The streak continues for the Denver Auditor's Office as they snagged the Distinguished Knighton Award from the Association of Local Government Auditors. Claiming victory for the seventh year in a row, the team's "City Shelters Audit Report" was recognized for its excellence in evaluating the Department of Housing Stability. According to the Denver Auditor's Office, Denver Auditor Timothy M. O’Brien, CPA, was proud to receive the award, emphasizing that "When we conduct audits, our goal isn’t to win an award, it’s to make Denver a better place for everyone."
The audit in question scrutinized how effectively Housing Stability was monitoring the spending of homeless shelter providers, and it didn't hesitate to reveal significant shortcomings. It pointed out failures in the enforcement of safety protocols, evidenced by violent incidents at shelters lacking proper security measures. Despite these sobering findings, the city's auditing team has managed to consistently not only identify problems but also propose viable solutions. "The Knighton Award judges said Denver auditors expertly identified root causes of risks and then developed meaningful conclusions with actionable recommendations for improvements," as per the Denver Auditor's Office.
O'Brien commended his team for their dedication to such a thorough audit process. Names included in the team's roster were Emily Owens Gerber, Anna Lovascio Hansen, Danie Pluid, Jordon Monk, Darrell Finke, and Caroline Nelson along with the Audit Analytics Team of Chris Wilson and Heather Burger, under the direction of Dawn Wiseman. Their combined efforts have not only raised the bar for local audits but also have provided a template for others to follow, especially in handling the complex issue of homelessness.
The city is not resting on its laurels, as plans are already underway to conduct an audit on the All In Mile High and House1000 programs in 2025. "Homelessness is not an isolated issue for Denver. We are grateful the judges see our audit as part of a nationwide solution," O'Brien said, as obtained by the Denver Auditor's Office. The accolade isn't just a pat on the back, it's a testament to Denver's ongoing commitment to transparency and accountability in its efforts to address homelessness. These audits play a critical role in shaping better policies and effective resource allocation, making the Knighton Award all the more significant in its implications for the community.
