Commission forms audit accountability committee and previews ODOT 'Right to Access' plan

The commission approved a revised audit governance policy to create an Audit Accountability Committee that will oversee corrective actions and monitor progress on audit recommendations.

"The value of an audit isn't achieved until the audit findings have been addressed," Marlene Hartinger, chief auditor, said. The committee will include two commissioners and an external state government executive, and will review audit reports, evaluate management's corrective action plans and monitor timeliness of closures.

Separately, ODOT civil‑rights staff previewed a new 'Right to Access' plan that reframes previous DEI work in a manner aligned with federal Title VI and ADA requirements while preserving Oregon's commitment to equitable outcomes. The plan will focus on seven strategy areas (language access, data‑informed decision making, rural community strategies, procurement/contracting access, workforce inclusion, community engagement and internal agency readiness) and will return to the commission in June or August with a final plan for submission to DAS in October.

Commissioners supported added oversight for audit follow‑through and asked staff to coordinate between audit, CIAC, and performance reporting to avoid duplication and ensure corrective actions are tracked to completion.