The Office of the Metro Auditor released an audit today that reviewed the Nature in Neighborhoods grants program. Over $18 million in grants have been awarded to local governments and community based organizations since 2006. Grants are intended to implement a regional fish and wildlife habitat protection, restoration and green spaces strategy.
The audit found that the performance measurement system is underdeveloped. Some efforts have been made to assess the performance of some grants, but there is no framework or measures to evaluate the program as a whole. Administrative processes were in place to ensure grant recipients met deliverables. However, there are ways program administration could be made more efficient.
“The program evolved over time which led to similar, but separately managed grants,” Metro Auditor Brian Evans said. “It is important to be able to determine how much progress was made on the program’s goals.” Auditor Evans stated that several aspects of grant management best practices were in place, but there were ways to improve monitoring of individual grant projects. He found management receptive to the audit and its recommendations.
For more information, contact Brian Evans, Metro Auditor, at 503-797-1891.The audit is available on the Metro website at http://www.oregonmetro.gov/auditor . Copies of the audit can also be obtained by calling the Office of the Metro Auditor at 503-797-1892. The Metro Auditor will brief the Metro Council on Thursday, December 10 at 2 PM.