All persons, except those who are serving a sentence of imprisonment, are entitled to full and complete information regarding the affairs of government and the official acts of those who represent them as public officials and employees. The City of Kalamazoo's policy with respect to FOIA requests is to comply with State law in all respects and to respond to FOIA requests in a consistent, fair, and even-handed manner, regardless of who makes such a request. The City Commission has designated the City Attorney as the FOIA Coordinator. They are authorized to designate other City staff to act on their behalf to accept and process requests for the City's public records and approve denials.
Online
Step 1.Review FOIA Procedures and Guidelines
Before you submit a request, please review the FOIA Procedures and Guidelines so you know what to expect. They cover topics like timelines, fees, and how to appeal a decision.
Step 2.Identify Documents
To obtain a record, you must describe it so that it can be located. The more specific you are, the easier and faster it can be found.Please note that the City is not required to make a compilation summary or report of information contained in already existing records, nor is the City required to create a record that does not already exist.
Step 3.Submit a FOIA Request
There is no specific form that must be completed to submit a FOIA request, as long as all of the required information is included. You can submit requests online using the Public Record Request Center or by email.
Public Record Request Center:
You can submit a FOIA request online using the Public Record Request Center. If this is your first time requesting a record, you'll need to sign up for an account. After you confirm your email, you can simply click Submit a Request and it will make sure you include all of the necessary information. You can also use the record center to view the status of requests.
Visit the Public Record Request Center
Email:
You can also submit a FOIA request online simply by emailing FOIA@kalamazoocity.org. Make sure FOIA Request is in the subject line and that you include all necessary information so that the records can be located. Please also let us know how you would prefer the records are delivered.
Step 4.Estimates and Payment
The City will respond to your FOIA request within five business days, which may be extended by an additional 10 days. A request made by email is deemed received by the City on the next business day. If your request is granted, we will provide an estimate of how long it will take to process your request and the total fees. The invoice will include payment instructions.
If the estimated costs are more than $50, you will be required to provide a deposit of 50% of the estimated costs. Ifthe requester has unpaid fees for previous FOIA requests, the City may require a 100% deposit before fulfilling the request.
Records are not released until the fee is paid in full. Requests are automatically closed for non-payment after 45 days (for any portion of the fee).
Make sure you review the Procedures and Guidelines above for more information.
Step 5.Delivery of Records
When your FOIA request is processed, the public records will be provided to you by your preferred method. Records are not released until all fees are paid.
By Mail
Step 1.Review FOIA Procedures and Guidelines
Before you submit a request, please review the FOIA Procedures and Guidelines so you know what to expect. They cover topics like timelines, fees, and how to appeal a decision.
Step 2.Identify Documents
To obtain a record, you must describe it so that it can be located. The more specific you are, the easier and faster it can be found.Please note that the City is not required to make a compilation summary or report of information contained in already existing records, nor is the City required to create a record that does not already exist.
Step 3.Submit a FOIA Request
There is no specific form that must be completed to submit a FOIA request, as long as all of the required information is included. You can complete the Public Record Request Form(PDF,87KB) or simply include all needed information in a letter. FOIA requests can be mailed to:
City of Kalamazoo
City Attorney's Office
241 W South Street
Kalamazoo, MI 49007
Written requests may also be delivered to City Hall in person during business hours.
Estimates and Payment
The City will respond to your FOIA request within five business days, which may be extended by an additional 10 days. If your request is granted, we will provide an estimate of how long it will take to process your request and the total fees. The invoice will include payment instructions.
If the estimated costs are more than $50, you will be required to provide a deposit of 50% of the estimatedcosts. If the requester has unpaid fees for previous FOIA requests, the City may require a 100% deposit before fulfilling the request.
Records are not released until the fee is paid in full. Requests are automatically closed for non-payment after 45 days (for any portion of the fee).
Make sure you review the Procedures and Guidelines above for more information.
Step 4.Delivery of Records
When your FOIA request is processed, the public records will be provided to you by your preferred method. Records are not released until all fees are paid.
In Person
Step 1.Review FOIA Procedures and Guidelines
Before you submit a request, please review the FOIA Procedures and Guidelines so you know what to expect. They cover topics like timelines, fees, and how to appeal a decision.
Step 2.Identify Documents
To obtain a record, you must describe it so that it can be located. The more specific you are, the easier and faster it can be found.Please note that the City is not required to make a compilation summary or report of information contained in already existing records, nor is the City required to create a record that does not already exist.
Step 3.Submit a FOIA Request
There is no specific form that must be completed to submit a FOIA request, as long as all of the required information is included. You can complete the Public Record Request Form(PDF,87KB) or simply include all needed information in a letter. FOIA requests can be brought to the City Attorney's Office at City Hall:
City of Kalamazoo
City Attorney's Office
241 W South Street
Kalamazoo, MI 49007
Step 4.Estimates and Payment
The City will respond to your FOIA request within five business days, which may be extended by an additional 10 days. If your request is granted, we will provide an estimate of how long it will take to process your request and the total fees. The invoice will include payment instructions.
If the estimated costs are more than $50, you will be required to provide a deposit of 50% of the estimatedcosts. If the requester has unpaid fees for previous FOIA requests, the City may require a 100% deposit before fulfilling the request.
Records are not released until the fee is paid in full. Requests are automatically closed for non-payment after 45 days (for any portion of the fee).
Make sure you review the Procedures and Guidelines above for more information.
Step 5.Delivery of Records
When your FOIA request is processed, the public records will be provided to you by your preferred method. Records are not released until all fees are paid.
By Phone
Members of our team are happy to answer questions about the FOIA process, but we cannot process FOIA requests via telephone. If you have a question about submitting a FOIA request, please call 311 or (269) 337-8000.
