All persons, except those who are serving a sentence of imprisonment, consistent with the Michigan Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), 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. He or she is authorized to designate other City staff to act on his or her behalf to accept and process requests for the City's public records and approve denials.
To obtain a City of Kalamazoo public record, you must sufficiently describe a public record so as to enable the City to locate it. The more specific you can be, the easier and faster City staff can find the record. Please note that the City is not required to make a compilation summary or report of information contained in already existing records.
Consistent with FOIA Procedures & Guidelines you will be assessed a fee for the City to process your request. If you are currently receiving specific public assistance or are able to state facts to demonstrate you are indigent, you may be entitled to a full or partial waiver of the fee. For more information regarding fee waivers, see the FOIA Procedures & Guidelines.