The Austin City Auditor’s Office plans to take on at least 10 new audits in 2027, in addition to completing a half-dozen projects launched this year.
The big picture
The auditor’s office regularly evaluates the city’s work in a variety of subject areas. So far in 2026, internal audits have focused on issues like Austin’s flood preparedness, pedestrian safety, and management of consultant and nonprofit contracting.
Auditors also conduct investigations into allegations of waste, fraud and other ethical or financial impropriety by city employees. And recently, the office started overseeing the new multi-year, citywide audit program established by City Council and now being conducted by a third-party firm.
The framework
Council’s Audit and Finance Committee considered the city’s 2027 audit plan on Oct. 21, with 10 proposed reviews of topics like police oversight and employee pay. Auditors also plan to complete six projects they started this year, including a homeless strategy efficiency assessment, police training audit and review of emergency medical services billing.
Mayor Pro Tem Chito Vela highlighted a look into the management of scores of city-owned facilities as a “very timely and important” project out of the slate that he and other officials supported this fall.
“I think this is a great list, and just look forward to seeing the results of this down the road,” he said.
Looking ahead
Several alternate projects related to the “Comprehensive Efficiency Assessment Program“— the council-directed citywide audit process established earlier this year—may also start in 2027.
In February, officials called for a recurring review of Austin’s finances and operations to be conducted by a third party. Pennsylvania-based Public Works LLC was selected through a public solicitation and council signed off on a $5.23 million contract for that work this summer.
The efficiency assessment is expected to span several years with regular public reporting along the way, including to council’s audit committee. Results, recommendations and other information gathered through the process must be publicly posted online.
It remains to be seen exactly what the comprehensive review will find, or what additional reporting the city auditor’s office might pursue based on that initiative. Space for two alternate “flex” projects related to Public Works’ initial findings is included in the 2027 audit plan. Additionally, the auditor’s office will be overseeing the firm’s overall assessments from 2027 through 2029.
Austin auditor will oversee the citywide efficiency review being conducted by a third party over several years.Courtesy city of AustinWhat else?
The 2027 audit plan includes an evaluation of Austin’s employee compensation practices. Council members reviewed the plan one day before authorizing a $1.26 million contract extension with analytics firm Gallup for services including citywide employee surveys. In response to questioning from council member Marc Duchen, city staff said the proposed audit may overlap with some of those surveys but will complement, rather than repeat, that work.
“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 said.
In a memo to council, city human resources officials noted the Gallup-supported survey results would “inform citywide and department-level action planning, and organizational improvement,” with the aim of boosting Austin’s employee engagement and retention.