Department of Finance Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)

Rights & Responsibilities: The Rights of Requesters and the Responsibilities of the City of Richmond under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act:

The Virginia Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), § 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.

Make a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Request to the Department of Finance:

Please make a FOIA request to the Department of Finance by e-mailing Finance.FOIA@RVA.gov and a FOIA Officer will follow up with you as soon as possible. By clicking on the previous e-mail address it will outline the information required to make a request in the body of the e-mail. If you prefer/need to copy and paste the address into your e-mail app please be sure to include your:

  • First Name
  • Last Name
  • E-Mail Address
  • Company (If Applicable)
  • Address
  • City
  • State
  • Zip Code
  • Phone Number
  • Description of Public Records Being Requested (Please Be as Specific as Possible)
  • Request is Related to Pending Litigation (Yes/No)

Click Here to Learn More About FOIA or File a FOIA Request with Another Department