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Arizona state capitol buildings
courthouse in Prescott
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a group of people listening to a speaker
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Arizona ombudsman

We make government more responsive to the people of Arizona

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.

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 provides public access to public records laws and open meetings.

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

Empowerment Scholarship Accounts from the Arizona Department of Education provide options for Families.

Empowerment Scholarship Accounts (ESA)

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

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ARIZONA ACHIEVES STATEHOOD
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AZOCA ESTABLISHED as an independent agent of the Arizona Legislature
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AVERAGE COMPLAINTS PER MONTH
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REPORTS ISSUED THIS YEAR

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.

Our office will follow up with you.

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