Energy and Environment Committee approves Tim O'Connor as Office of Public Accountability executive director nominee

Los Angeles City Council members on the Energy and Environment Committee voted unanimously May 20 to approve the citizens selection committee's recommendation to nominate Tim O'Connor as executive director of the Office of Public Accountability (OPA).

The committee approved the nomination following presentations by the citizen selection committee and remarks from O'Connor. The vote was recorded as Nazarian — aye; Yaroslavsky — yes; Padilla — yes. The recommendation originated with a citizen committee that conducted a multi-stage selection process beginning in 2023.

Committee members and selection-committee representatives said they sought an executive director with experience in utility rate-setting, strong administrative skills and the ability to build an office from a limited staff. John Murray, chair of the citizens selection committee, described a “comprehensive” process that winnowed a field of candidates through multiple interviews and written assignments. David Nahai, vice chair, told the committee the panel looked for forensic and rate-analysis capability given the technical complexity of Department of Water and Power (DWP) rates.

Selection-committee members cited O'Connor's prior work with the Department of Water and Power. John Murray said the committee found in O'Connor the mix of administrative experience and familiarity with power and water issues the office will need. "We knew that this would have to be a person of truly rare talents," Murray said during the presentation.

In his remarks, Tim O'Connor described the OPA's role as one of transparency and accountability during a period of major utility investments and said he would prioritize public engagement and clear communication. "I see this as an opportunity to ensure that those investments are a case study in how to achieve the scope and scale of investments that this utility ... and not a case study for how not to do it," O'Connor said.

Council members who spoke in favor of the nomination praised O'Connor's technical knowledge and integrity. Council member Yaroslavsky said he has known O'Connor for about 15 years and called him "a known quantity" with the skills and judgment needed to hold DWP accountable as the city pursues decarbonization and affordability goals.

The committee's action approved the citizens selection committee recommendation; the committee recorded the appointment as approved by the vote noted above. The committee chair closed the item after the roll call and moved to other agenda items.

Speakers listed on the record for this item included selection-committee chair John Murray, vice chair David Nahai, nominee Tim O'Connor, and committee members who spoke during the vote.