Public Access Opinion 14-016

Freedom of Information Act: terms of agreements

This PAC opinion, binding on the parties, determined that the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority (Authority) improperly denied an opportunity for a FOIA requester to review lease agreements for conventions and trade shows held at McCormick Place. In addition, the Authority argued that the information is exempt as confidential proprietary information. The PAC rejected these arguments. The takeaway for school districts is that the PAC will likely require the disclosure of agreements pursuant to a FOIA request.