FPPC Investigates Winslow and Goldstein

The Fair Political Practices Commission opened an investigation into two Chico councilmembers over alleged conflicts tied to the Downtown Revitalization Project.

Updated on Oct. 31, 2026 in City Hall

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The Fair Political Practices Commission opened an investigation on October 30 into councilmembers Addison Winslow and Bryce Goldstein. The probe follows complaints filed by Rob Berry alleging conflicts of interest over the Downtown Revitalization Project, while Mayor Kasey Reynolds was cleared of an alleged conflict.

Why it matters

Three councilmembers have been investigated for conflict of interest over the project, raising questions about how officials with downtown office space or outside agency roles should participate in votes affecting local development. The outcome could shape how Chico handles disclosure and recusal on projects funded by state grants.

The complaints, filed by Rob Berry, center on whether Winslow and Goldstein's downtown office space and Goldstein's CalTrans position disqualified their votes in favor of the redesign project. The FPPC has not yet issued a determination on the allegations.

The players

Fair Political Practices Commission

The California state agency responsible for enforcing conflict-of-interest and campaign finance laws for state and local officials.

Addison Winslow

A Chico city councilmember whose downtown office space and votes on the revitalization project are under investigation.

Bryce Goldstein

A Chico city councilmember whose CalTrans position and votes on the revitalization project are under investigation.

Kasey Reynolds

The mayor of Chico, who was cleared of an alleged conflict after complaints were lodged with the FPPC.

Rob Berry

The individual who filed the complaints against Winslow, Goldstein, and Reynolds with the FPPC.

The details

Berry alleged that Winslow's and Goldstein's downtown office space may disqualify their votes, and that Goldstein's CalTrans position created a conflict because the project relies on an Active Transportation Grant. Both councilmembers voted in favor of the redesign, and complaints against Mayor Kasey Reynolds were lodged with the FPPC before she was cleared.

October 30, 2026: The FPPC opened its investigation into Winslow and Goldstein.
October 31, 2026: Reporting on the investigation was published.

Political Context

Conflict-of-interest complaints under California's Political Reform Act are enforced by the Fair Political Practices Commission, which reviews whether officials' financial interests require them to step back from votes. Defenders of the councilmembers would likely argue that holding office space or an agency position does not automatically create a disqualifying financial interest under those rules.

Residents of Chico and downtown business owners have a direct stake in whether the revitalization project proceeds on schedule and with clean approval processes. The outcome of the FPPC review could affect how quickly the redesign moves forward and whether future votes on downtown projects face additional scrutiny.

The takeaway

Conflict-of-interest questions often turn on whether a councilmember's financial or professional ties are direct enough to require recusal. Readers following Chico's downtown plans should watch for the FPPC's findings and any changes to how officials disclose such ties.