FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is an Ombudsman?
An Ombudsman is a liaison or mediator between citizens and government agencies. The Ombudsman is a neutral party that will aid in resolving conflicts and seek solutions to problems identified by citizens of Provo.
What does the Ombudsman do?
The Ombudsman receives complaints or concerns from individuals or groups either by phone, by mail or in person. The Ombudsman will then investigate the details of the complaint and possibly refer the complaint to the appropriate City department for resolution. All complaints may not be resolved due to economic constraints or other possible mitigating circumstances.
Does the Ombudsman give legal advice?
The Ombudsman does not provide legal advice or services.
Will the Ombudsman help with landlord - tenant disputes?
The Provo City Ombudsman is a resource for concerns dealing with Provo City government. Civil or private contracts or agreements are not within the jurisdiction or Provo City government, and as such, must be resolved by civil means.
What kind of complaints can the Ombudsman work to resolve?
The Ombudsman will receive complaints related to any City Department. City departments include: Administration, Community Development (Building Inspection, Planning, & Zoning), Economic Development, Energy, Engineering, Finance, Fire, Legal, Parks, Personnel, Police, Public Works, Redevelopment, Sanitation, Streets, Storm Water, and Water Resources.
What are some common types of complaints for the Ombudsman?
Complaints concerning potholes, animals at large, street lighting, damaged sidewalks, vehicles abandoned on streets, odor problems, and many others.
For complaints concerning overgrown weeds, use the same phone number and e-mail. An individual dedicated to weed problems is generally hired sometime in the spring.
Is there a fee for Ombudsman services?
No, this service is provided at no cost to the residents of Provo or other citizens who are concerned with issues in Provo.
Note: For complaints concerning general nuisances, junk or abandoned vehicles in yards, etc., call Nuisance Abatement at 852-6436 or e-mail ndenning@provo.utah.gov | 
