Council opens formal investigation into ‘smart cities’ deal
Council members also approved a resolution to halt a proposed short-term contract for the project, which could be adopted without their approval.
Category: Government & Politics
Responding to council subpoena, city turns over hundreds of pages on smart cities deal
The documents include a draft contract and hundreds of emails showing frequent communications going back years between city officials, a ‘pro bono’ consultant and companies that would eventually win the city bid for the project.
Council members considering subpoena to Cantrell admin for details on Gordon Plaza plan
Council members and Gordon Plaza residents both criticized the administration for providing few details of its plan while taking public credit for taking action.
City releases new information on ‘smart cities’ project after council subpoena
The four-page letter does not address many of the council’s questions and concerns, but it does provide more information about the plan than was previously available.
Council president subpoenas Cantrell administration over ‘smart cities’ deal
The Cantrell administration is now considering beginning the project — originally pitched as a multiyear contract — with a one-year agreement, which would not require council approval.
Council freezes budgets of two struggling departments to force Mayor Cantrell to make changes
The council characterizes the moves as accountability measures for underperforming departments. But the Cantrell administration says they could make things worse.
NBA legend Magic Johnson tells City Council to back Cantrell’s ‘smart cities’ project, despite missing details
The City Council still needs to approve the multi-year contract for the contract, but so far, that contract hasn't been presented to the public or Council President Helena Moreno.
City considering merging EMS and Fire Department
EMS unaware of any merger plans prior to remarks from mayor, spokesman says.
Assessor again grants Folgers millions in erroneous tax exemptions
The inaccurate exemptions, some of which have been active since 2019, apply to upwards of $140 million of Folgers’ property.
Council flexes budgetary power in dispute with Mayor over unfinished roadwork, struggling departments
Council members say they are trying to use the power of the purse to force Cantrell to improve city services and communication. The measures are expected to go to a final vote next month.
