To amend City Code § 2-1351, concerning definitions related to open data and a transparency program, and to amend ch. 2, art. VII, div. 4 of the City Code by adding therein a new section 2-1361, concerning a Freedom of Information Act request library, for the purpose of establishing an online Freedom of Information Act library. (As Amended)

This ordinance establishes an online Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Request Library on the city's website. It amends City Code § 2-1351 to define terms related to open data and transparency, and adds a new section 2-1361 to create the FOIA library. The library will publish public records requests, including details like receival and completion dates, the request itself (or a summary), the responsible department, any associated fees, and the materials produced in response.

Key Provisions:

• Scope: Applies to all FOIA requests made to the City Council, Mayor, departments, and boards/commissions.
• Exemptions: Requests for public records from the Richmond Police Department, Richmond Fire Department, Department of Social Services, and Department of Emergency Communications, Preparedness and Response are excluded from the library.
• Privacy: Materials may be withheld if the requester or their minor dependents are the subject, or if a request is made by an attorney on behalf of a client (treated as the client's request).
• Implementation: The ordinance codifies the use of a new FOIA software platform (JustFOIA) and requires a FOIA Manager to review requests before publication.
• Fiscal Impact: An estimated annual cost of $300,000 to $350,000 plus ongoing data storage costs is associated with staffing (three FTE FOIA Librarians) and technology infrastructure for this program.

Residents will have increased transparency into the types of information the city receives requests for and the records that are released, with the exception of requests to specific public safety and social services departments. This aims to improve public access to government information and accountability.

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