Welcome

Welcome to the King County Office of Citizen Complaints — Ombudsman web site. The Ombudsman office manages citizen complaints concerning King County government agencies. We also investigate allegations regarding violations of the Employee Code of Ethics, and reports of improper governmental action and retaliation filed under the Whistleblower Protection Act.

For more information about the types of complaints we investigate and our jurisdiction, please visit the links listed on the menu bar to the left. In addition, you may contact us via e-mail, phone, or visit our office to speak with an Ombudsman staff person.

Our Mission

To promote public confidence in King County government by responding to citizen complaints in an impartial, efficient and timely manner, and to contribute to the improved operation of County government by making recommendations based upon the results of complaint investigations.

Who We Are

The Office of Citizen Complaints — Ombudsman was created by the voters of King County in the County Home Rule Charter of 1968, and operates as an independent office within the legislative branch of the King County government.

What We Do

The Office of Citizen Complaints — Ombudsman is authorized, by King County Code (KCC) 2.52, to investigate complaints regarding administrative conduct by King County agencies, and to publish recommendations for change based on the results of investigations. In addition, the Ombudsman office investigates possible violations of the King County Employee Code of Ethics (KCC 3.04), and reports of improper governmental action and retaliation under the Whistleblower Protection Code (KCC 3.42).