BENCHMARK REPORT

2025 Public Records Complexity Benchmark Report

Public record requests are more complex than ever. Here’s the data to prove it.

The 2025 Public Records Complexity Benchmark Report offers key insights on the ways that increasingly complex public records requests are reshaping public records request management.

Uncover practical strategies to help your agency navigate emerging challenges and adapt with confidence.

Justify technology investments with clear, data-backed evidence
Anticipate future resource needs by understanding emerging trends
Benchmark your agency against peers using trusted industry data

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161%
increase in request volume
173%
growth in video files
438%
surge in file sizes
Male clerk reviewing the Granicus 2025 Public Records Complexity Benchmark Report on a laptop in an office setting.

Meaningful data firsthand from the field

Based on anonymized data from approximately 240 representative agencies spanning state, county, and city governments, the 2025 Public Records Complexity Benchmark Report includes record request data volume-adjusted and tracked quarterly to reveal meaningful operational trends in state and local government.

This analysis represents the most comprehensive view of public records complexity available to government professionals of any available source.

New key findings that may impact your operations

161% rise in request volume.

Public demand for transparency continues climbing.

173% growth in video files.

Body camera footage and surveillance videos are complex file types requiring specialized handling and redaction.

438% increase in file sizes.

Larger files (like video and PST files) can take more time to process without optimized tools.

DOGE impact analysis.

New federal oversight may be triggering complex multi-jurisdictional inquiries.
Bar chart showing the 72% increase in Public Records Complexity Index from 2018-2025

Benchmark your agency against industry trends

This comprehensive report provides the quantitative foundation needed to:

  • Justify technology investments with data-backed evidence
  • Prepare for budget discussions using industry benchmarks
  • Identify process improvement opportunities through peer comparisons
  • Anticipate future resource needs based on trending indicators
  • Develop strategic responses to emerging complexity drivers
Government employee working on a laptop with the Granicus 2025 Public Records Complexity Benchmark Report open on screen.

Trusted by 7,000+ government organizations

"The landscape of public records has shifted dramatically. What used to be a manageable stream of requests has evolved into a complex web of formats, platforms, and expectations. Without automation and smart workflows, the risk of burnout and non-compliance grows exponentially."
Megan Asikainen, Director Product Management, Granicus
Explore Granicus' public record request solutions

Get the complete analysis

Download the full 2025 Public Records Complexity Benchmark Report for:

  • Quarterly trend analysis tracking evolving record complexity
  • Benchmarking guidelines with clear metric definitions
  • Actionable strategies to manage rising complexity
Download your copy
Records management - manager working on laptop

Public record resources

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