News
Fraud Hotline Report: Purchasing problems lead to inefficiency and mistrust
The Auditor’s Office found evidence of inefficiency when investigating a tip about sole source contracting by the Community Safety Division. We shared our findings and recommendations to Community Safety and Procurement Services, which provided guidance and training to the Division.
Report
Audit Update: Procurement Services made limited progress to improve construction contracting equity
This is a two-year follow-up to our 2020 report, Equity in Construction Contracting: Some goals achieved despite mismanagement, waste, and gamesmanship.
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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."
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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."
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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."
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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."
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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."
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Parks partially addressed wasteful spending
This is a follow-up to our 2020 hotline investigation that found wasteful spending in the Park Ranger Program.
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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."
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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."
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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.
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2022 Fraud Hotline Annual Report Tip Details
This is a detailed list of Fraud Hotline tips received and pending in 2022.
Report
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