WSDOT Ombudsman
WSDOT's Ombudsman has the responsibility for investigating whether the department's decision-making may have been unreasonable, unfair, arbitrary or improper, and if it has, helping to set matters right. In all matters where the Ombudsman is authorized to act, the Ombudsman is vested with independent discretion whether to act or not to act.
I just want to make a comment, a complaint, or ask a question. I don't need the ombudsman.
If this is the case, visit the Communicate with WSDOT page
Ombudsman Activities
The outcomes of the Ombudsman's activities may include:
- Making recommendations to persons within the department with authority to act
- Facilitating or mediating the resolution of complaints or disputes
- Submitting reports or findings to appropriate authorities
What the WSDOT Ombudsman Doesn't Do
The Ombudsman's scope does not include:
- Matters of internal personnel policy and administration conducted under collective bargaining agreements
- Complaints handled through the Office of Equal Opportunity
- Issues related to eminent domain compensation
- Routine contracting matters involving vendors of goods and services to the department
Ensures Good Public Stewardship
It is the Ombudsman's goal to further public confidence in the work of the department by contributing to the fairness and appropriateness of the department's conduct of its activities by ensuring good public stewardship of the department's actions.
Confidentiality and Impartiality of Ombudsman Communications
Confidentiality
If you contact the WSDOT Ombudsman with a concern or complaint and expressly request that the information that you give her be kept confidential, she will not disclose the information provided to her. Records pertaining to a complaint, inquiry or investigation will be kept confidential and will not be subject to disclosure outside the Ombudsman’s office.
The Ombudsman may disclose information that the Ombudsman determines is not confidential or does not identify a confidential source if releasing the information is necessary in making inquiries or investigations, in making recommendations or in issuing reports. Before the Ombudsman releases information, she will discuss confidentiality and any exceptions with the source of the information.
For example, the Ombudsman may contact you to advise you that she is unable to resolve your concern without sharing several of the key facts relating to your complaint. Even though she may not release your name, she may need to describe the location of your property, the issue that you are confronting, prior attempts to resolve the issue with WSDOT, etc. That may mean that someone at WSDOT will know you have contacted the Ombudsman to resolve your problem even if you do not want your name released. The Ombudsman will note this when she talks with you about confidentiality.
Impartiality
The Ombudsman will conduct inquiries and investigations in an impartial manner, free from initial bias and conflicts of interest. Impartiality does not preclude the Ombudsman from developing an interest in securing changes that are deemed necessary as a result of the process. The Ombudsman may advocate for change where the process demonstrates a need for it.
How to reach the Ombudsman
Kimberly Colburn
WSDOT Ombudsman
P. O. Box 47322
Olympia, WA 98504-7322
Phone: 360.705.7438
Fax: 360.705.6806
E-mail: ColburK@wsdot.wa.gov
 Back to top
|