City conduct resulted in unlawful seizure and destruction of Portlanders’ vessels. City should follow proper procedures to better protect vulnerable Portlanders.
Executive Summary
The Ombudsman received a complaint in October 2022 about the towing of a boat from a City dock. An initial review of the complaint uncovered concerns about program-wide issues, prompting the Ombudsman to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the boat seizure process and practices of Portland Parks and Recreation during 2022.
Our investigation found a widespread pattern of noncompliance by Parks with state law and City Code on the towing of vessels from public docks. The investigation also revealed significant equity concerns, as Bureau practices resulted in confiscation of valuable property from some of the City’s most marginalized community members and, in some instances, left them without shelter.
Based on the findings of the investigation, we recommended that Parks bring its policies and practices into compliance with state law and City Code. We also recommended that Parks bring its practices regarding outreach to affected community members and documentation of boat tows in line with the City’s approach to community members who live in tents or vehicles. In addition, we asked Parks to promptly notify affected vessel owners of their right to file claims with Risk Management. Parks accepted our recommendations.
Response to the Report
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