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Community Outreach

Sharing our work and information with Oakland residents is of the utmost importance to the City Auditor, as it helps to increase government transparency and encourage public trust.

Our office sends out Newsletters, hosts community meetings and workshops, and presents our work to the City Council and various organizations throughout the City. By going out into the community, the City Auditor can identify local needs and issues and inform people of events and resources. The purpose of such outreach is not only to provide information and assistance, but also to identify new areas upon which to direct future attention.

Workshops

An infographic titled, “#ARFU CHAMPIONS: YOUR VOICE IS NEEDED! DON'T LET AUDITS SIT ON THE SHELF. HELP US TURN AUDIT RECOMMENDATIONS INTO ACTION,” presented against a blue background, uses text and illustrations to detail how residents can participate in public meetings. Along the top of the graphic, above a bookshelf, text reads: “AUDIT REPORTS: 2014 – 2026”. An illustration of a bookshelf filled with three binders features small icons below each: a lightbulb, an exclamation point, and a dollar sign. A blue arrow points from the binders to a red podium featuring an information icon above it and a megaphone on its side. A second arrow points from the podium to a shield featuring a large checkmark and several orange gears surrounding it. Centered in the image within a grey rectangle, two illustrated panels are labeled: “How to Participate in Public Meetings:”. On the left panel, the number “1” sits next to a illustration of the Capitol building and a monitor with a video camera on the screen. Below these illustrations, text reads: “SHOW UP: Attend a City Council meeting in person or online.” The panel on the right features the number “2” sitting next to a woman in a red blazer speaking behind a red podium. Below these illustrations, text reads: “SPEAK UP: Submit public comment Tell City Council which audit recs matter most to you.” At the bottom of the gray rectangle, text reads: “Need help finding an audit recommendation? Email us. We'll help you look it up.” Across the bottom, logos for social media are displayed, and text on the bottom right reads: “CITY OF OAKLAND Office of the City Auditor.”

Thinking of becoming an #ARFU Champion? Attend a Public Comment Coaching Workshop to learn how to turn Oakland’s audit recommendations into action. 

Effective municipal oversight requires more than just identifying systemic issues; it requires sustained public engagement to ensure recommendations are fully implemented. Since 2014, the Office of the City Auditor has released numerous reports detailing necessary improvements for our city. However, many of these “sit on the shelf” without community advocacy. 

We are hosting a Public Comment Coaching Workshop to provide residents with the tools to translate technical audit data into impactful public testimony. 

  • Objective: Learn to use the #ARFU (Audit Recommendation Follow-Up) reports to hold the City Administration accountable. 
  • The Workshop: We will guide you through selecting a specific recommendation—whether focused on equity, efficiency, or effectiveness—and drafting a concise script to help you address City Council. 

Email us for details about the next workshop! Need help before the next workshop? No worries! Download our Public Comment Planning Worksheet to help you draft and practice. 

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