The Colorado Open Records Act (CORA) is a state law that provides the public with the right to access most records created or maintained by Colorado state and local government agencies.
At its core, CORA exists to ensure that government activity can be reviewed by the public through actual records, rather than summaries, statements, or informal explanations.
What CORA Does
CORA allows any person to request access to public records held by Colorado government entities, including counties, municipalities, and district offices.
Under CORA, the public can request records related to:
-
Government decision‑making
-
Public expenditures and contracts
-
Communications conducted in an official capacity
-
Policies, procedures, and administrative actions
Agencies are required to respond within statutory timeframes and must either:
-
Produce the records
-
Produce the records with lawful redactions
-
Deny the request and cite the specific legal basis for the denial
What Counts as a “Public Record”?
In general, a public record is any record:
-
Made, maintained, or kept by a government agency
-
In connection with the performance of public functions
Public records can include emails, letters, reports, contracts, invoices, logs, policies, and other documentation created or used as part of official business.
Not all records are automatically disclosable. CORA contains exemptions that allow agencies to withhold or redact certain information when the law permits it.
What CORA Is Not
CORA is not:
-
A lawsuit or court action
-
A finding of misconduct
-
A demand for explanations or opinions
-
A request for private personal information
-
A request for attorney‑client privileged material or legal strategy
CORA is a records‑access law, not an enforcement mechanism. It provides access to existing records; it does not require agencies to create new records, perform analysis, or answer questions.
Why CORA Matters
CORA plays a central role in:
-
Government transparency
-
Public accountability
-
Informed civic participation
By allowing the public to review source records directly, CORA helps reduce reliance on second‑hand descriptions or assumptions about how government operates.
How CORA Requests Are Typically Submitted
CORA requests are usually made in writing and identify:
-
The agency holding the records
-
The records being requested
-
Any reasonable time frame or scope limitations
Some requesters choose to send CORA requests by certified mail. This is not required by law, but it provides confirmation of delivery and a clear start date for statutory response deadlines.
What Happens After a Request Is Filed
Once a CORA request is received:
-
The agency reviews the request
-
Responsive records are identified
-
Exempt material, if any, is evaluated for redaction or withholding
-
A response is issued within the time allowed by law
Whether records are released, partially released, or denied, the response itself becomes part of the public transparency process.
Final Note
CORA is a procedural tool. Its value lies not in assumptions about outcomes, but in the ability for the public to review actual government records and draw conclusions based on documented facts.