Arizona Ombudsman Citizens' Aide
Arizona Ombudsman Citizens' Aide
Arizona Ombudsman Citizens' Aide
Arizona Ombudsman Citizens' Aide
AZOCA Home2026-02-17T06:58:01+00:00
Arizona state seal
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Arizona state capitol buildings
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courthouse in Prescott
people seated, listening to a speaker
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Arizona ombudsman

We make government more responsive to the people of Arizona

We help ensure that state agencies’ administrative actions are according to the law and are as reasonable, timely, and accurate as possible.

Information Resources
Make a Complaint

The Arizona ombudsman office serves as an independent and impartial intermediary to investigate and address complaints or concerns raised by individuals regarding a state government organization or institution.

Services of the Arizona Ombudsman Office

Acts of State Agencies

We examine the administrative acts of most state agencies to assess fair and lawful compliance.

Administrative Acts of Most State Agencies

We work with impacted individuals to ensure that the agency is fairly complying with the law.

Public Access

Arizona law ensures public access to government information through public records and open meeting laws

Public Records and Open Meetings

The Ombudsman office provides scheduled training courses on Open Meeting Law and Public Records Law.

Child Safety (DCS)

The State of Arizona Ombudsman-Citizens’ Aide Office has access to all DCS records, with few exceptions.

Do you have a dispute with DCS?

After trying to resolve your dispute with DCS, you are unsuccessful, contact the State of Arizona Ombudsman-Citizens’ Aide.

Education ESAs

Arizona’s Empowerment Scholarship Accounts (ESA) offer families flexible education funds.

Empowerment Scholarship Accounts (ESA)

Students may use their ESA funds for expenses such as educational services, providers, curriculum, and expenses.

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AZ OMBUDSMAN OFFICE ESTABLISHED
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CASES RECEIVED IN FY25
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AVERAGE CASES INITIATED FOR CITIZENS PER MONTH IN FY25
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PUBLIC ACCESS TRAININGS PROVIDED IN FY25

News and Announcements

In the News: Joanne MacDonnell: pride, service and the Arizona Ombudsman’s Office (AZ Capitol Times)

January 18th, 2026|

At the Arizona Ombudsman Citizens' Aide Office, Joanne MacDonnell turns pride in public service into hands-on guidance for people navigating state government.

In the News: Arizona Ombudsman Office sees ‘unprecedented increase’ in cases (AZ Capitol Times)

January 18th, 2026|

The Arizona Ombudsman Citizens’ Aide’s 2025 report shows a rise in cases last year, driven largely by growing public awareness of the office’s role in resolving complaints about poor service and lack of communication from state agencies. (Arizona Capitol Times)

AZ Ombudsman Report of Investigation (Case #2406592 and #2407618) – Department of Economic Security

January 13th, 2026|

We investigated a complaint that the Arizona Department of Economic Security's Division of Developmental Disabilities had not made a timely decision on whether to renew Child Developmental Foster Home licenses. The final report of

If you are looking to file a complaint:

If you feel you have been treated unfairly by a state administrator, or if you find yourself in a disagreement or dispute with a state agency, department, board or commission, or if you have disputes with local government agencies regarding public access laws, you can file a complaint here on our website.

MAKE A COMPLAINT

Our office will follow up with you.

Arizona Ombudsman Citizens' Aide

The ombudsman is an independent agency of the legislative branch of government and its services are free to the public.

Learn More

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Arizona Ombudsman Citizens' Aide

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