Evanston Launches NextRequest

The City of Evanston today announced a new online portal that streamlines Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests, the first of its kind in Illinois. The portal, powered by NextRequest and available at evanston.nextrequest.com, allows community members and organizations to conveniently submit, track, and browse public record requests online; receive automatic email updates regarding their requests; and download documents.

The City receives an average of more than 600 FOIA requests each year, which are managed by the City Clerk’s office. For the first time, visitors to the City’s website also have access to a searchable database of previously released documents, ensuring that once a City document has been made public, anyone will have access to it.

“I’m pleased to partner with NextRequest to provide our residents with an improved process for public records requests,” said Evanston Mayor Elizabeth Tisdahl. “The City of Evanston strives to promote transparency in all of its operations. This new service will make valuable City information even more accessible to residents while conserving staff time and City resources.”

We’re excited to be working with Evanston, a Digital Cities Survey Winner who has a clear commitment to technology and open, effective government!

(modified from original post)