Confidentially report suspected fraud, waste, and abuse of position in county government
Dear friends and neighbors,
This month, my office updated how you can make reports to the Good Government Hotline. The County Auditor created the hotline in 2007 as a way for county employees and the public to confidentially report suspected fraud, waste, and abuse of position in county government.
While we've updated our phone number, added the option to text tips, and made our online form more responsive, the reporting experience remains simple and prioritized around your confidentiality.
What’s changing?
- New hotline phone number: You can now reach us directly at 971-490-2980. Our own staff now answer and monitor these calls, replacing the third-party service. If you would like to obscure your number from caller ID, enter *67 on your phone keypad before dialing.
- Streamlined online form: We have simplified our intake form at goodgovhotline.com to make it more user friendly.
- Texting available: You can now also send tips via text to 971-490-2980.
What stays the same?
- Confidentiality is our priority: Your safety is paramount. We protect reporter identity to the fullest extent of Oregon law (ORS 297.765). You may continue to report anonymously.
- Web address: Our web address is still goodgovhotline.com.
- Follow-up: You will still receive a case number and password to check the status of your report and provide additional information, even if reporting anonymously.
What the hotline investigates
- Fraud includes falsifying records; theft of County money, supplies, or materials; misrepresenting the costs of goods or services; overbilling; and soliciting or accepting a bribe or a kickback, among others.
- Waste is the needless, careless, or extravagant expenditure of funds, incurring of unnecessary expenses, or mismanagement of County resources or property.
- Abuse of position is the use of employment with the County to obtain financial gain or avoid financial detriment for the employee, a relative, or member of the employee’s household.
Why your reports matter
According to the 2026 Association of Certified Fraud Examiners Report to the Nations, 43% of substantiated fraud cases were uncovered by a tip. We understand that speaking up can feel scary, but your courage to do so leads to measurable results. In 2025, the Auditor’s Office released reports detailing substantiated waste, including:
- Recruiting overbilling: We identified over $78,000 in overpayments for executive recruiting services caused by contract deviations and billing oversights.
- Recycling waste: We addressed inadequate oversight on County construction projects that prevented the verification of required recycling rates.
Other examples of substantiated investigations include an abuse of position report about an employee that directed rent assistance to themself and inefficiency in spending donations at Animal Services.
Commitment to confidentiality
We are committed to making the reporting process safe, effective, and strictly confidential. We protect reporter identity in full compliance with Oregon Revised Statute 297.765. We do not collect IP addresses, and you can report anonymously.
Thank you,
Jennifer
Community Engagement
Good in the Hood Multicultural Festival
Last weekend, my office took part in Good in the Hood, celebrating Roots, Rhythm, and Power at Portland's largest multicultural music and food festival, held in the historic Albina neighborhood. Those who represented my office included Ombudsperson Cheryl Taylor, Ombudsperson Intake Specialist Gelsi Tuz-Uxul, Senior Performance Auditor Sura Sumareh, Senior Performance Auditor Mical Yohannes, Senior Performance Auditor Mandi Hood, Senior Performance Auditor Dani Bernstein, Performance Auditor Jeremy Johnson, and Constituent Relations & Equity Director Raymond De Silva, who provided resources and education of our office work to support the community.
Juneteenth Proclamation Signing Ceremony
On June 17th, Commissioner Jones-Dixon and Commissioner Singleton sponsored Multnomah County’s Juneteenth Proclamation Signing Ceremony. The event honored local leaders like Kathleen Saadat, Rev. Cecil Prescod, and the late Senator Avel Gordly and Kelvin Hall. Senior Performance Auditor Mical Yohannes and Constituent Relations & Equity Director Raymond De Silva celebrated freedom by attending the event.
WIC Grand Opening
On June 17th, the County Ombudsperson Intake Specialist Gelsi Tuz-Uxul attended the grand opening of WIC (Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children) AVIVA Clinic. Located in the vibrant Rockwood neighborhood of Southeast Portland, the new facility has taken the place of the former Gateway WIC clinic. At the event, Gelsi connected with county employees to provide education on the Auditor’s Office, including the Ombudsperson, which supports the broader community.
Invite Auditor McGuirk to attend an event or meeting
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