In an audit released today, the Office of the Metro Auditor reviewed progress made on recommendations in the 2009 audit, Sustainability Management: Focus efforts and evaluate progress. Three years after the initial audit was released, auditors found that nine of the eleven recommendations were successfully implemented. Metro is in the process of completing the other two.
The 2009 audit found that policies and goals needed clarification, there were barriers to putting resources to their most effective use and better management tools were needed. Since the audit, Metro has developed a plan to meet the long-term environmental goals of the agency. Interim targets have been established and a strategy for prioritizing projects for funding is in place.
The report found that Metro had made significant progress in making sustainability practices part of everyday management decisions.
“The program is much stronger than we found it to be previously,” Metro Auditor Flynn said. “Not only have they developed a plan, they developed systems to measure progress made on the plan.”
The follow-up audit made additional recommendations to build on the progress that was made. In response, management agreed with each of the recommendations and explained how they would be addressed.
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, June 14.