Overview
- Administrative hearing officer Andrea McGary ruled that Collective Impact should not be debarred and restored its eligibility to receive city contracts.
- The City Attorney’s Office called the late‑night ruling bizarre, said it will appeal, and criticized the order for lacking analysis and arriving before requested “critical” information was submitted.
- The case stemmed from a 65‑count filing alleging the nonprofit broke contract rules and submitted a false claim tied to benefits for former Human Rights Commission head Sheryl Davis.
- Collective Impact’s lawyers said the cited payments for Davis’ book promotion, podcast bookings, travel upgrades, and a conference sponsorship were legitimate governmental expenses.
- Executive director James Spingola announced he is stepping down, while separate audits and a criminal probe into Davis continue and a dedicated audit of Collective Impact is expected in early 2026.