D.C. Mayor Bowser Spent $1.15 Million on Inaugural Festivities

A new financial report shows that District of Columbia Mayor Muriel Bowser spent $1.15 million on her inaugural festivities -- $400,000 more than her predecessor.

That means Bowser's inauguration was almost certainly the most expensive in the District's history, although records on previous inaugurations are spotty. Bowser's predecessor, Vincent Gray, took roughly a year to release an audit showing he spent $714,000 on his inauguration.

Requiring inaugural committees to file financial reports was part of an ethics-reform bill that Bowser cited as one of her top accomplishments on the D.C. Council.

The biggest payouts for Bowser's inauguration were $295,000 to Hargrove Inc. of Lanham, Maryland, for staging and decorations. Musician Sheila E. received $35,000 for her performance.

The spending is detailed in a financial report filed on Monday.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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