2026 Webinars - Vol. 4 FOIL

NYSAA Webinar Series 2026: Volume 4

From Request to Response: FOIL Essentials for Assessors

Responding to a Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) request can raise questions about what must be released, what may be withheld, and how to respond within the required timeframe. Join the New York State Assessors Association for a free, 90-minute webinar presented by the New York State Committee on Open Government, with a practical focus on issues facing assessors and assessment office staff.

The session will explore the requirements for handling FOIL requests, including requests received by email, response deadlines, electronic records, allowable fees, and coordination with municipal records access officers. Assessment-related topics will include access to assessment information, Board of Assessment Review records, grievance submissions and supporting documentation, and the review of sensitive information for possible redaction or withholding.

The webinar will also address questions about requests made for commercial or solicitation purposes and how FOIL’s real property provisions affect disclosure decisions. Participants will gain a clearer understanding of their responsibilities and a practical framework for responding to requests consistently and confidently.

This program is intended for assessors, assessment office staff, county real property tax personnel, and municipal officials involved in responding to records requests.