The City of Minneapolis has made its choice for the crucial role of City Auditor, appointing Robert Timmerman to the position with immediate effect. This decision follows the tenure of Siddhartha Poudyal, who has filled the interim auditor role since June 2024, as the audit committee engaged in a search for a permanent replacement. The Minneapolis City Auditor's office is tasked with providing independent, objective insights and consultations to enhance and refine the operations of the city – work involving audits, continuous monitoring, and investigations.
With this decision announced by the City of Minneapolis, Timmerman succeeds the duty from Poudyal, who, leading the interim charge, saw the committee through a months-long recruiting process. The committee itself comprises a cross-section of governance and community representatives, all dedicated to ensuring the city's sailings are smooth and its books, a truth told without fear or favor. Among them are two City Council members, a Park Board commissioner, and four individuals from the community.
"It is a privilege to contribute to a system of fairness, efficiency and responsible stewardship for the people of Minneapolis," Timmerman emphasized in a statement, signaling his commitment to leading with compassion and integrity. Furthermore, he expressed his eagerness of "working alongside the audit committee, City staff and other community members to strengthen public trust and accountability."
Timmerman's pathway to the auditor's office is paved with a diverse set of experiences within state governance – roles that saw him leading from various positions at the Minnesota Department of Transportation, including acting as director of the Office of Audit and supervising internal audits and investigations. He served as a senior auditor in the Minnesota Office of the Legislator Auditor, followed by a tax supervisor appointment at the Minnesota Department of Revenue that brought to the city's financial watchdog a keen eye for detail and a steadied hand.
Council President Elliott Payne, who leads the audit committee, heralded Timmerman's extensive background as a boon for the City of Minneapolis. "The vast experience that Mr. Timmerman brings to the City of Minneapolis speaks to the immediate impact we know he'll make as City Auditor," Payne stated. His remarks further articulated the sentiment that Timmerman's appointment is pivotal "to build on the accountability and trust" that residents and neighboring communities rightfully expect. Timmerman's education—a degree in business administration in economics from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire and a certificate in law enforcement from Metropolitan State University—coupled with 18 years in public service, predominantly performing government audits, primes him for this role at a time when fiscal oversight is more critical than ever.
