Mission Statement

Our mission at the Office of City Auditor is to help the City of Seattle achieve honest, efficient management and full accountability throughout City government. We serve the public interest by providing the Mayor, the City Council, and City Department Heads with accurate information, unbiased analysis, and objective recommendations on how best to use public resources in support of the well-being of the citizens of Seattle.

What the Office of City Auditor Does

Many of our reviews are made in response to specific concerns or requests from the Mayor or City Councilmembers. If resources are available, we will respond to specific requests from Department Heads. We will also independently initiate reviews to fulfill our mission.

Our reviews cover the entire spectrum of City activities. For instance, reports we have issued on topics of City-wide significance include: City-wide Collection of Accounts Receivable, and Seattle Can Reduce Long Distance and Cellular Telephones; reports on department-specific topics include: Municipal Court: Oversight System for Collection Services Contract and Seattle Police Department: Forfeiture Funds and Investigative Fund; and reports on general topics include: Making Effective Use of Managed Competition and Focus on Performance.

Types of questions the Office of City Auditor answers:

• Are City programs being carried out in compliance with applicable laws and regulations, and is data furnished to the Mayor and City Council on these programs accurate?
• Do opportunities exist to eliminate inefficient use of public funds and potential waste?
• Are funds being spent legally, and is accounting for them accurate?
• Are programs achieving desired results?
• Are there better ways of achieving program objectives at lower costs?
• Are there ways to improve the quality of service without increasing costs?
• What emerging or key issues should the Mayor and City Council consider?

What the Office of City Auditor Does NOT Do

Accept payments for City utilities or other services. The Department of Finance accepts payments for most City services. Maintain records of City ordinances, Council bills, or other legislative information. The City Clerk's Office does that, and more. Maintain real or personal property records (including tax records). Try the King County Department of Assessments.