The news conference is expected to be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, where Mayor Whitmire will address the allegations and his plan to ensure "transparency and accountability."

A somber Mayor John Whitmire announced Thursday morning that the Houston controller's office, headed up by Chris Hollins, was involved in a "pay-to-play" situation that "has to stop." The mayor alleged that the controller was selling sponsorships to an upcoming city-run investor's conference.

Mayor John Whitmire launches “pay to play” ethics investigation into Controller Chris Hollins’ decision to solicit sponsorships for a financial conference.

Houston Mayor John Whitmire has called out Controller Chris Hollins for unethical fundraising practices linked to the annual Investor Conference, igniting a fierce political debate.

Mayor John Whitmire and City Controller Chris Hollins traded barbs in dueling press conferences Thursday, each alleging the other has conflicts of interest by providing special access to private companies looking to do business with the city.

Chris Hollins responds to allegations made by Houston Mayor John Whitmire regarding pay to play.

Mayor John Whitmire alleged Controller Chris Hollins was engaged in “pay-to-play” through the solicitation of sponsorships for the Houston Annual Investor Conference. Whitmire said he hadn’t raised his concerns with Hollins ahead of the Thursday morning press conference.