FOIA

Introduction to Freedom of Information

As a steward of public tax dollars, IHDA makes every effort to operate in an open and transparent manner. Much of the information and many of the documents generated by our business are available on our website, including notices for public meetings, their agendas and the resulting minutes. If you can’t find what you are looking for and you believe it to be public information, you should submit a written request pursuant to the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (“FOIA”) (5 ILCS 140).

IHDA’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, electronic communications recorded information and all other documentary materials pertaining to the transaction of public business, regardless of physical form or characteristics, having been prepared by or for, or having been or being used by, received by, in the possession of or under the control of any public body.

Please note that some records are not subject to release via the FOIA process; these types of records are described under 5 ILCS 140/7. Some records may also be subject to confidentiality provisions imposed by other statutes; these types of records are described under 5 ILCS 140/7.5. 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 below, 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.

This is the Authority’s interactive web form for FOIA requests.