records)

E-Trakit Building and Trades Permitting System

Data Catalog (Financial Records, Police Calls for Service, Construction Permits, Planning Projects, GIS maps and more!)

Crime Maps

City Assessor and Property Tax Records

City Council Records (Legislative Information Center)

How do I make a Freedom of Information Act request?
Requests for public records must be submitted to the City of Ann Arbor’s FOIA Coordinator in writing by U.S. mail, fax or email, as listed below.

City of Ann Arbor FOIA Forms/Documents:

Requests for police reports or other police-related records must be submitted through the Police Services Unit. Click on the following link for instructions to obtain police-related records: http://www.a2gov.org/government/safetyservices/Police/Pages/Records.aspx

U.S. Mail:    Ann Arbor City Clerk
                   Attn: FOIA Coordinator, City Clerk's Office 2nd Floor
                   301 E. Huron St., P.O. Box 8647
                   Ann Arbor, MI 48107

Fax: 734.994.8296 - Attn: FOIA Coordinator

Email: cityclerk@a2gov.org

All requests must contain the following information:

Indication that it is a FOIA request.

Name, address, telephone number and email (if applicable) of requester (if no mailing address, a statement indicating that requester will return to receive response). Click here for a Designated Requester Form (pdf).
Statement that requester will pay the costs allowable under the FOIA or documentation showing that the requester is receiving public assistance or other facts showing inability to pay due to indigence. Click here for an Affidavit of Indigency (pdf).

Questions regarding the formulation of written requests may be directed to the City’s FOIA Coordinator at 734.794.6000 x41411 or the City Clerk's Office at 734.794.6140.

How long does it take to receive information requested under the Freedom of Information Act?
After receiving a request for a public record, a public body has five business days to respond. The public agency may extend the time by ten business days by notifying the requester in writing.

Are there charges for information requested under the Freedom of Information Act?
Fees may be charged for the necessary copying of a public record for inspection or providing a copy of a public record to a requester. A public body may also charge for search, examination and review, and the deletion and separation of exempt from nonexempt information. Click here for the City of Ann Arbor’s fee schedule FOIA Fee Schedule (pdf). (effective 12/09).

Last Updated 07/11/11