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A Mid-Year Reflection on Keeping Denver Accountable

the Auditor at your service

Timothy M. O’Brien, CPA, Auditor of Denver

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July marks the midpoint of the year, a time to reflect on the progress we have made in 2025. As the Auditor elected by Denver’s residents, I remain committed to ensuring accountability and transparency across city government, including within my own office. That is why I would like to take a moment to highlight some key accomplishments from the first half of the year, achieved on behalf of the people we serve.

Independent Oversight for a Better Government

So far this year, our Audit Services has published three impactful audits and conducted seven follow-up reports to assess the city’s progress on past recommendations. In response to community feedback and identified risks with newly funded programs, we audited the Climate Protection Fund. We found that without adequate staffing and formal processes, the Office of Climate Action, Sustainability, and Resiliency cannot ensure the full and effective use of voter-approved funding to mitigate climate impacts.

For the first time, we audited the city’s organizational culture to look into the employee experience across four agencies. Our findings showed a disconnect between employees’ desired workplace culture and the culture they actually experience. Overall, the audit found Denver needs to make improvements in organizational culture across these city agencies to help avoid staff turnover and related unnecessary costs.

Our follow-up audit of the Denver International Airport’s Great Hall renovation found the city is still at risk of overpaying for future construction. Given the public interest and ongoing risks, we may conduct further audits in this area.

A Mid-Year Reflection on Keeping Denver Accountable

Residents can suggest which programs or contracts should be audited Wage investigation leads to gig app company policy overhaul Denver Labor protects the rights of all workers, including those at strip clubs Denver Labor helps 4,500 people recover more than $2M in restitution Shelter security and financial disorganization highlight Housing Stability issues My office recovers $500,000 for workers to start the year Auditor's Office Works for You

Denver Labor: Protecting Wage Rights

In Denver Labor, we took a major stand against wage theft. Our office ordered Diamond Cabaret and Rick’s Cabaret to pay more than $13.9 million in restitution and penalties after over 230 entertainers, bartenders, servers, and other workers had their wages stolen. 

Additionally, our prevailing wage team investigated underpaid workers providing dust and coil cleaning services at Denver International Airport. These workers were misclassified and significantly underpaid. The case closed after recovering more than $185,000 in restitution for 24 employees.

Connecting with the Community

We have also expanded our community outreach efforts to educate residents about our audit work and wage protections. By attending more events, both large and small, we are building trust and learning how we can better serve Denver. I look forward to continuing these conversations and invite Denver residents to continue engaging with us.

As we move into the second half of the year, my team remains committed to ensuring the responsible use of public resources, championing transparency, and protecting both workers and employers. It’s a privilege, and a significant responsibility, to help make Denver a better city for everyone.