City of Richmond launches new FOIA platform
New platform will increase transparency, save staff time, and improve the customer experience for requestors
Richmond, VA — Today, Mayor Danny Avula announced the official launch of the City of Richmond’s new platform for handling Freedom of Information Act requests. The new platform handles the entire FOIA request lifecycle, from the initial request to collecting responsive records, redaction, review, and (if necessary) payment. While other methods for submitting requests are still available (in-person, by phone), the City is excited to offer a more convenient option.
Residents and members of the media can access the new platform here: rva.gov/foia . FOIA requests for records owned by the Richmond Police Department should continue to be directed to [email protected] .
“The City’s approach to FOIA has improved dramatically over the last 18 months. Sharing public information promptly with the media and our residents is a priority that I have made clear throughout the administration. We’ve increased training across the organization, hired a new FOIA manager, and I’ve communicated repeatedly to leadership in my cabinet meetings that FOIA is not only just a legal requirement but a responsibility we need to take seriously. This work takes time and careful consideration to manage properly and now we have the serious technology tools to support that work,” said Mayor Danny Avula .
“This is so exciting!” said Ross Catrow, Director of the Office of Strategic Communications . “I’ve been on the pilot for the new platform over the last few weeks, and it’s going to be a game-changer for the way the City handles FOIA. Shout-out to our FOIA Manager, who led the City to today’s launch. I’m grateful and proud of her work!”
The City’s FOIA Library, as required by the ORD. 2025-240, introduced by the Mayor last year, will launch in full in the coming weeks, ahead of the July 1 deadline. The FOIA Library will make frequently requested records and records of public interest easily available, free of charge. Members of the public can preview the library here: go.rva.gov/foialibrary .
FOIA by the numbers
Over the last several months, the number of requests the City has taken an extension on has decreased, and the vast majority of the City’s requests are completed on time.
| Month | # FOIA Requests | % with Extension | % Completed on Time |
| July | 492 | 43.60% | 92.20% |
| August | 523 | 42.06% | 98.09% |
| September | 420 | 39.70% | 97.60% |
| October | 459 | 34.64% | 97.16% |
| November | 409 | 35.70% | 86.55% * |
| December | 483 | 19.88% | 84.89% * |
| January | 491 | 25.86% | 96.33% |
| February | 467 | 32.76% | 89.29% * |
| March | 505 | 34.85% | 96.83% |
* Almost all of the late requests from November, December, and February were assigned to the Richmond Police Department, who were facing staff capacity issues when it comes to reviewing records.
