FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The Portland City Elections Office received information from multiple sources alleging that ShotSpotter, Inc. had engaged in several meetings with City officials and failed to report these meetings as lobbying activity. Under City Code (Chapter 2.12), lobbying means attempting to influence the official action of City officials. Such activity is required to be reported once a lobbying entity has reached the appropriate thresholds to require registering as a lobbyist. The information shared with the Elections Office alleged that these reports were not submitted.
During the investigation, the Elections Office found that ShotSpotter did meet with City Officials, but that there was insufficient evidence to find that ShotSpotter violated the City’s lobbying regulations. The Interim Elections Officer stated, “The evidence is clear that ShotSpotter engaged in lobbying meetings with City officials. That said, this does not automatically mean an entity must register as a lobbyist through our program.”
When allegations are received by the Elections Office, which is housed in the Auditor’s Office, the information provided is reviewed and the Elections Officer determines if a formal investigation is warranted. In this case, it was found that an investigation was necessary. The outcome letter sent to ShotSpotter, posted on the City Elections office webpage per standard practice, states that there was not enough evidence to find that the thresholds required to trigger registration as a lobbyist had been met. The letter also encourages ShotSpotter to review the City’s lobbying regulations.
For more information about the City’s lobbying regulations, including what does and does not qualify as lobbying activity and how to report such activity, see City Code 2.12.020.
The City Elections Office, which is housed in the Auditor’s Office, can be contacted at Elections@PortlandOregon.gov or 503-865-6873.