Three years after promising to curb lobbyist‑driven donations, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass’s own nonprofit partners have continued to receive millions of dollars at her behest. The Center Square’s review shows that the Mayor’s Fund and the Getty House Foundation together have collected over 300 payments totaling at least $22 million from corporate donors since December 2022.
Ethics pledge and its limits
In 2023 Bass touted a “Mayor’s Office Ethics Pledge,” describing the new rules for the Mayor’s Fund and Getty House Foundation as “the most strict ethics reforms ever implemented by either organization.” The pledge was meant to restore public trust after criticism of former Mayor Eric Garcetti’s administration.
Despite those assurances, companies that employ city lobbyists—including AltaMed, Amazon, HDR and McDonald’s—have continued to make donations after the mayor’s request. The nonprofits are structured so that Bass can advise the board and influence how money is solicited, though the board retains legal authority over the funds.
Donor connections and potential conflicts
Several donors have direct ties to the nonprofits’ leadership. PepsiCo contributed $140,000 to the Getty House Foundation between 2023 and 2026 while its vice president of government affairs, Lupe De La Cruz, sat on the foundation’s board. AT&T made multiple payments as well, with board president Lupita Sanchez‑Cornejo also serving as AT&T California’s regional vice president of external and legislative affairs.
Other corporate benefactors include the Los Angeles Dodgers, whose vice president of government and community affairs, Kristin McCown, serves on the Getty House board, and Charter Communications, which paid $35,000 to the Getty House Foundation at Bass’s request while simultaneously seeking a $2.75 million contract extension with the city.
Legal and reporting gaps
State law requires the mayor to report any behested payment above $5,000, but the Mayor’s Fund has voluntarily disclosed some smaller gifts. Records show Bass has not listed her “advisor” title on California Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) paperwork, a requirement for full transparency.
Nonprofit donor lists are exempt from public‑record disclosure, limiting the ability of watchdog groups to trace the flow of money. California Common Cause’s Sean McMorris called the situation “pay‑to‑play” and urged policy changes, while Bob Stern, co‑author of the state’s Political Reform Act, called the reforms “good steps, but not enough.”
Mayor’s response and next steps
Bass has not responded to multiple requests for comment. The mayor’s office has indicated that the nonprofits operate independently, and tax filings show she does not receive a salary from either organization. However, the lack of clear reporting on her advisory role leaves unanswered questions about the true extent of her influence.
City Council members and ethics officials are expected to review the findings as the next municipal budget cycle approaches, with potential revisions to the city’s conflict‑of‑interest rules on the horizon.
Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.
