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FOIA Request to City of Petersburg Regarding Newly Registered Businesses on May 7, 2025.
As part of our commitment to providing comprehensive and accurate news coverage on local governmental affairs, we at Sangamon Sun have submitted a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to the City of Petersburg. Our request seeks access to records detailing newly registered businesses within the city from the previous week. Specifically, we are requesting information in electronic format that includes the following fields: Business Name, Business Number, Business Type, Business Address, Issued Date, Status, and Registered Agent Name.
This request is made under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act, 5 ILCS 140. As members of the media involved in gathering and reporting news to the public, access to these public records is essential for us to fulfill our professional responsibilities. These responsibilities include holding public institutions accountable and providing transparency to the public. Given our role in disseminating information, we believe we are eligible for a fee waiver as media professionals.
Additionally, it is important to note that this request is supported by The Coalition Opposing Governmental Secrecy, a 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Missouri Corporation. This organization assists news media companies and public advocacy groups in investigating state and federal governmental agencies by leveraging Freedom of Information and Sunshine Laws. Their efforts help pull back the curtain on government actions and inform the American electorate.
We look forward to receiving a response from the City of Petersburg regarding this request and will continue our efforts to provide transparent and informative coverage for our readers.
