LGAI
ACTIVE · CANDIDATE QUESTIONNAIRE ISSUED

City of Sarasota

Florida

The Local Government Accountability Inc is conducting an active investigation into the fiscal management and governance of City of Sarasota, Florida using the LGAI’s Six-Pillar Audit Framework. LGAI research analysts are actively reviewing City of Sarasota’s audited financial records, budgets, and staffing under the framework, and findings will be published as the review progresses.

Two at-large City Commission seats are on the 2026 ballot. A nonpartisan primary is set for August 18, 2026 (held if more than three candidates qualify), with the general election November 3, 2026 and winners seated November 6, 2026. The field includes at-large incumbent Jen Ahearn-Koch. Candidate qualifying closes June 12, 2026.

About City of Sarasota

Five-member City Commission (three district, two at-large) under a council–manager form of government; the mayor is selected annually from among the commissioners. This is a separate jurisdiction from Sarasota County and is never commingled with it.

Official website: www.sarasotafl.gov

The Election

Two at-large City Commission seats are on the 2026 ballot. A nonpartisan primary is set for August 18, 2026 (held if more than three candidates qualify), with the general election November 3, 2026 and winners seated November 6, 2026. The field includes at-large incumbent Jen Ahearn-Koch. Candidate qualifying closes June 12, 2026.

What We’re Examining

City budget, spending, staffing, and debt under the six-pillar framework; candidate fiscal-accountability questionnaire issued.

Every LGAI investigation follows the Six-Pillar Audit Framework — fiscal audit, headcount and compensation, demographic and service-demand, procurement and contracting, technology and productivity, and political and disclosure. Findings are published as the investigation progresses.

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