Enforcement update: ethics staff add investigators and plan to reduce aged caseload

Director Pelham told the commission that enforcement work over the past month focused on preparing for staff growth and drafting a Proposition J memorandum with policy staff. She reported new guidance on record retention from the city attorney and controller and said staff is revising retention policies accordingly.

Pelham also said the enforcement caseload had slowed but that staff will prioritize older matters as new investigators come on board. She named recent hires and pending starts, saying the office added investigators and temporary staff to help process complaints more quickly. "We're very optimistic that we will be bringing good work to that area and delivering on our mission," Pelham said.

Members of the public urged greater transparency about enforcement referrals to the Bureau of Delinquent Revenue (BDR) and recommended including other enforcement agencies (FPPC, state and federal) in a future report to improve public understanding of the enforcement landscape. David Pilpel suggested adding last‑action dates to the BDR status box so the public can track activity. Friends of Ethics proposed a separate section listing actions by other agencies to reassure the public that enforcement is a multi‑agency effort.

Commissioners asked for more detail on enforcement steps and repayment terms for outstanding fines; staff said the BDR updates are provided directly by that bureau and that follow‑up would be pursued. Pelham said investigators will receive assignments targeted at 2014–2015 cases to reduce the aged inventory.