News

Displaying 1 - 7 of 7

2023 Ombudsman Annual Report

We're here to make sure City government treats residents and businesses fairly. See what we were up to in 2023.

Report

Logo of the Portland City Auditor, Ombudsman. An octagonal geometric rose.

Audit Update: Momentous move by Council to consolidate permitting as City reforms continue

This is a two-year follow-up to our 2021 report, Building Permit Audit: Long-standing inability to meet customers’ needs won’t improve without better management, sustained governance.

News article

Audit Update Image - Photo of Willamette River and Downtown Portland Skyline

Ombudsman recommends Urban Forestry revisit fees and regulations governing certain development permit reviews

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.

Report

Two people walking down a sidewalk on a tree-lined block.

Audit Update: The Office of Management and Finance has addressed most City credit card risks; purchase of gift cards prohibited until City policy is in place

This is a two-year follow-up to our 2021 report, City credit card use slowed during pandemic but exposes underlying risks.

News article

Audit Update Image - Photo of Willamette River and Downtown Portland Skyline

Audit Update: Council’s legislative changes helped the Portland Clean Energy Fund put management systems in place

This is a one-year follow-up to our 2022 report Portland Clean Energy Fund: Additional steps needed to implement voter-approved program.

News article

Audit Update Image - Photo of Willamette River and Downtown Portland Skyline

Portland Bureau of Transportation: Process in place to ensure capital projects meet specifications, but there were ways around it

Transportation had a formal process to document inspections before making payments, but staff were able to work around steps. Supervisors didn’t have procedures to identify allowable exceptions. We make recommendations to ensure staff follow the process and that supervisors are aware of exceptions.

Report

A PBOT inspector casts a shadow on the sidewalk during an inspection.

Audit Update: Intentions for equity in construction contracting are good, progress is slow

This is a one-year follow-up to our 2020 report, "Equity in Construction Contracting: Some goals achieved despite, mismanagement, waste, and gamesmanship."

News article

Audit Update Image - Photo of Willamette River and Downtown Portland Skyline

See something we could improve on this page? Give website feedback.

Filter by Year

Filter by Type

Filter by Topic