Our mission
We oversee general obligation bond programs, insuring that the City builds public facilities to the highest standards and that funds are spent in accordance with voter authorization.
Our history
On March 5, 2002, San Francisco voters adopted Proposition F, the Citizen Oversight of Bond Expenditures Initiative. The Ordinance established a committee of 9 members for the purpose of informing the public concerning the expenditure of general bond proceeds through active review and the publishing of regular reports.
The ordinance required that the 9 members meet certain minimum qualifications and be appointed as follows: 3 members by the Mayor, 3 members by the Board of Supervisors, 2 members by the Controller, and 1 member by the Civil Grand Jury. Each member serves for a term of 2 years and may be re-appointed for a second 2-year term.
Our duties
On November 4, 2003, the voters added to the duties of the Committee by approving Proposition C, which requires the Controller to serve as the City Services Auditor.
The charter amendment also added to the duties of the Committee by requiring that it serve as a Citizens Audit Review Board. In this role, the Committee provides advisory input to the Controller on matters set forth in the charter amendment, including requiring that the Committee:
- Review the Controller’s service standards and benchmarks to ensure their accuracy and usefulness;
- Review all audits to assure they meet requirements set forth in the charter amendment;
- Review complaints received through the Controller’s Whistleblower Hotline and their disposition;
- When appropriate, hold public hearings regarding the results of benchmark studies and audits.