The Freedom of Information Act (Public Act 83-1013) was created by the Illinois legislature to provide the public with complete access to public records. The Act, which went into effect July 1, 1984, was created to clearly define the records that are subject to public review and inspections and to provide detailed guidelines on the procedures which are to be followed by both the public and the public body to whom the request is made.

The intent of the law is to ensure that all citizens have comprehensive access to the information regarding the affairs of government and their public officials and employees.

Requests to CMAP for public records will normally be processed within seven working days of the receipt of the request. If circumstances prevent the request from being processed within this time frame, the requesting party shall be notified by letter of the reason(s) for the delay and the date by which the records will be made available or a denial forthcoming. Upon transmittal of such written notice, CMAP shall have up to an additional seven working days to process the request or issue a denial.

If the person making the request would like to look at a file, a meeting time and date can be arranged. Persons reviewing files will be provided a notepad and pencils by CMAP for their review. No carrying cases, purses, etc. will be allowed in the reviewing room. If photocopies are needed, the person making the request should identify records to be photocopied.

All fees applicable to the processing of FOIA requests exclude staff costs. Fees will include the actual cost for reproducing and certifying public records on equipment or through services owned by or available to CMAP. Materials generated by other sources, but obtained by CMAP, will be sold for the price recommended by the publishing organization. Costs for postage or delivery, if requested, will be added to the cost of production and will be unique to each request. The following is the schedule of fees for public records:

Photocopies $0.15 per page for documents in excess of 30 pages
Publications Per publication list price
Maps fee dependent on size of document

For access to CMAP public records, please download and complete the CMAP FOIA form (52KB PDF) and send it by mail, fax, or email to:

Freedom of Information Officer
Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP)
23 South Wacker Drive, Suite 800
Chicago, IL 60606

Phone: 312-454-0400
Fax: 312-454-0411
Email: Freedom of Information Officer