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Participate · How-To Guide

How to File a Public
Information Request

Every Willow Park resident has the legal right to request and receive government records — emails, contracts, financial documents, meeting recordings, and more. Here is exactly how to do it.

Quick Facts
Who can requestAnyone
CostUsually free
Response deadline10 business days
ContactCity Secretary
Legal basisTexas Gov. Code §552

What is a Public Information Request?

A Public Information Request (PIR) — sometimes called an open records request — is a formal request to a government entity for access to its records. In Texas, the right to request government records is guaranteed by the Texas Public Information Act (TPIA), codified in Texas Government Code Chapter 552.

This right belongs to everyone — not just journalists, not just lawyers, not just politically connected people. Any person can file a request. The government does not need to know why you want the records. You do not need to explain yourself. You just need to ask.

Your Legal Right

Under Texas Government Code §552.021, all government records are presumed to be public unless a specific exception applies. The burden is on the government to justify withholding information — not on you to justify requesting it. If the city believes records are excepted from disclosure, it must request a ruling from the Texas Attorney General within 10 business days. It cannot simply refuse.

What you can request

✓ You Can Request
Emails between city officials and staff
City contracts and vendor agreements
Financial records and expenditures
Meeting recordings and video archives
Official minutes and meeting packets
Staff reports and internal memos
Police reports (with some exceptions)
Personnel records (limited)
Permit applications and approvals
Development agreements and applications
Budget documents and audit reports
Photos and videos taken by city staff
✕ Common Exceptions
Attorney-client privileged communications
Certain personnel records and evaluations
Pending litigation strategy documents
Social Security numbers and private financial info
Home addresses of certain public officials
Some law enforcement investigative records
Trade secrets submitted by businesses
Security system information

Even if some information is excepted, the government must release the non-excepted portions of a document. They cannot withhold an entire document simply because part of it is excepted — they must redact only what qualifies and release the rest.

Step by step

1
Decide what you want
Be as specific as you can. The more specific your request, the faster and cheaper the response. Instead of "all emails," try "all emails between City Manager Toni Fisher and council members in January 2026." A broad request may result in a large cost estimate — you can then narrow it.
You don't need to know the exact document name. Describing what you're looking for by subject, date range, and who was involved is enough.
2
Submit your request in writing
Texas law requires public information requests to be submitted in writing. You can submit by email, by mail, in person, or through the city's online portal. The request must be in writing — a verbal request does not trigger the legal response deadline.
Email is the easiest option. Send your request to the City Secretary: dmcmullen@willowpark.org. You can also use the Open Records portal at willowparktx.gov.
3
The 10-business-day clock starts
Once the city receives your written request, they have 10 business days to either provide the records, request a cost estimate deposit, or seek an Attorney General ruling on excepted information. If they do nothing within 10 business days, that is a violation of the law.
Keep a record of when you submitted your request — screenshot the email, note the date. This matters if you need to follow up or escalate.
4
Respond to any cost estimate
If the city estimates the cost of producing the records will exceed $40, they may request a deposit before proceeding. You can accept, narrow your request to reduce cost, or withdraw it. Records under $40 to produce must be provided free of charge.
If you receive a large cost estimate, consider narrowing your request to a shorter date range or fewer people. You can always file follow-up requests.
5
Review the records
Once the city provides the records, review them carefully. Some information may be redacted. If you believe a redaction is improper, you can request that the city seek an Attorney General ruling, or you can contact the Texas Attorney General's Office directly.
Records are often provided as PDFs. Search within them using Ctrl+F (or Cmd+F on Mac) to find specific names, dates, or topics quickly.

Sample request

Here is a straightforward, effective way to write a public information request. You don't need legal language — plain English works fine.

Sample Email Request
To: dmcmullen@willowpark.org
Subject: Public Information Request

Dear Ms. McMullen,

Pursuant to the Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code Chapter 552), I am requesting the following public records from the City of Willow Park:

[Describe the records you want as specifically as possible — e.g., "All emails between City Council members and city staff regarding the Beall-Dean Ranch development from January 1, 2026 through March 24, 2026."]

Please provide these records in electronic format if available. If any portion of this request is estimated to cost more than $40 to fulfill, please notify me before proceeding so I may narrow or adjust the request.

Thank you,
[Your Name]
[Your Contact Information]
Keep it simple and specific. You do not need to explain why you want the records.

If the city doesn't respond or withholds records

The Texas Public Information Act has teeth. If the city fails to respond within 10 business days, withholds records without seeking an Attorney General ruling, or charges improper fees, you have options.

Your Options if There's a Problem

Contact the Texas Attorney General's Open Government Hotline: 512-478-6736. The AG's office handles complaints about Public Information Act violations and can provide guidance on your specific situation.

File a complaint with the AG's Open Records Division: If the city withholds records and refuses to seek an AG ruling, or ignores your request entirely, you can file a formal complaint. The AG can compel compliance.

File a lawsuit in district court: Under Texas Government Code §552.321, a requestor can file suit in district court to compel a governmental body to release records. Attorney's fees may be awarded if you prevail.

A note on what to request

Public information requests are most powerful when you know roughly what you're looking for. Good starting points include: emails about a specific development or vote, contracts with specific vendors, the cost of specific city projects, or communications around a specific policy decision. If you're not sure where to start, WPCN meeting reports often identify the key documents and decision points that would be worth requesting.