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We're here to make sure City government treats residents and businesses fairly. See what we were up to in 2025.
Report
After a complaint, the Ombudsman investigated how Urban Forestry reviews some development permits for compliance with street tree planting standards. In December, the Ombudsman sent a memo to Parks Director Adena Long identifying concerns with the review fee and the clarity of City Code provisions.
Updated Report
The Arts Tax has expanded arts education and supports arts organizations, but the City has not consistently delivered on promises to voters. We recommend the City improve education coordination, maximize grant funds, ensure grants advance program goals, and enhance oversight.
Report
Portland’s enforcement of accessory short-term rental rules is more punitive than in other cities and may have inequitable impacts. The City’s rules and enforcement methods are flawed. Our investigation recommends changes to reduce harm and increase equity and effectiveness.
Report
The City has committed to climate justice, but work remains to make climate actions more effective. Our audit recommends City leadership provide clearer internal direction, develop strategies for climate adaptation and community engagement, and increase transparency to follow through on commitments.
Report
Parks does not have enough resources for its existing programs and maintenance obligations. However, it continues to invest in new assets. Our audit recommends that Parks integrate new investment decisions with existing maintenance obligations and clearly communicate fiscal strategies.
Report
While the City has yet to implement over half of our audit recommendations, the implementation rate did increase over last year. We found that leadership was challenged with prioritization in getting outstanding recommendations implemented.
Report
Police can make a vehicle breakdown or accident less stressful for vehicle owners when they order a private request tow under the Police Directive on towing. However, this option can also leave motorists unfairly exposed to widely disparate rates. The City’s tow contract does not cover these tows.
Report
An Ombudsman investigation found that the Fire Bureau’s poor communication left residents of an East Portland affordable housing community concerned about their safety. We also found that parking practices at the property could impede Fire vehicle access.
Report
For years, the City has underinvested in maintaining its aging assets. Now, it is facing a backlog of costly and urgent needs that it lacks the funding to meet. Our audit recommends that the new form of government take a more strategic approach to developing the infrastructure for infrastructure.
Report
We're here to make sure City government treats residents and businesses fairly. See what we were up to in 2024.
Report
A recent hotline investigation found inefficiency and waste in the City’s failure to award grants from Portland International Raceway–North Portland Trust Fund. The City has not awarded grants from the Fund since 2020.
Report
The City has taken steps to address the inequitable impacts of property maintenance enforcement, but the complaint-based system continues to harm vulnerable homeowners.
Report
The Auditor’s Office found evidence of waste and inefficiency in Civic Life’s handling of a grant non-compliance issue and the City’s grant management. Civic Life spent more money than intended and disregarded City policy and the City did not foster communication between bureaus.
Report
Overall, the City implemented under half of our audit recommendations as of 2023, below the average of other comparable cities. Implementation across service areas ranged from zero to 88 percent. Service areas need leadership on coordination, prioritization, and decision-making to make progress.
Report
Our audit of Vision Zero found rising fatal crashes despite the plan’s focus on traffic safety. The audit calls on the Transportation Bureau to evaluate completed projects to ensure they reduce deaths and injuries and result in equitable outcomes. Data-driven strategies are needed for safer streets.
Report
The City implemented under half of our audit recommendations as of 2023, below the average of other comparable cities. Portlanders need bold leadership, with a focus on coordination, for the City to make progress on recommendations not yet implemented and to continue to improve equity of services.
Report
We reviewed seven technology purchases and found Technology Services was reactive in coordinating technology purchases. This resulted in inefficiencies and delays. Centralized accountability and guidance are needed for bureaus if the City is to meet strategic goals for purchasing and equity.
Report
An Ombudsman investigation found that predatory towing at a cluster of low-income apartment complexes in the Cully neighborhood caused significant financial and emotional injuries to vulnerable, mostly Latino community members.
Report
An Ombudsman review found that numerous tour companies do not comply with City regulations designed to ensure public safety. We recommended the Bureau of Transportation streamline enforcement to bring unpermitted companies into compliance.
Report
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