Austin City Auditor Plans 10 New Audits for 2027
The Austin City Auditor’s Office plans to launch at least 10 new audits in 2027 while wrapping up six ongoing projects initiated this year, communityimpact.com reported. City officials reviewed the proposed schedule during an Oct. 21 meeting of the Audit and Finance Committee.
Ten Proposed Reviews Targeting City Operations
The 2027 plan outlines 10 specific evaluations focusing on major municipal operations, including police oversight and employee pay practices. These incoming reviews build on a 2026 internal audit schedule that concentrated on flood preparedness, pedestrian safety, and the management of consultant and nonprofit contracts. Beyond routine evaluations, the office maintains an ongoing portfolio of investigations into allegations of waste, fraud, and financial or ethical impropriety by city employees.
Alongside the 10 new topics slated for next year, auditors intend to finish six projects started this year. That unfinished slate includes a homeless strategy efficiency assessment, a police training audit, and a review of emergency medical services billing.
Austin Plans Audits of City Facilities and Employee Pay
Mayor Pro Tem Chito Vela singled out a proposed review of the management of scores of city-owned facilities as a “very timely and important” undertaking supported by municipal leaders this fall. “I think this is a great list, and just look forward to seeing the results of this down the road,” Vela said.
The 2027 audit plan also schedules an evaluation of Austin’s employee compensation practices. This review coincides with a separate $1.26 million contract extension authorized by the City Council with analytics firm Gallup for citywide employee surveys. When questioned by Council Member Marc Duchen about potential overlap, city staff explained that the upcoming audit will complement the survey work rather than duplicate it.
“The Gallup survey may address employee satisfaction with compensation practices, but wouldn’t fully address everything that we want to achieve by looking at our compensation philosophy, looking at our historical practices, and how those compare to the market and make us an attractive employer,” City Auditor Jason Hadavi told the council.
Third-Party Efficiency Assessments and Oversight Through 2029
The Austin City Auditor’s Office will also oversee a separate multi-year, citywide audit program established by the City Council earlier this year. In February, officials called for recurring financial and operational reviews conducted by an outside entity. Pennsylvania-based Public Works LLC was chosen through a public solicitation, and the council approved a $5.23 million contract for the firm this summer.
The comprehensive efficiency assessment will span several years, featuring regular public reports submitted to the council’s audit committee and posted online. The 2027 audit plan includes space for two alternate “flex” projects designed to respond to initial findings from Public Works. The city auditor’s office is tasked with overseeing the firm’s assessments from 2027 through 2029.