Cook County Government: President Preckwinkle Launches New System To Streamline Public Records Requests

Press release from the Cook County Government:

March 8, 2021

Today, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle announced the launch of a new system for Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests. Starting today, anyone interested in Cook County records from Offices Under the President can submit a FOIA request online.

The new FOIA system uses GovQA software to allow requestors to track their public records requests online. The new system helps standardize records processing and streamlines request tracking for both requestors and Cook County employees.

“A cornerstone of my administration, from day one, has been to provide transparency for the public,” said Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle. "This new software will replace spreadsheets and email inboxes with a modern request tracking system that lets us operate more efficiently and increases transparency into our operations."

You can access the portal at https://www.cookcountyil.gov/service/freedom-information-act-offices-under-president

“Cook County handles thousands of public requests annually, and this new system will centralize the process and reduce the amount of time our employees devote to processing paperwork,” said Tom Lynch, Cook County Chief Information Officer.

GovQA, will allow requesters to submit a public records request, track its progress, and receive updates by email. The software is designed to improve the experience for requestors while also providing added security and helpful process automation for Cook County employees.

Each of Cook County’s separately elected officials and Cook County Health handle their own FOIA requests. For information on how to submit a request to those Offices please use the link below: https://www.cookcountyil.gov/service-categories/foia-requests-and-information

This press release was produced by the Cook County Government. The views expressed here are the author’s own.