Jenny Wong, City Auditor
Promoting transparency and accountability in Berkeley government.
Audit News
from the City Auditor
February 2021
City Auditor’s Office Wins Top National Award for Second Time
The Berkeley City Auditor’s Office has won the 2020 Exemplary Knighton Award, the Association of Local Government Auditors’ top national audit award, for its audit titled, Rocky Road: Berkeley Streets at Risk and Significantly Underfunded. This is the second year in a row that the Berkeley City Auditor has received this award. Last year, the audit of 911 Dispatchers: Understaffing Leads to Excessive Overtime and Low Morale was also awarded the Knighton Award. Each year, local government audit organizations from around the U.S. and Canada submit their best performance audit reports for judging. The judges from peer organizations determined that the streets audit was the best of 2020 audit by a small sized audit office. Congratulations to the audit team for this achievement: Erin Mullin, Claudette Biemeret, and Tracy Yarlott-Davis.

The audit report was judged on several key elements, including the potential for significant impact, the persuasiveness of conclusions, the focus on improving government efficiency and effectiveness, and its clarity and conciseness. Specifically, the judges wrote the following:
This report was a clear stand-out: its short "Why this audit is important" section immediately draws the reader in with an explanation of why we should care. The layout, flow, graphics, and plain language made the report easy to read, and the message throughout the report stayed within scope. The report had sound methodology and was thorough, well documented, and supported by evidence. The judges were particularly drawn to the recommendations that related back to Council strategic goals to align the specific initiative of street maintenance with an overarching goal of the city of equity and inclusion.

Since the release of the audit, the Public Works Commission has been working to develop an updated street funding policy that incorporates equity as part of its plan for addressing the limited funding for streets.
Survey on Asian American Hate
Incidents in Berkeley
Survey to Berkeley residents, students, and small business owners
Sponsored by UC Berkeley Center for Civility and Democratic Engagement, Just Cities, Berkeley City Auditor Jenny Wong, Berkeley Mayor Jesse Arreguín, State Senator Nancy Skinner, Assemblymember Buffy Wicks, and Alameda County Supervisor Keith Carson.
 
As an Asian American, I have been deeply impacted by the increase in hate crimes against Asian Americans nationwide in 2020 and 2021. I have spoken at rallies, offered my voice, and listened to many in our community who have been affected by attacks throughout this country, including the murders in Atlanta, as well as attacks in the Bay Area. Asian Americans represent about 21 percent of our city population, 29 percent of the UC Berkeley student population, and we have many Asian American-run local businesses. I have been encouraged by the number of Asian American youth who have spoken up against the hate towards the Asian American community.

With the rise in anti-Asian American hate incidents across the nation, a group of City of Berkeley and UC Berkeley leaders are seeking more information about the extent to which Asian Americans in Berkeley have faced discrimination or harassment. Many who I have spoken to in recent weeks have shared their experiences of discrimination and racism for the first time. I hope that by gathering more information about these incidents in Berkeley, we will be able to help inform future education and other actions to better support the Asian American community.
 
This survey is designed for Asian Americans and non-Asian Americans alike. Thank you for your help! Click the button or follow the link below to participate in the survey and please share with others who would like to participate.
COVID-19 Vaccination Update
Vaccinations are open to all Alameda County residents age 16 and over. Go to myturn.ca.gov to find an available appointment.

If you haven't already, make sure you're signed up to be notified directly about vaccination opportunities coordinated through Berkeley Public Health. It's recommended that everyone sign up for as many lists as possible so you can maximize opportunities to receive a vaccine. The City recommends that Berkeley residents sign up for:


No matter what list you are on, keep tabs on your e-mail and take immediate action when you receive a notification that you are eligible to make an appointment.
Resources For COVID-19 Information and Updates
Berkeley City Auditor | Website