OCII grants waiver allowing former commissioner Theodore Ellington to work with Golden State Warriors on Mission Bay project

The Commission on Community Investment and Infrastructure voted unanimously on Aug. 19 to grant a waiver allowing former Commissioner Theodore Ellington to work for the Golden State Warriors on plans for an arena and event center in Mission Bay.

OCII staff told commissioners their review found "no direct and substantial interest" arising from Ellington's prior participation in schematic approvals and related actions, and therefore recommended the waiver. "We do not see any undue influence," staff said during the presentation, urging the commission to grant the request.

Ellington, who resigned earlier in July to accept a position as director of public affairs with the Warriors, addressed the commission and said he sought the role transparently. "I didn't want to go behind closed doors and communicate with commissioners and, you know, undue influence," Ellington said, asking the commission to grant the waiver.

Commissioners discussed the commission's two-year "revolving door" restriction for former commissioners to appear before OCII and contrasted it with the city's one-year policy. Chair Rosales said she supported the waiver but asked staff to compare the commission's policy with the city's and present options for possible alignment at a future meeting.

After a motion, a second and a roll-call vote, the commission approved the waiver by a 3-0 vote. The commission also adopted a separate resolution commending Ellington for his service to OCII and its predecessor agencies.