Public Records Request
Division of Records and Information Management, Information Technology Department
It is the policy of the municipality to provide the fullest and most rapid public access to municipal records and information so that the right of the people to remain informed is protected. In enacting this measure, the assembly recognizes the competing interests of personal privacy and the right of the public to have access to information concerning the conduct of the people's business. This chapter shall therefore be liberally construed to require full disclosure of all public records in the possession or control of any municipal agency, except those specifically exempted (AMC 3.90.10).
The Municipality will accept your public records requests using multiple methods of delivery. Use our
Public Records Request Portal to initiate your requests online and receive instant notifications as your request is being processed. Email and mail-in, fax, call-in or stop by our offices to submit your request using the Public Records Request Form. A PDF fillable and printable versions can be used.
Have a question, get a response by visiting our FAQs below, or
contact the agency with record custody of your records request.
Public accessible records and information may be readily available without the need to submit a public records request. If not found below, contact the agency directly.
SUBMIT A PUBLIC RECORDS REQUEST
- Click,
Online Public Records Request Portal;
- Select
New Request;
- Then choose,
Start;
- Fill out the form and submit to the agency in custody of the records;
- Immediately after submitting the request, you'll receive a
request number and
security key, they can be used to track the status of the request; and
- Within 2 working days, you'll receive acknowledgement of receipt, an estimate of time it may take us to produce records and an estimate of fees if one is applied.
CHECK STATUS OF YOUR REQUEST
- Click,
Online Public Records Request Portal;
- Select,
Track Status;
- Enter your
request number (ex. PRR-2023-10) and
security key (a 6-digit number); and
- Click,
Track.
SEARCH FOR AN ARCHIVED REQUEST
- Click,
Online Public Records Request Portal;
- Select,
Search Archive;
- Enter search term(s); and
- Click, Search, the results page will have additional refinement options and a list of possible matches.
SEND BY EMAIL, MAIL, FAX
- Click, Public Records Request Form;
- Choose from a
fillable or
printable form;
- Fill out the form; and
- Submit to the appropriate agency with legal custody by
contacting them prior to final submission.
SUBMIT BY PHONE
- Obtain the contact information to the appropriate agency with legal custody,
here.
- Be sure to provide as much detail as you can on the records you're requesting;
- The agency representative will document your request using our online portal, and may mail out all correspondence; and
- Reproduce the records as you indicate.
SUBMIT IN-PERSON
- Click, Public Records Request Form;
- Choose from a fillable or printable form;
- Fill out the form, print; and
- Submit to the appropriate agency with legal custody by contacting them prior to submitting.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I submit my public records request?
A public records request may be submitted by using the public portal, fax, email, mail-in, in-person or by phone. Please choose one option. Do not submit the same request through multiple platforms.
What is a public record?
Record means “any information, regardless of physical form or characteristic which is prepared, owned, used, or retained by the municipality in the transaction of its business. Record shall not include assembly records maintained or under the control and custody of the legislative branch (AMC 3.95)." Local Law does not mandate we answer questions or create new records to satisfy a record request.
Do I have to be an Alaskan Resident to request a public records request?
No. Generally any member of the public may generate a request.
Who will fulfill my public records request?
The agency who has legal custody of the records will process your request. Submitting the request to the appropriate agency will result in the promptest responses. If you don't know who it needs to be sent to, you may call the municipal agency. Contact information can be found
here.
Can I submit a request with multiple agencies listed?
Only the receiving agency holding legal custody of the records shall produce the records. Records in legal custody by other agencies will not be produced by the receiving agency. A separate request shall be submitted.
Should I expect to pay a fee for a public records request?
For information that is already publicly accessible, a fee will not be applied. For records that are not already publicly accessible, a fee may be determined based on the actual cost to the agency, at an hourly rate not to exceed $40. The median in which the records are copied or reproduced varies in material costs. Standardized Charges for Retrieving and Copying Records AMCR 3.90 displays the existing allowable fees based on materials.
What if I can't afford to pay my fee?
If the person is unable to pay any requested fee, and signs an affidavit to the effect he is indigent, there will be no cost to such person (AMC 3.90.050A).
Why didn't I get all my records?
Not all records are required to be released under Public Records Laws. Municipal exemptions for particular records are detailed in
AMC 3.90.040. The requested information might also be exempt under federal or state law. If a requested record is considered privileged and/or confidential, the Municipality shall cite the specific provision of applicable law exempting the information from disclosure.
How will I receive my responsive records?
Regardless of how you submit your request, responsive records will be provided as a downloadable file using the online portal, unless otherwise indicated on your initial request. Records may be provided in hard copies, on a USB, mailed or available for pick up. A fee may be applied for the median in which records are reproduced and employee time necessary to complete the job.
How long will it take to fulfill my request?
All requests for records and information made pursuant to this chapter shall be responded to within a reasonable time period. If the records and information cannot be located in time to make a response within two working days of the request, the requesting party shall be promptly advised, and, if the requesting party still desires the information or records, a reasonable and diligent search shall be made for it (AMC 3.90.060C).
Can I pay my invoice using the online Portal?
No. The online Portal will post any pending or paid invoices. Within the invoice there will be specific instructions as to how you may submit your payment to the processing agency. Not all agencies accept the same method of payment.
What will the online archive contain?
The
Search Archive will have fulfilled requests available to the public. Public records requests completed on or after March 2024 may be available on the archive. Any records fulfilled prior to March 2024 may not be found on the archive.
Why am I receiving emails to access the online Portal if I didn't submit my request through it?
Regardless of how you submit your request, Municipal agencies will utilize the Online Portal to process your request. All communication will be available on your portal specific to your request number.