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The City needs to make realistic commitments to voters and ensure they are delivered
We found in four recent audits of voter-approved spending that the City did not consistently assess the feasibility of commitments it planned to put on the ballot, and language used to describe commitments to voters was not always clear. Portland may have a harder time ensuring that promises are delivered because commitments can fall through the cracks when there are changes in bureau leadership, which is common in the commission form of government. Additionally, the City has no central monitoring function once a voter-approved City tax or bond is passed to help ensure that accountability measures are established and consistent with what was promised.
Visit our webpages for the four recent audits referred to in this report:
Portland Housing Bond: Early implementation results mostly encouraging (June 2019)
Fixing Our Streets: Some accountability commitments not fulfilled (May 2019)
Recreational Cannabis Tax: Greater transparency and accountability needed (May 2019)
Arts Tax: Promises to voters only partly fulfilled (July 2015)
Highlights | Report | December 2019
1-Year Follow-up | April 2021
Translated Community Survey: Half report City is doing a good job
In 2016 the Auditor’s Annual Community Survey was translated into Spanish, Vietnamese, Russian and Chinese – the four most spoken languages in the City of Portland other than English. The results showed that respondents to both English and translated surveys share similar rankings of City services.
After 2016, the Community Survey was discontinued.
Highlights | Report | April 2017
Portland's Financial Condition: Funding infrastructure should be high priority
The financial condition report focuses on the City’s financial trends over five years. The report helps decision makers to visualize the City’s course, to consider options, and make adjustments to improve the City’s long-term financial health. The audit found that Portland’s financial condition is currently stable, but there are long-term challenges to address, such as increased pension liabilities and some assets losing value faster than the City can make repairs.
Highlights | Report | April 2017
2016 Community Survey: Portlanders' ratings of city livability drop to new low
This report presents the results of our 26th annual survey of Portlanders. In 2016 several new demographic questions were added, allowing for extra analysis on housing status, how long one has lived in the same residence, and disability. It also marks the first time the Community Survey was translated (into Spanish, Vietnamese, Russian and Chinese).
After 2016, the Community Survey was discontinued.
Highlights | Report | November 2016
Further audits on Performance and Community Surveys
Find the following audits about City Performance and Community Surveys in our list of audit reports from 2016 and earlier:
- 2015 Community Survey: Booming construction, traffic congestion, and costly housing - November 5, 2015
- Southwest Portland: Residents rate livability highly while some services are much worse than citywide - July 8, 2015
- City of Portland 24th annual community survey results - October 29, 2014
- East Portland: History of City services examined - April 23, 2014
- City of Portland 23rd Annual Community Survey Results - October 30, 2013
- City of Portland 22nd Annual Community Survey Results - October 30, 2012
- City of Portland 21st Annual Community Survey Results - December 6, 2011