NEW YORK – As part of a continued effort to improve access to public information, Public Advocate de Blasio today launched new online tools to track Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) requests he has received since taking office. The Public Advocate's website allows anyone to submit a FOIL request and view its status online; as well as access a Document Library containing public records and correspondence from the Public Advocate’s office. De Blasio announced the new tools following his proposal of the Accountability in Information Requests (AIR) Act, requiring City agencies to report monthly to the Public Advocate and the City Council on how many FOIL requests they receive and grant—along with explanations for any delays or denials.
“These new tools make us one of the most transparent agencies in government,” said Public Advocate Bill de Blasio. “These online resources and my legislation are part of a collective effort to open up access to public information and hold City agencies accountable.”
The Public Advocate’s website allows anyone to:
- Access the Document Library at http://advocate.nyc.gov/public-documents
- Submit a FOIL request online at http://advocate.nyc.gov/foil-request
- Check the status of a submitted request; and
- View all requests received by the Public Advocate, along with their respective status at http://advocate.nyc.gov/foil-tracker
Under the New York City Charter, the Public Advocate is empowered to oversee the “responsiveness of City agencies to individual and group requests for data or information.”
