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Audit Update: City advanced building permit reforms; Council and multi-bureau engagement noteworthy
This is a one-year follow-up to our 2021 report, "Long-standing inability to meet customers’ needs won’t improve without better management, sustained governance."
News article
Portland Fire & Rescue does not have a coherent accountability system
We found that the Portland Fire Bureau has not invested the time, attention, and resources needed for a coherent employee accountability system. We make recommendations for training and complaint, investigation, and discipline processes to help ensure that the Bureau achieves its diversity goals.
Report
Audit Update: Water Bureau not done defining roles or formulating long-term groundwater plan
This is a two-year follow-up to our 2020 report, "Groundwater: City identified risks, must develop a long-term plan to address them."
News article
Audit Update: Procurement Services is working to address some City credit card risks
This is a one-year follow-up to our 2021 report, "City credit card use slowed during pandemic but exposed underlying risks."
News article
Audit Update: Cannabis Program improved data management, communication
This is a two-year follow-up to our 2020 report, "Cannabis Program: Management fundamentals needed to improve regulation of emerging industry."
News article
Fraud Hotline Report: Funds wasted at veteran apartment complex
The Joint Office spent over $850,000 in rent to house needy veterans but allowed the property to deteriorate into unsafe, unsanitary conditions leaving the office scrambling to find new shelter. Without adequate oversight, the office risks wasting money intended to aid Portlanders without housing.
Report
Audit Update: New procedure reflects lessons learned from pandemic grants
This is a one-year follow-up to our 2021 report, "Prosper Portland Emergency Grants: Standards needed to ensure program integrity."
News article
Audit Update: Lents Urban Renewal – Spending continues, changes unlikely
This is a two-year follow-up to our 2020 report, "Lents Urban Renewal: 20 years of investment with minimal evaluation."
News article
Parks partially addressed wasteful spending
This is a follow-up to our 2020 hotline investigation that found wasteful spending in the Park Ranger Program.
News article
Police Intelligence-Gathering and Surveillance: Better management needed to protect civil rights
Keeping information about political activity and using surveillance technology without safeguards infringes on First Amendment rights. Police need direction about what to collect and a process to manage records when there is no criminal activity. The Bureau also needs improved technology policies.
Report
Audit Update: City reviewing Enhanced Services Districts, Code changes possible in September
This is a one-year follow-up to our 2020 report, "Enhanced Services Districts: City provides little oversight of privately funded public services."
News article
Audit Update: City improved commitments to voters, but implementation hasn’t been publicly reported
This is a second annual follow-up to our 2019 report, "The City needs to make realistic commitments to voters and ensure they are delivered."
News article
Audit Update: City Improved Transparency and Accountability of the Cannabis Tax
This is a two-year follow-up to our 2019 report, "Cannabis Tax: Greater transparency and accountability needed."
News article
Portland Clean Energy Fund: Additional steps needed to implement voter-approved program
Voters approved a tax to create the Portland Clean Energy Fund in 2018 as an ambitious way to tackle climate change and social inequities. This audit found that the program began putting management systems in place but other elements were not yet implemented or needed direction from City Council.
Report
Auditor's 2021 Accountability Report
The Auditor’s Office conducts independent assessments of Portland government, impartial investigations of community members’ complaints, and provides a variety of services that make the City more accessible. This report highlights the breadth and depth our work in 2021.
Report
Portland Parks Golf program teeing up to meet recommendations from 2019 audit
This is a two-year follow-up to our 2019 report, "Portland Parks Golf: Changes needed to ensure long-term sustainability."
News article
Taxes, fines, and fees: Customers who owe caught in maze of inconsistent and uncoordinated collection strategies
The City’s decentralized way of collecting taxes, fines, and fees requires Portlanders to navigate different approaches that may cause harm, especially to people with limited English proficiency or means. We recommend improvements to this disjointed experience for City residents and businesses.
Report
2021 Fraud Hotline Annual Report
The Auditor’s Office Fraud Hotline provides City employees and members of the public a way to confidentially report suspected fraud, waste, and abuse of position by or against the City.
Report
Audit Update: City approved final payment for Portland Building construction contract, lessons learned report remains
This is a two-year follow-up to our 2019 report, "Portland Building Construction Contract: Costs reviewed were compliant, although cost classifications required by contract and reconciliations need to start immediately."
News article
Building Permit Review Audit
Getting a building permit in Portland can be a frustratingly slow process. Delays can affect the economy and motivate property owners to skirt the permitting system altogether. Our audit recommends ways to address persistent problems as the City strives for economic recovery from COVID-19.
Updated Report
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