Overview
- Mayor Brandon Scott introduced a four-part plan Wednesday that would change state public-records law, create an audit trail for document requests, assign a lawyer to the inspector general, and require quarterly reviews.
- Scott hired Baker Tilly to conduct a forensic review of the SideStep youth diversion program, with the city pledging to recover funds if fraud is confirmed.
- Inspector General Isabel Cumming called the proposal control rather than accountability, saying her office will keep pushing for public transparency.
- City lawyers say prior IG access violated attorney‑client and work‑product privileges, as a pending lawsuit over redacted records continues after a judge labeled the city’s stance concerning.
- A City Council effort to fast-track a ballot question restoring direct IG access stalled this week, after earlier IG findings flagged $167,000 in unchecked mayoral spending including about $50,000 on stadium food.