News

Displaying 1 - 20 of 99

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


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


"Portlanders Question Police Priorities As 911 Response Times Lag"

Article from the Portland Mercury. December 17, 2020.

News article


"Portland fines contractors for allegedly creating ‘front company’ to certify as woman-owned business"

Article from The Oregonian. September 30, 2020.

News article


"Records show City Ombudsman received 'unprecedented' volume of employee complaints about Office of Community and Civic Life"

Article from the Willamette Week. August 31, 2020.

News article


"Whistleblower reveals serious injuries, lax oversight at Central City Concern’s Sobering Station"

Article from The Oregonian. June 27, 2020.

News article


"City of Portland sent evicted homeowner to collections over unpaid water bill, sued him twice"

Article and video from KGW 8. January 27, 2020.

News article


"City leaders call for review of debt collection practices after KGW investigation"

Article from KGW 8. December 18, 2019.

News article