Committee approves Office of Consumer Protection FY27 'same services' budget 3–0

The committee heard a brief presentation from Eric Friedman, Director of the Office of Consumer Protection (OCP), and management staff on OCP’s FY27 recommended operating budget. The executive recommended a $97,005 (3%) increase from FY26, largely for compensation adjustments and modest operational items such as print/mail and motor pool changes. Staff described the budget as a same-services proposal focused on prevention, education and consumer outreach.

The OVET analysis scored OCP highly for advancing racial equity; staff noted the department will review wording in its mission statement on the department website. Committee members expressed support for the prevention-focused approach and recorded a 3–0 vote to advance the OCP budget recommendation to full council.

Representative quote:
“Our goal is to prevent harm before it happens.” — Eric Friedman, Director, Office of Consumer Protection.

Ending: The committee advanced the FY27 OCP operating recommendation to full council for inclusion in budget deliberations.