To make a Public Records Request, email publicrecordsrequest@lincoln.ne.gov.
What is a Public Record?
A public record is any record, regardless of form, that is held by any employee, public official, whether elected or appointed, or by any City department that relates to the transaction of City government. Commonly requested public records include contracts, financial records, and communications. The City Attorney’s Office should be contacted if any issues arise concerning whether or not a record is a public record. The Nebraska Public Records Statutes include Neb. Rev. Stat. §§ 84-712 through 84-712.09.
What is a Public Records Request?
A request made in writing to examine or to have a copy of public records. There is no specific form, or words, required for a public records request, but the City utilizes this portal to process Public Records Requests.
Requests should be made via email at publicrecordsrequest@lincoln.ne.gov or by postal letter to Office of the City Attorney, 555 S. 10th Street, Suite 301, Lincoln, NE 68508.
Is there a cost associated with a records request?
For residents of Nebraska and media, there will likely be no cost. Costs associated with resident and media requests can be charged if the collection of documents will take longer than 8 hours of employee time, or if email records are requested. §§ 84-712(3)(c)
For non-residents, all requests will have a fee associated with the production of records. Basic records requests will range in fee from $75-$125, depending on the employee time it takes to retrieve the record and to complete a legal review. §§ 84-712(3)(d). For more complex requests, the fee could be much higher.