ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — The city of Asheville has launched a new public records request platform aimed at making the process easier, more accessible and more transparent for residents.
As of July 1, the city is using JustFOIA, a cloud-based system that allows users to submit, track and manage public records requests directly through the city’s website. The platform does not require users to create an account and includes expanded options for specifying the details of each request.
The system can be accessed by visiting www.ashevillenc.gov, clicking on the “Government” tab in the blue banner at the top right of the homepage, scrolling to the “Transparency” section, and selecting “Public Records Request.”
City officials said the move is intended to streamline access to information and reinforce the public’s right to obtain records. North Carolina law requires that public records and information created or received by government agencies in the course of conducting public business be made available to the public, unless otherwise exempted by law.
Questions about previous or completed requests can be directed to opengov@ashevillenc.gov.
According to city policy, public records may be obtained at no cost or for a minimal fee, depending on the nature of the request.