Oregon Secretary of State Announces Audits for 2026-2027

Upcoming audits to focus on transportation, education, and juvenile justice programs

Jan. 30, 2026 at 12:39pm

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Oregon Secretary of State Tobias Read has announced a new audit plan for the upcoming fiscal year, with a focus on several state agencies and programs including the Department of Transportation, education funding for local school districts, the Oregon State Capitol's seismic rehabilitation project, and parole services for youth involved in the juvenile justice system.

Why it matters

The audits are aimed at improving transparency and accountability in key areas of state government, addressing issues such as inconsistent spending, staffing challenges, and concerns over health and public safety. The findings could lead to policy changes and reforms to ensure more effective use of taxpayer funds.

The details

The Secretary of State's office will begin the audits in July 2026 and plans to complete them by June 2027. The agency considered factors like spending patterns, staffing challenges, and potential risks to public safety and the economy in determining which programs to audit. Some of the audits, such as the one on the High School Graduation and College and Career Readiness Fund, are mandated by state law.

  • The audits will begin in July 2026 when the new fiscal year starts.
  • The audits are expected to be completed by June 30, 2027.

The players

Tobias Read

The current Secretary of State in Oregon, elected in 2024. He is leading the effort to improve transparency and accountability in state government through these audits.

Shemia Fagan

The former Secretary of State who resigned in 2023 over revelations that she had accepted a lucrative side gig with a marijuana company involved in an audit her office was leading.

Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT)

The state agency responsible for maintaining Oregon's transportation infrastructure, which has faced challenges with revenue streams and internal management issues.

Oregon Youth Authority

The state agency that oversees the juvenile justice system, which has faced lawsuits alleging abuse against juveniles in detention.

Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission

The state agency that regulates the sale and distribution of distilled spirits and cannabis, which has faced ethics investigations into its leadership.

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What they’re saying

“Everybody's got something that they're concerned about. That's totally understandable. Unfortunately, we don't have the ability to follow up on every one of those, so we're trying to be really clear and say 'These are the things we're using' to decide: Where are we spending money? Where are we not getting results?”

— Tobias Read, Secretary of State

“We know that we need a transportation system that works to move people and things where they need to go. And I think it's clear that Oregonians want to see more oversight and more effectiveness there, so that's why it's there.”

— Tobias Read, Secretary of State

“If we don't get it right, they're really going to suffer. Those are entire lives that are at risk. There's nothing in here that I think is not meritorious.”

— Tobias Read, Secretary of State

What’s next

The Secretary of State's office will begin the audits in July 2026 and plans to complete them by June 30, 2027. The areas of focus for the audits can change based on the auditor's risk assessment during the engagement.

The takeaway

These audits represent an effort by the Secretary of State's office to improve transparency and accountability in key areas of Oregon state government, addressing issues like inconsistent spending, staffing challenges, and public safety concerns. The findings could lead to significant policy changes and reforms to ensure more effective use of taxpayer funds.