Enhanced Services District Audit and Response
An audit conducted in August 2020 by the Portland City Auditor provided recommendations for more City oversight by reviewing each district’s purpose and the City’s responsibility, along with revisiting district agreements. The Auditor also recommended the City develop guidelines for district formation, governance, and management to ensure public input, transparency and accountability by the districts and their service providers.
In response to the Audit, Portland City Council directed the Office of Management and Finance to carry out the Enhanced Services District review along with the evaluation of residential properties' role in paying the management license fees which fund the districts.
A program assessment initiated in 2022 provided an opportunity to more carefully consider the significance of the City's Enhanced Services Districts and how the evaluation process can best address audit recommendations, inform program administration and serve the communities in and around each district—current and future. In summer 2023, following a competitive procurement process, Uncommon Bridges (formerly BDS Planning & Urban Design) was selected to complete the assessment of Portland’s Enhancement Service District program and prepare recommendations for Portland City Council by early 2024.
View the final assessment and recommendations:
Learn more
Dec. 12, 2023 Meeting recording
Enhanced Services District Audit Response Information Session Audio Recording
Meeting slides
Enhanced Services District Audit Response Information Session Slide Presentation 8.8 MB
Draft Assessment and Recommendations
Enhanced Services District Audit Response Initial Assessment and Recommendations 1.04 MB
Public Comment Opportunity
The public comment period closed Jan. 15, 2024.