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Ombudsman News Menu
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Ombudsman investigation finds predatory towing harmed residents of low-income housing complexes

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



Ombudsman recommends streamlined enforcement of tour bus safety regulations

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


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.

Updated Report


Ombudsman finds Water Bureau overcharged for past returned payment fees, recommends removing such fees going forward

After a complaint, the Ombudsman investigated the Water Bureau’s practice of charging fees for returned payments. The Ombudsman recommended the Bureau notify customers impacted by a past overcharge that they are entitled to a refund, and that the Bureau remove returned payment fees going forward.

Report


City has committed to implementing recommendations from 2023 Ombudsman report on U visas

We have reviewed the status of the four recommendations from our report and found that the Police Bureau has committed to implementing them. One recommendation has been partly implemented and three are in progress.

Report


City has not implemented most of Ombudsman’s recommendations on emergency board-ups

In July 2023, the Ombudsman's Office released a report that highlighted evidence of misconduct by the City’s emergency board-up contractor and pointed to gaps in the City’s oversight of the contract. On May 20, 2024, the Ombudsman sent a follow-up letter to Community Safety Division Director Myers.

Report


Adoption of Administrative Rules 6.01 Ombudsman’s Office Policies & Procedures and 10.01 Fraud Hotline | April 2024

The City Auditor’s Office has adopted new administrative rules effective April 10, 2024.

Public notice


Notice of Proposed Rulemaking for ARA 6.01 Ombudsman’s Office Policies & Procedures | March 2024

The City Auditor’s Office proposes updates to this administrative rule, which is available for public comment for thirty days before adoption.

Public notice


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


Vessels at Public Docks Unlawfully Seized and Destroyed

City conduct resulted in unlawful seizure and destruction of Portlanders’ vessels. City should follow proper procedures to better protect vulnerable Portlanders.

Report


Emergency Board-ups

Lack of oversight leads to contractor wrongfully charging Portlanders

Report


Protecting Undocumented Victims of Crime

The Portland Police Bureau failed to live up to its responsibilities in handling U visas, which are designed to protect undocumented victims of crime. The City should act with urgency to remedy past harm and make programmatic changes to ensure problems do not resurface. 

Report


"What do Portlanders most complain about? City releases report of top complaints received in 2022"

Article and video from KGW 8. May 22, 2023.

Updated 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


A Boat Tow Gone Wrong on a City Dock Cost Travis Nagels His Home and Taxpayers $10,000

Article from Willamette Week. February 01, 2023

Updated News article


Multnomah County, Metro to waive fines for those who failed to pay new homeless services, preschool taxes

Article from The Oregonian. February 14, 2023

Updated News article



"A waiver, not a punch in the face, for Portland taxpayers: Steve Duin column"

Article from The Oregonian. February 11, 2023.

Updated News article


"Portland watchdog says city should waive fines for those who failed to pay new homeless services, preschool taxes"

Article from The Oregonian. February 3, 2023.

Updated News article