New State Monitor Appointed Over IDA

Senator James Skoufis (D-Orange County) announced the appointment of Brian Sanvidge, Principal/Leader of Regulatory Compliance and Investigations for New York-based firm Anchin, as the state monitor to rein in the bad deal-making of the Orange County Industrial Development Agency (IDA).

The new monitor, a first-of-its-kind appointment negotiated by Skoufis as part of last year’s state budget, will be empowered to overrule the Orange County IDA’s tax break packages if they do not sufficiently consider the taxpayers, environment, or return on investment as is required by the agency’s own Uniform Tax Exemption Policy. The monitor will also ensure all laws are being properly adhered to by the IDA, including the strict prohibition on conflicts of interest. Mr. Sanvidge’s tenure, which began on Monday, March 25, 2024, will be paid for by the IDA–at no expense to taxpayers.

“I had the pleasure of speaking with Mr. Sanvidge this week and am thrilled that this appointment has been made at long last,” said Skoufis, long an outspoken critic of the IDA’s taxpayer abuses. “Our Orange County constituents know that many of the IDA’s recent deals have been horrible for their communities and their wallets, and they’ve been clamoring for real and lasting reform. Our new monitor will provide an added layer of accountability and state scrutiny, ensuring that more corporate tax dollars remain in our communities–where they belong.”

A Certified Inspector General and Certified Fraud Examiner, Mr. Sanvidge has more than 30 years of experience advising on fraud, forensic investigations and providing litigation support to his many public and private sector clients. He specializes in highly-regulated industries including construction, transportation, infrastructure, retail, hospitality, not-for-profits, specialty healthcare, and pharmaceuticals.