Collection: Seattle-King County Ombudsman Subject Files

Scope and Contents note

Correspondence, memoranda, notes, reports, and newspaper clippings related to the creation of the Office of the Ombudsman, the dispute over services and jurisdiction with the Citizen's Service Bureau, and City withdrawal from the joint administration of the office.

Dates

Creation: 1969-1982

Creator

Seattle (Wash.). Citizens Service Bureau (Organization)

Conditions Governing Access note

Records are open to the public.

Historical Note

The Citizens Service Bureau was created in 1965 to handle citizen complaints and serve as a referral resource for city services. It was part of the Executive Department until 1991 when it became a division of the newly established Department of Neighborhoods. CSB receives and responds to 23,000 citizen questions and complaints annually. The staff coordinates interdepartmental responses to citizen concerns and leads Citywide efforts to improve customer service. In 1999, these functions were consolidated into Customer Services Division of the Department.