Houston Controller Chris Hollins is launching a formal investigation into his predecessor. by examining his current role with the mayor’s office and use of taxpayer resources.
During a Monday news conference Hollins said his office would examine whether public resources were used appropriately and whether adequate oversight and accountability measures were in place regarding Mayor John Whitmire’s senior adviser for financial integrity Chris Brown. Brown previously worked as the city’s controller.
“Chris Brown has spent more than 20 years serving Houstonians, including eight years as Controller, where he ran a serious, competent Controller’s Office and helped define the problem of Houston’s structurally imbalanced budget,” Whitmire said in an emailed statement to Chron. “This is exactly the experience I want on my team as we navigate complex city finances, reduce costs, and lay the foundation for long-term fiscal stability. Controller Brown was a part of helping pass the FY27 budget with a 15-1 vote and continues to provide valuable public service. I don’t have time for politics.”
The announcement comes less than a week after the Houston Chronicle reported Brown, whose position was created by Whitmire, rarely appeared at City Hall since joining the administration in January 2024 through April 7, despite making a six-figure salary. Term limits forced Brown to move on from his previous role as controller.
The Chronicle reported Brown swiped into city facilities just 13 times since Whitmire took office and had sent relatively few work-related emails during that period.
“Accountability cannot be selective,” Hollins said. “Every taxpayer has a right to know that their tax dollars are being useful.”
Hollins repeatedly referenced the Chronicle’s reporting, noting that the information prompting the review came from public records already available to taxpayers. He said the controller’s office felt it was important to publicly communicate that the concerns were being taken seriously.
“Our responsibility is to protect Houstonians,” he added.
The controller also called on Whitmire to suspend Brown pending the outcome of the investigation, while emphasizing that such a move would not imply guilt.
“Suspension is not a finding of wrongdoing,” Hollins said.
Whitmire’s office said it would not be issuing an additional comment at this time.
The investigation marks the latest point of tension between Hollins and Whitmire, who have repeatedly clashed over city finances, budget priorities and oversight responsibilities during the mayor’s first term.
Most recently, the two have sparred publicly over Whitmire’s proposed budget, including debates over new revenue measures and long-term financial sustainability.
This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.