If you smell something fishy in Denver government, the city’s watchdog, Auditor Tim O’Brien, wants to know.
“What should we look into next?” he’s asking.
The auditor is tasked with scrutinizing city agencies, ensuring their work is efficient, money is being used well, and rules are being followed.
O’Brien has the power to investigate agencies, issue subpoenas and make strongly worded recommendations.
Still, the audit reports are meant to help the public understand their government. The reports also can help government employees ensure they are doing high-quality work and offer a system of accountability – even if there is little in the way of enforcement.
Recent audit reports have looked at residential permitting, affordable housing, police operations and staffing, homeless encampments, Mayor Mike Johnston’s All In Mile High homeless resolution programs, city shelters, Great Hall construction at Denver International Airport, and residential waste services.
How to get involved
“Your voice matters,” O’Brien said in a statement to the public. “Community feedback has led to us making significant findings and recommendations around oversight, accountability, and the effective use of public resources. I want to hear from residents about what matters most to them. It helps make Denver an even better place to live and work.”
Last year’s request for public suggestions started conversations about homelessness spending, city budgeting, parks, and city projects like 16th Street that have led to some concrete changes, according to the auditor’s office.
To submit audit questions, you can email [email protected]; comment on the auditor’s social media posts; or speak to the auditor’s staff at community events.
“Denver residents experience city services and programs every day in ways that help us better understand where accountability and transparency is most needed,” O’Brien said. “This campaign brings auditing closer to the community so residents can feel this process belongs to them as well.”
