According to the 2024 Annual FOIA Report Summary, the number of FOIA requests increased 25.15% from fiscal year 2023 to 2024, while backlogs grew 33%. Looking at the past five years, the growth is apparent. The problem was bad, and now it’s accelerating.
The Department of Justice’s Office of Information Policy (OIP) commented on the upward trend of FOIA requests when they released new guidance for developing a backlog reduction plan. They said that “agencies should generally anticipate continued increases in demand” and explained how a backlog reduction plan can ensure leaders, officials, and others outside the FOIA office can understand the agency’s needs and goals.
Take a look at some highlights from the new guidance released on August 21, 2025.
Key Takeaways From the DOJ Guidance
“Of course, any agency may develop a backlog reduction plan, but those agencies with proportionally high backlogs are particularly encouraged to focus on backlog reduction,” the OIP said. What constitutes a proportionally high backlog? The guidance recommended that agencies keep their backlog below 10%, compared to annual total requests. The OIP then explored four key themes for developing a successful backlog reduction plan:
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Leadership Support and Employee Buy-In: Strong leadership is essential for backlog reduction. At the same time, success depends on employees who process requests every day and understand the bottlenecks firsthand. Involving staff at all levels in planning helps them feel invested and surfaces practical solutions leadership might overlook. When leadership support and employee commitment come together, agencies have a much stronger foundation for progress.
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Individualized Approaches: Every agency faces different challenges, so a one-size-fits-all plan won’t work. The OIP encouraged agencies to begin with a self-assessment to uncover the real causes of delays, whether that’s high request volume, complex record reviews, or workflow bottlenecks. From there, agencies can design plans that fit their needs, like adding staff, using technology to speed up review, or improving communication with requesters to narrow overly broad requests.
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Goal Setting and Accountability: Setting measurable goals is central to backlog reduction. The guidance points to examples like reducing the backlog by a specific percentage or cutting down average processing times. Just as important is building in accountability through regular reporting. When leaders and staff track progress, they can quickly see what is working, where things are slipping, and how to adjust course.
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Flexibility: Plans should be strong but not rigid. Agencies need to adapt when new challenges appear, such as spikes in requests or unexpected litigation. Treating backlog reduction as an ongoing process rather than a one-time effort makes it easier to shift resources and revise goals while still keeping the plan on track. The OIP also noted how “adopting new technology … may present opportunities for new approaches to backlog reduction," which we’ve explored in our FOIA in the DOGE Era: How Professionals Can Adapt and Respond post.
Join the Conversation in D.C.
The OIP guidance raises a lot of questions that practitioners are already dealing with, and those are exactly the types of topics we’ll explore at Casepoint + OPEXUS Summit 2025 on October 30. This year’s event includes a dedicated FOIA track, featuring panel discussions and peer-led sessions, including “Hot Topics in FOIA,” where backlog discussions and other pressing issues might come up. It’s a great opportunity to share and connect with other FOIA professionals.
Delivering the day’s keynote will be Thomas Koulopoulos, the industry’s leading digital futurist, an accomplished author, and founder of Delphi Group, a Boston-based think tank recognized by Inc. Magazine as one of the fastest-growing private companies. He brings deep experience on AI, innovation, and the future of technology.
Join us to learn more about FOIA and how to modernize government workflows.
Author
Product Marketing Manager
Taylor Coutroulis is a Product Marketing Manager at Casepoint + OPEXUS, where she specializes in bringing regulatory and compliance technology to life through compelling storytelling. With a background in communications and experience across both public and private sectors, Taylor partners with cross-functional teams to launch products, engage…
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