DWP officials attend conference in LA, face ethics scrutiny

DWP officials, including then-President Cynthia McClain-Hill, attended a conference hosted by Accenture in March 2023, where they faced scrutiny over ethics violations. Accenture, which has significant contracts with the DWP, submitted invoices for food, beverages, and gifts totaling $980, raising concerns about compliance with city ethics rules that limit gifts from contractors. Internal emails revealed that McClain-Hill sought clarification on whether the conference registration constituted a gift, and was advised it did not. Despite the invitation indicating no conference fee, the DWP was billed for hospitality packages specifically for McClain-Hill and another director, Winifred Yancy. This selective billing and the nature of the gifts prompted allegations from a former DWP contractor, leading to a California State Bar complaint and a lawsuit against McClain-Hill for retaliation and harassment. Accenture's representative declined to comment on the situation. The Ethics Commission's involvement remains unclear, as they do not confirm or deny investigations. McClain-Hill's actions, including her decision to pay for the hospitality package, have drawn criticism, especially following a recorded conversation in 2019 that raised further ethical concerns regarding contract awards. The scrutiny intensified after media reports highlighted these issues, leading to McClain-Hill's resignation in January 2023. The case underscores the challenges of maintaining ethical standards in public service, particularly when substantial contracts are involved. The DWP's relationship with Accenture and the implications of these events may lead to broader discussions about ethics and accountability in government contracting.