Berkeley auditor lays out revenue-focused audit plan and summarizes first whistleblower program report

City Auditor (Auditor Wong) presented the office’s audit plan to the Berkeley City Council on June 30, saying the effort will focus on revenue enhancement and spending oversight as the city addresses a $30 million structural deficit.

Wong said the office will continue audits of the Rent Stabilization Board and the city’s business license tax program, add reviews of the public‑health division and Measure FF safe-streets expenditures, and work with departments to track implementation of audit recommendations. “Our purpose as an independent office is to evaluate the city’s operations and compliance with local laws and regulations by conducting independent audits,” the auditor told council.

Auditor Wong also released the first annual whistleblower program report covering the calendar year 2025. According to the report, the program received 42 new reports and closed 41 cases; closures were for a range of reasons including completion of investigations, referrals, insufficient information, or matters outside the program’s authority. Wong said the program provides a confidential channel for city employees or officials to report concerns about fraud, waste and abuse.

Councilmembers expressed broad support for the auditor’s work and for continued audit scrutiny of high-priority revenue and program areas as the city copes with budget pressures.

Next steps: Auditor’s office will pursue audits described in the plan and continue implementing the whistleblower program with metrics and status reporting on recommendation implementation.