Jenny Wong, City Auditor
Promoting transparency and accountability in Berkeley government.
Audit News
from the City Auditor
April 2020
Report Release: Navigating the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Berkeley’s Finances
Today, my office is releasing a report that provides a framework for understanding the fiscal impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Berkeley’s finances. The report paints a somber picture of the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the City of Berkeley’s finances with the severity based on the duration of the crisis. The report states that with anticipated significant tax revenue losses and increased demand for some city services, the City of Berkeley must be strategic in managing its resources. Government finance officials we interviewed provided best practices for adjusting to decreased revenues, including taking steps to immediately begin assessing needs and planning for decreased funding as well as taking a long-term view in deciding whether and how to use the City’s reserves. It is important that this planning happens now to best meet the needs of our community. 

I will present this report to the City Council at the May 12, 2020 regular meeting.
Face Coverings Now Required in Berkeley
Use City of Berkeley guidance to protect residents and essential workers

The City of Berkeley Health Officer Dr. Lisa Hernandez has issued an order mandating the use of face coverings when in public, especially customers and workers in essential businesses, so that infected people without symptoms don’t unintentionally spread COVID-19.

See Berkeley’s guidance for businesses, such as signage and best practices by industry. Check out the City Manager’s press release for more information about face covering and social distancing protocols.

Dr. Hernandez has also issued an order mandating masks, temperature screenings, and symptom checks for workers and visitors at skilled nursing and residential care facilities to control spread of COVID-19. 
Important Messages from our City Manager and Online Resources
Volunteering and donation opportunities  
The immense demands COVID-19 places on our community exceed what government is capable of alone. We've compiled a list of ways community members can help support their neighbors . Help is needed in many areas, from delivering supplies to at-risk neighbors to donating supplies, money, or even blood to support relief efforts.  
  
Looking after our mental health 
COVID-19 is difficult for all of us. Many people are struggling with anxiety, anger, difficulty concentrating, and similar mental health challenges. Berkeley Mental Health Division Manager Steve Grolnic-McClurg has shared advice on steps we can all take to support mental wellness for ourselves and our families in the face of uncertainty. 

Support resources for the unhoused 
The most vulnerable in our community face the greatest threat from COVID-19. We've consolidated information on resources to support unhoused community members and homeless service providers on our website at https://www.cityofberkeley.info/covid19-unhoused/ . 

Visit the City of Berkeley COVID-19 informational webpage for guidance on how to protect yourself, what to do if you're sick, changes to city services, resources and links, and support available to small businesses.
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