Freedom of Information Act

The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) establishes a citizen's legal right to access government records and information upon request. It makes government more transparent by guaranteeing access to government records and regulating and setting requirements for the disclosure of public records by all public bodies in the state, including state agencies, county and local governments, school boards, boards, departments, commissions, councils and public colleges and universities.

In 2014, the State Legislature amended the FOIA to include a requirement that all municipalities adopt a formal policy for handling requests. The City of East Lansing has had such a policy in place since 2010 and it has been updated to reflect the significant legislative changes to the law. View the new FOIA Policy Resolution 2018-14 (PDF), Administrative Order of the City Manager Establishing FOIA Policies and Procedures (PDF), Attachment A (PDF) and Attachment B (PDF).

Requests for public records must be submitted online or in writing by mail, fax or email to the City Clerk / FOIA Coordinator. 

FOIA Log

FOIA Log - As of February 6, 2023 (PDF)

This log will be updated on a monthly basis.

City of East Lansing Requests (does not include Police/Fire Requests; please see below)

For your convenience, the City of East Lansing provides an online FOIA request form, although no specific form is required.

Questions can be directed to the East Lansing City Clerk via email or by calling (517) 319-6914.

Police Department Requests

Requests for East Lansing Police Department records may be mailed, emailed or faxed directly to the address, email or fax number as listed below:

East Lansing Police Department / FOIA
409 Park Lane
East Lansing, MI 48823

foia@elpolice.com (email)
(517) 337-7372 (fax)
(517) 351-4220, Option 5 (information)

Pursuant to PA 523 of 2018 - ELPD may reject any FOIA request that does not include the requesting person's complete name, address and contact information. Additionally, an address must be written in compliance with United States Postal Service addressing standards. Contact information must include a valid telephone number or electronic mail address. MCL 15.233 et seq.

FOIA Request Form - East Lansing Police Department (PDF)
Online FOIA Request Form - East Lansing Police Department

Fire Department Requests

Requests for East Lansing Fire Department records may be mailed or faxed directly to the address and number as listed below:

East Lansing Fire Department / FOIA
FOIA Requests
1700 Abbot Road
East Lansing, MI 48823

kpetersen@cityofeastlansing.com
(517) 337-1112 (fax)
(517) 332-1956 (information)

FOIA Request Form - East Lansing Fire Department (PDF)