News
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
Fraud Hotline Report: Tips about Transportation manager alleged government waste and abuse
The Auditor’s Office found evidence of waste and abuse when investigating tips about vehicle use and outside employment in the Transportation Bureau. We shared our findings and recommendations with the Transportation Bureau.
Report
Audit Update: Bureaus have taken initial steps to address challenges in maintaining the City’s sewers, but have not re-evaluated their overall agreement
This is a one-year follow-up to our 2021 report Sewer Maintenance: Renewed attention to partnership needed to better serve ratepayers.
News article
Audit Services Update: Police made some progress to strengthen intelligence gathering policies, but other management improvements remain
This is a one-year follow-up to our 2022 report Police Intelligence-Gathering and Surveillance: Better management needed to protect civil rights.
News article
2022 Ombudsman Annual Report
We're your Rose City Watchdog and we're here to make sure City government treats residents and businesses fairly. See what we were up to in 2022.
Report
Now Available: City of Portland Quarter 1 2023 Lobbyist Reports, Political Consultant Reports, and Calendars
2023 First Quarter disclosures for City lobbying, political consultants, and City official business calendars are now available for the public to view. Highlights are included below.
Press release
Audit Update: No progress on Citywide collection strategies; some improvements by individual bureaus
This is a one-year follow-up to our 2022 report: Taxes, fines, and fees: Customers who owe caught in a maze of inconsistent and uncoordinated collection strategies.
News article
Fraud Hotline Update: Joint Office of Homeless Services contract managers have more training and tools, but some role conflicts have not been addressed
Contract managers receive more training and guidance, but the Joint Office does not plan to separate duties as recommended.
News article
Fraud Hotline Update: New Fire Bureau compensation package allows use of City water to wash personal vehicles, but risk of perceived waste and disregard for resource conservation remains
Some progress made, but Fire Bureau changed rules to allow washing personal vehicles with City water despite Auditor’s finding of government waste.
News article
Notice of Proposed Rulemaking | April 2023
The City Auditor proposes the following revised human resources administrative rules for adoption: ARA 3.03, ARA 3.04, ARA 3.06, ARA 3.10, and ARA 3.11.
Public notice
No Violation of City of Portland Lobbyist Regulations: ShotSpotter Inc.
Lobbyist Registration Program: ShotSpotter not found in violation
Press release
Gang Enforcement Audits Update: Police Bureau has improved patrol activities, but still needs a policy for using gang information
Since our 2018 audits on the Police Bureau's Gang Enforcement Team, the Police Bureau has formed new units. This follow-up on our 2018 recommendations found the Bureau has improved patrol activities, but still needs a policy for using gang information.
News article
Audit Services Update: Emergency Management has made some progress toward improving emergency planning and response for people with disabilities
This is a one-year follow-up to our 2021 audit of Portland Bureau of Emergency Management, in which we made seven recommendations to improve the City’s emergency planning and response for people with disabilities.
News article
Audit Services Update: Office of Equity & Human Rights has made progress on ensuring Americans with Disabilities Act compliance
This is a one-year follow-up to our 2021 report that called attention to compliance risks related to the Americans with Disabilities Act.
News article
2022 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
City Council rejects moving Transparency Advocate Charter Amendment to the May ballot
February 22, 2023
Updated Press release
Audit Update: Little progress on City review of Enhanced Services Districts
This is the two-year follow-up to our 2020 report Enhanced Services Districts: City provides little oversight of privately funded public services
News article
Now Available: City of Portland Quarter 4 2022 Lobbyist Reports, Political Consultant Reports, and Calendars
2022 Fourth Quarter disclosures for City lobbying, political consultants, and City official business calendars are now available for the public to view. Highlights are included below.
Press release
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