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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
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
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
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
Ombudsman submits brief on illegal tow and destruction of boat
The purpose of the brief was to provide important additional context on a case being considered by the Hearings Office.
Report
Ombudsman recommends ceasing Water Bureau's "first-caller rule" to Commissioner Mapps
The Ombudsman recommended that the Water Bureau cease the practice of the “first-caller rule,” which allows landlords to commit their renters to pay services without their knowledge or consent.
Report
City’s reliance on complaints for property maintenance enforcement disproportionately affects diverse and gentrifying neighborhoods
Data backup Portlanders’ objections to unfair treatment by the City’s property maintenance enforcement system. The City should act with urgency to break with the system’s racist past and engage community members it disproportionately burdens for their ideas to fix it.
Report
2018 Ombudsman Annual Report
See what we were up to in 2018 and what we're working on in 2019.
Report
2017 Ombudsman Annual Report
Our report shows an increase in complaints, saving some folks money, and putting a spotlight on important issues of broad concern.
Report
Letter of Concern to Council regarding Local Transportation Infrastructure Charge
The purpose of the letter was to draw attention to the Local Transportation Infrastructure Charge (LTIC), a relatively new program designed to collect money from property owners to pay for infrastructure improvements.
Report
911 hold times longer than reported
One of the key measurements of the Bureau of Emergency Communication’s performance is how quickly 911 operators answer emergency calls. Contrary to the Bureau’s assertions, it is performing well below accepted standards.
Report
Problem with City's emergency communications system
City Ombudsman Margie Sollinger issued a report to Portland City Council detailing a problem with the City’s emergency communications system.
Report
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