FAQ

1. What is the data practices act or MGDPA?

The Minnesota Government Data Practices Act (MGDPA) is our state’s public records law. As a public entity, the City of Alexandria, Minnesota is subject to the MGDPA. More information about the MGDPA is available in the City of Alexandria Data Practices Policy https://alexandriamn.city/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Data-Practice-Policies-Procedures-1-11-21.pdf.  

2. What records are covered under the MGDPA?

The MGDPA defines public records as "all data collected, created, received, maintained or disseminated by any government entity regardless of its physical form, storage media or conditions of use."

Under the MGDPA, information is presumed to be public unless there is a state or federal law that makes it private or another protected classification (i.e., confidential). 

3. How long will it take to complete my data request?

It depends on your request. If you are requesting data about yourself, then you are considered the data subject, and under Minn. Stat. 13.04, subd.3 you will be provided with data within 10 business days.

4. When I make a public records request, is my name private? 

No, data about public records requests are public. Any data you provide including your name, address, records requested and email address are public data. As with any public data, it can be shared, provided to anyone for any reason and also can be published publicly. 

5. Can I make a public records request anonymously?

Yes, you can make a public data request without providing your name or any other identifying information. However, you will be required to provide an email address to submit a request. If you wish to remain anonymous, it is your responsibility to provide us with an email address that is not associated with your name. (Ex. transparency.star@mail.com) Requiring an email address ensures our anonymous requests receive the same level of service provided to requesters who voluntarily provide optional contact information, such as their name, company name, or mailing address.  

If you are a member of the public or media, under Minn. Stat. 13.03, subd. 3 your requested data will be produced in “appropriate and prompt, reasonable amount of time.” We prioritize requests based on the size and complexity of the request, with more targeted requests processed first. 

6. I have a signed authorization to obtain private data. Can you process this request?

Yes, we can process a signed authorization. Once you make your request you will receive an auto-generated confirmation email from our office. Please reply to that email and attach the authorization to it. With the subject's full name and date of birth, we can locate their records.

7. Why am I not receiving messages from the Data Request Center?

Adding the email address for the Data Request Center will help to ensure future requests do not end up in your spam folder.