Phoenix Open Data Requests - City Records & Corrections

Technology and Data Arizona 4 Minutes Read · published February 05, 2026 Flag of Arizona

Residents of Phoenix, Arizona can request access to the city’s open datasets or ask the city to correct errors in published data. This guide explains the roles of the City of Phoenix Open Data program and the City Clerk/Public Records process, when to use each route, and practical steps to make a request, report a dataset error, or appeal a records decision. It includes official contact points and how to submit requests so you can obtain city data for research, community work, journalism, or to verify city operations.

What is Open Data and when to request corrections

Open Data refers to machine-readable datasets the city publishes to promote transparency and reuse. Request a correction when a dataset contains factual errors, mislabeled fields, or broken links. Request a full dataset extract when the portal view does not provide the fields you need.

Use Open Data for routine dataset issues; use Public Records for official, certified, or non-published records.

How to request data or corrections

Use the City of Phoenix Open Data portal to request dataset corrections or ask for additional data fields via the dataset's contact or issue report feature on the portal. For official public-records requests (records not available in the open portal or requiring certification), submit a Public Records Request to the City Clerk or Records Division. For portal dataset issues and correction requests, follow the dataset's "Contact" or "Request Change" workflow on the open-data page Open Data portal[1]. For formal public records, see the City of Phoenix Public Records Request page Public Records Request[2].

  • Identify the dataset or record you need, note dataset name and field names.
  • Use the dataset contact or the portal's issue report feature for corrections.
  • For certified or non-published records, submit a Public Records Request to the City Clerk.
  • Provide a clear description, date ranges, and preferred format (CSV, JSON, PDF).
Correction requests on the open-data portal generally use the portal's report or contact feature.

Penalties & Enforcement

Open data corrections and public-records requests are administrative processes; the city does not typically impose fines on residents for making requests. Specific enforcement or penalties for data misuse, falsifying records, or failing to comply with Sunshine/Open Records laws are governed by separate statutes or municipal rules and are not listed on the Open Data or Public Records landing pages cited below.

  • Fines: not specified on the cited page.
  • Escalation: not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: not specified on the cited page.
  • Enforcer: City of Phoenix Technology and Innovation / Open Data program for portal content; City Clerk/Records Division for public-records compliance.

Inspection and complaint pathways: report dataset errors through the Open Data portal contact or request forms; submit public-records complaints or appeals via the City Clerk's Public Records process. Time limits for appeals or fee schedules are not specified on the cited pages and should be confirmed with the Records Division or the Open Data contact.[2]

Applications & Forms

The City maintains online mechanisms for both open-data feedback and public-records requests. Specific form names, form numbers, filing fees, and deadlines are not specified on the Open Data landing page; for formal public-records submissions see the City Clerk/Records page for current forms and submission instructions.[2]

Common violations and typical outcomes

  • Requesting personally identifying information through Open Data when the dataset is redacted: outcome depends on Records review.
  • Submitting false or fraudulent records requests: enforcement details not specified on the cited pages.
  • Failing to provide adequate detail in a request leading to delays: administrative rejection or clarification request.
If you need certified copies or legal affidavits, submit a formal Public Records Request to the City Clerk.

FAQ

How do I report an error in a dataset?
Open the dataset on the City of Phoenix Open Data portal and use the dataset's contact or issue-report feature to describe the error and provide examples.
Do I need to file a Public Records Request to get open data?
No. Published open datasets are available on the portal; file a Public Records Request only for records not published or when you need certified copies.
Are there fees for data requests?
Fees for public records or special data extracts are not specified on the Open Data or Public Records landing pages; check the Records Division for current fee information.

How-To

  1. Locate the dataset or record name on the Open Data portal or city records index.
  2. Use the dataset's contact/issue report or the Public Records Request form to submit your request with dates and format.
  3. Allow the city to acknowledge and process your request; respond to any clarification requests.
  4. If applicable, follow payment instructions for any reproduction or processing fees shown by Records.
  5. If denied, follow the appeal instructions on the Records page or ask for the review route described by the City Clerk.

Key Takeaways

  • Use the Open Data portal first for dataset corrections and non-certified extracts.
  • Submit a Public Records Request to the City Clerk for non-published or certified records.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Phoenix Open Data portal
  2. [2] City of Phoenix Public Records Request

Categories

General Governance and Administration Public Safety Public Health and Welfare Land Use and Zoning Housing and Building Standards Transportation Environmental Protection Parks and Public Spaces Business and Consumer Protection Taxation and Finance Labor and Employment Education Civil Rights and Equity Elections and Campaign Finance Events and Special Uses Signs and Advertising Utilities and Infrastructure Technology and Data