Introduction to Freedom of Information

The public may access information of the Illinois Housing Development Authority (“Authority”) by submitting a written request pursuant to the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (“FOIA”) (5 ILCS 140). The Authority’s corresponding rules, Access to the Public Records of the Illinois Housing Development Authority, codified at 2 Ill. Ad. Code 1976, provide additional framework by which the Authority’s public records may be accessed. Pursuant to 5 ILCS 140, Section 2(c), a public record is any records, reports, forms, writings, letters, memoranda, books, papers, maps, photographs, cards, tapes, recordings, electronic data processing records, recorded information and all other documentary materials, regardless of physical form or characteristics, having been prepared, or having been or being used, received, possessed or under the control of any public body. Some records are not subject to release via the FOIA process; these types of records are described under 5 ILCS 140, Section 7 (1) (a) thru (pp). Some records may also be subject to confidentiality provisions imposed by other state statutes; the FOIA process for disclosure of information does not supersede these other applicable statutory and judicial mandates.

How to Submit a FOIA Request:

Your request must be submitted in writing through any of the following means: the interactive FOIA web form, facsimile, mail or special carrier (UPS, FedEx, etc), or email. The web form is provided as an example only. You may use any format for your request. Please direct your request to the Freedom of Information Officer as noted below. Your request should include the following: (i) your full name, mailing address, daytime phone number, fax number, email address and your organization’s name (if applicable); (ii) a description of the public records sought, being as specific as possible; and (iii) whether the request is for inspection of the public records, copies of the public records or both. With respect to requests regarding affordable housing developments that have benefitted from the Authority’s financing and tax credit programs, please include the development’s name and address. Please note that the Authority’s files are extensive so it is important that requests are as specific as possible. A specific request will avoid any unnecessary delays and any preventable copying fees.

Requests can be sent to any of the following:

1. Veronica Solis
- Freedom of Information Officer
Illinois Housing Development Authority
401 N. Michigan Avenue - Suite 700
Chicago, Illinois 60611


2. Facsimile Number: 312.832.2169


3. Email: vsolis@ihda.org

For more information, call 312.836.5332

The Authority will respond within 7 business days of receipt of the request, unless an extension of time is needed. The Authority may give notice of an extension of time to respond which does not exceed an additional 7 business days.With respect to requests for inspections of public records, the records will be made available for inspection during normal business hours at the offices of the Authority. Copies of public records will be provided upon payment of any charges due. Charges for copies of public records are assessed at 15 cents per page. There is no charge for the first 5 pages. Charges may be waived or reduced under certain circumstances, such as when it is determined it is in the public interest to do so.

The Authority will respond to your request in one of three ways: (i) approve the request; (ii) approve the request in part and deny in part; or (iii) deny the request. If all or part of the information requested is denied, you have the right to appeal the denial of the records to the Executive Director of the Authority by submitting a written notice of appeal to:

The notice of appeal should include a copy of your original request, a copy of the denial and a statement of the reasons why the appeal should be granted.