How to Submit a Request
If you wish to submit a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to the City of Charlottesville, please submit a Records Request online. You may also request records in-person at the City Manager’s Office, via U.S. mail, or fax it to 434-970-3890.
Virginia Freedom of Information Act
The Virginia Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), located Section 2.2-3700 et seq. of the Code of Virginia, guarantees citizens of the Commonwealth and representatives of the media access to public records held by public bodies, public officials, and public employees.
A public record is any writing or recording - regardless of whether it is a paper record, an electronic file, an audio or video recording, or any other format - that is prepared or owned by, or in the possession of a public body or its officers, employees or agents in the transaction of public business. All public records are presumed to be open, and may only be withheld if a specific, statutory exemption applies.
The policy of FOIA states that the purpose of FOIA is to promote an increased awareness by all persons of governmental activities. In furthering this policy, FOIA requires that the law be interpreted liberally, in favor of access, and that any exemption allowing public records to be withheld must be interpreted narrowly.
Review our FOIA Policy (PDF) for more information.
