News
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
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
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
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
Portland City Auditor hires new Ombudsman
The City Auditor’s Office announced today that Jennifer Croft has been selected to serve as the new City Ombudsman.
Public notice
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
Auditor's 2021 Accountability Report
The Auditor’s Office conducts independent assessments of Portland government, impartial investigations of community members’ complaints, and provides a variety of services that make the City more accessible. This report highlights the breadth and depth our work in 2021.
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
Auditor's 2020 Accountability Report
The Auditor’s Office is Portlanders’ independent agency responsible for providing oversight of City government. This Accountability Report, covering the year 2020, shows the breadth, depth and impact of our work.
Report
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