City budget, 16th Street highlight 2026 Audit Plan

City budget, 16th Street highlight 2026 Audit Plan

Published on October 20, 2025

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Under his commitment to "Auditing What Matters," the Denver Auditor presents his priorities at a critical time for the City and County of Denver

DENVER - Denver Auditor Timothy M. O'Brien, CPA, today released the 2026 Audit Plan, his annual roadmap of independent oversight aimed at promoting accountability, transparency, and efficiency in city government.

As Denver navigates a $250 million budget shortfall - leading to cuts, furloughs, and layoffs - audit work for the City and County of Denver is more critical than ever. The 2026 Audit Plan centers the principle of "auditing what matters," highlighting risk areas that impact city operations, services, and Denver residents - often in ways they might not even realize.

"We carefully selected every audit in the plan to ensure the city is spending taxpayer dollars responsibly and to address issues our community is concerned about," Auditor O'Brien said. "We will audit different agencies and projects to assess whether they are operating effectively and are meeting Denver residents' needs."

The 2026 Audit Plan includes oversight of several key city programs and initiatives:

• All In Mile High and House1000 - Reviewing internal controls for managing and funding programs addressing homelessness.
• City Budget Process - Assessing transparency and equity in how public dollars are allocated.
• 16th Street - Reviewing city oversight of design, construction, and support to businesses during disruption.
• Vision Zero Bikeway Projects - Reviewing the effectiveness and performance of the city's bikeway programs.
• New Parks Management - Evaluating the process of transferring maintenance responsibilities of new parks in the city to Denver Parks & Recreation.
• Crime Prevention and Control Commission Contract - Assessing selected city contracts and agreements the Department of Public Safety manages related to the Commission's objectives.

The 2026 Audit Plan also includes an evaluation of the city's use of artificial intelligence, as well as how Denver manages IT staffing, skills, and resources to maintain secure and reliable services. As one of the city's largest economic drivers, operations at Denver International Airport remain a priority. We have multiple audits planned to assess financial transparency, operational efficiency, and the train system at the airport.

We selected these audits through a deliberate risk assessment process which incorporated input from residents, city leaders, and other community and city partners. The plan reflects the Auditor's commitment to focusing resources on issues with the greatest potential for impact on Denver residents.

"Independent oversight is not optional - it's essential," said Auditor O'Brien. "These audits will hold city departments, programs, and leaders accountable. Protecting the public's interest at a time when Denver faces serious financial challenges is important."

The Audit Plan is a living document that serves the city. As unanticipated events occur, the plan's flexible nature gives us the discretion to change course in response to evolving initiatives, priorities, and risks.

The plan is available to the public on the Denver Auditor's website, ensuring transparency in the oversight process. Completed audits will be published with findings, recommendations, and city agency responses.

"I look forward to 2026 and to continue serving as the independent check and balance on the City and County of Denver. By auditing what matters, we deliver value and impact to our constituents and decision-makers while adhering to the highest standards to help make Denver a great place for everyone," said Auditor O'Brien.

AUDITOR TIMOTHY O'BRIEN, CPA
Denver Auditor

Denver Auditor's Office

201 W. Colfax Ave. #705 Denver, CO 80202 Email: [email protected] Call: 720-913-5000 Follow us on Facebook Connect with us on Twitter

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