The Northwest Home Equity Assurance Program (“NWHEAP”) is committed to transparency, accountability, and public access to information. As a steward of public tax dollars, NWHEAP strives to conduct its operations in an open and transparent manner.
Many records generated in the course of NWHEAP’s business are available on this website, including public meeting notices, agendas, and meeting minutes. If you are unable to locate the information you are seeking and believe it to be public information, you may submit a written request pursuant to the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (“FOIA”), 5 ILCS 140.
Submitting a FOIA Request
FOIA requests must be submitted in writing using one of the methods below:
Email (preferred):
FOIA@nwheap.com
Mail or Special Carrier (UPS, FedEx, etc.):
Northwest Home Equity Assurance Program
3234 N. Central Ave., Office 2
Chicago, IL 60634
What to Include in Your Request
To ensure your request is processed efficiently, please include:
A statement that “This is a request under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act.”
A clear and specific description of the records requested.
Your full contact information, including:
Name
Organization (if applicable)
Mailing address
Email address
Phone number
An indication of whether you are requesting inspection of records, copies of records, or both.
Requests should be reasonably specific and describe the records sought in sufficient detail to enable NWHEAP to locate the documents.
Response Time
NWHEAP will respond to FOIA requests in accordance with the timelines established by Illinois law. Generally, a response will be issued within five (5) business days of receipt, unless an extension is permitted under FOIA. Requesters will be notified if additional time is required.
Exemptions
Certain records may be exempt from disclosure under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act or other applicable state or federal laws. If records are denied or redacted, NWHEAP will provide the legal basis for the exemption
Appeals
If your FOIA request is denied, in whole or in part, you may have the right to seek review by the Illinois Attorney General’s Public Access Counselor or pursue other remedies provided under the FOIA.
Public Access Counselor
Office of the Attorney General
500 S. 2nd Street
Springfield, Illinois 62701
Phone: (877) 299-3642
Fax: (217) 782-1396
E-mail: public.access@ilag.gov
All FOIA requests and correspondence must be directed to:
FOIA@nwheap.com