Sacramento Ethics Commission Regular Meeting - April 27, 2026

The Sacramento Ethics Commission held a regular meeting on Monday, April 27, 2026, at 5:33 PM at City Hall. Chair Alan LoFaso presided. Commissioners present: Annette Emery, Alan LoFaso, Michael Kelly, Nicole Velasquez. Commissioner Maikhou Thao was absent. The meeting included a land acknowledgement led by Commissioner Emery and the Pledge of Allegiance. The meeting adjourned at 6:41 PM.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of March 23, 2026, Meeting Minutes (File ID: 2026-00069): Unanimously approved.
• Ethics Commission Complaint Log (File ID: 2026-00244): Unanimously approved.
• Sacramento Ethics Commission Follow-Up Log (File ID: 2026-00882): Received and filed unanimously. All consent items were passed on a single motion by Commissioner Kelly, seconded by Commissioner Emery, with all present members voting aye.

Discussion Items

• City of Sacramento Ethics Community Outreach Program Update (File ID: 2026-00883): City Clerk Mindy Cuppy presented the standing update. Commissioners reported on outreach efforts. Commissioner Emery expressed interest in reaching out to District 2 neighborhood associations following recent news about the former council member. Chair LoFaso noted that outreach activities ebb and flow and encouraged continued engagement.
• History of the Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) Contract for Administration, Implementation, and Enforcement of Sacramento City Code Chapter 2.13 (File ID: 2026-00884): City Clerk Mindy Cuppy provided a detailed history of the city's contract with the FPPC from 2018-2019. The contract cost $110,000 over two years, with about $40,000 in hours worked. The FPPC completed audits of seven candidate committees from the June 2018 election, finding substantial compliance. The contract expired in December 2019; attempts to renegotiate were unsuccessful due to the FPPC's $55,000 annual floor. Commissioner Kelly initiated a discussion on the need for campaign finance auditing, proposing three potential avenues: re-engaging the FPPC, using an outside vendor (e.g., the independent evaluator), or exploring in-house options (though the city auditor cannot audit city council members without charter/ordinance changes). He noted recent legislation (AB 359, effective 2026) that may have changed FPPC auditing authority. Vice Chair Velasquez sought clarification on the contract's floor amount and the FPPC's work. Chair LoFaso discussed the original intent of the City Council in creating the Ethics Commission and emphasized the importance of well-researched recommendations. After extended discussion, Commissioner Kelly and Chair LoFaso expressed willingness to serve on an ad hoc committee to explore options.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Calendar was approved unanimously (4-0, with Thao absent).
• Creation of the Sacramento Good Governance Program Auditing Ad Hoc Committee: Chair LoFaso formally created the committee, appointing Commissioners Kelly and LoFaso as members. The ad hoc is tasked with researching avenues to incorporate auditing into the city's ethics compliance program, including potential contracts with the FPPC, outside vendors, or in-house solutions, and to bring a recommendation back to the full Commission within one year.
• Staff Direction: City Clerk Cuppy will provide administrative rules for ad hoc committees to all commissioners. She also noted that the FPPC contract details are publicly available and that the independent evaluator previously expressed willingness to provide auditing services for a quoted fee. Commissioner Emery suggested the ad hoc also investigate how San Bernardino County handles auditing.
• Form 700 Reminder: Chair LoFaso reminded commissioners that their Form 700 (Statement of Economic Interest) is due April 30, 2026. Clerk Cuppy confirmed late filers are subject to audit.
• Training on Complaint Processing: Clerk Cuppy asked for commissioner input on whether to proceed with a $5,000 training presentation by the independent evaluator on how complaints are processed. Commissioners agreed to send individual suggestions to the Clerk to define the scope.

Commissioner Comments – Ideas and Questions

• Commissioner Emery underscored the importance of the Ethics Commission in light of the recent scandal involving the District 2 council member, who faces jail time. She noted that the violations were not under the commission's purview but that the body's work is vital for good governance. Commissioner Kelly and Clerk Cuppy offered to help connect her with District 2 neighborhood associations for outreach.
• Mr. Gary Linds (city attorney's office) added that even when complaints fall outside the ethics commission's jurisdiction, the commission can serve as a first point of contact and refer matters to appropriate authorities (e.g., whistleblower hotline, DA).

Public Comments – Matters Not on the Agenda

• None.