Freedom of Information Act

A public record is any record containing information relating to the conduct of government business, which is prepared, owned, used, or retained by an agency. This includes, but is not limited to, electronic media, paper, email, microfilm audiotapes, videotapes, magnetic tapes, and disks (CDs/DVDs). A valid public records request is a request for a specific and identifiable public document. A request for general information is not a valid public records request. You do not have to identify the record you want with exact precision, but as much detail as you can provide will be helpful. Our staff may assist in clarifying your request.

Please note: You only need to submit one FOIA request.  If more than one department needs to respond, the FOIA officer will distribute the request to the appropriate staff members. All pertinent documents will be collected and attached to the response. 

Before you complete a FOIA request, please check the city's website for the information that you're seeking. Since many public records are already available on the city's website, it may be unnecessary for you to file a FOIA request. 

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The city will respond within five business days after the request is received (starting with the first business day after a request is received). In cases where additional time is necessary, a letter will be sent within the five business day period. Any written request faxed or emailed to the city after business hours (normal business hours are considered to be 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, holidays excepted) will be considered received on the next business day.

Written requests may be submitted to the FOIA Officer via mail, in person, by email or by fax at 708.687.8817.  Effective January 1, 2026, as a cybersecurity measure, the City of Oak Forest is not required to open email attachments or links to access the contents of a FOIA request. The Illinois Freedom of Information Act requires that the entire electronic FOIA request appear within the body of the email. 5 ILCS 140/3(c).

 View forms and documents related to the FOIA Act: