Freedom of information is a cornerstone of a thriving democracy. An informed public relies on it. Transparency and accountability are impossible without it. The nonpartisan Colorado Freedom of Information Coalition is an integral part of Colorado's news ecosystem, and its programs help ensure Coloradans' right to know about the activities of local governments and state agencies.
Every day, CFOIC helps journalists and the public understand and use the state's open records and open meetings laws and fight improper denials of access. We provide training, resources and one-on-one coaching, and get lawyers involved when necessary.
CFOIC publishes a free, comprehensive online guide to Colorado's sunshine laws, searchable and indexed by topic with links to pertinent statutes and case law. Our blog reports on, and explains, timely and relevant freedom-of-information and First Amendment issues.
CFOIC advocates for government transparency and promotes legislation to provide greater public access. It is the Voice for Open Government in Colorado.
"Jeff and the CFOIC team play an immeasurable role in making Colorado leaders more transparent, accountable and accessible to the public. I consult their website just about every week and call them almost as often." - Seth Klamann
"The entire Colorado journalism community actually doubles as a @jeffreyaroberts.bsky.social fan club for the amazing, relentless work he does to make our state more transparent." - Katie Langford
"In an age of declining traditional media, CFOIC is an essential voice for government transparency." - Luis Toro
"The CFOIC provides invaluable resources and information." - Kelsey Warner
"Thank you for being my journalism guardian angel." - Moe Clark
The purpose of the Coalition shall be to safeguard the right of the public to information it must have to act reasonably in a free and democratic society, and to monitor the climate in which Colorado journalism must meet its obligations to society. Additionally, the Coalition shall educate Colorado citizens that: the protection afforded by the United States and Colorado constitutions is a public right; government conducted in the open benefits the public interest; and a free and unfettered press is vital to the democratic process.
Founded nearly 40 years ago, the nonpartisan Colorado Freedom of Information Coalition (CFOIC) is The Voice for Open Government in Colorado.
Educating and Leading on Transparency — CFOIC helps journalists and the public understand and use the Colorado Open Records Act, the Colorado Criminal Justice Records Act, the Colorado Open Meetings Law and the rules governing court access so that Coloradans can know what their government is doing and hold their public officials accountable. CFOIC’s online guide to Colorado’s sunshine laws is comprehensive and free to use. Our blog, newsletter and community events keep you in the know about transparency issues in Colorado.
Fighting Secrecy and Gaining Access — Thousands of Coloradans have contacted CFOIC’s freedom of information hotline to get one-on-one guidance on how to use the open-government laws effectively and how to push back against improper denials, delays, and excessive fees. Their questions go to the heart of the public’s right to know: Can the school board meet behind closed doors for hours and hours? Can I find out what they talked about? Why was the city manager suddenly put on leave and then fired? Can the police department charge me thousands of dollars for bodycam footage showing possible officer misconduct? Why was that document I requested so heavily redacted? Can they do that?
Championing Strong Laws and Policies — In the legislature, CFOIC stands up for open government by fighting for greater transparency and challenging efforts to roll back public access. Thanks to CFOIC’s efforts: public bodies must publicly announce the topics they will talk about in executive sessions and record those discussions; governments must provide digital records in sortable, searchable formats; law enforcement agencies must disclose records of internal affairs investigations; and the General Assembly is finally video livestreaming its committee hearings. CFOIC has submitted dozens of “friend of the court” briefs that have meaningfully impacted appellate court rulings on the sunshine laws.
Read about CFOIC's history: http://coloradofoic.org/thirty-years-cfoic-idea-is-to-represent-the-public/
Organization name
Colorado Freedom of Information Coalition
other names
Colorado Freedom of Information Coalition, CFOIC, Colorado Freedom of Information Council
1987
Tax id (EIN)
80-0776164
Category
Public & Societal Benefit
Organization Size
Medium Organization
Address
2101 Arapahoe St.CO, US