LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — The City of Henderson is reviewing a financial consulting contract for a firm of which a former city councilman – trounced by his opponent and unseated from office in November’s election – is a partner, the 8 News Now Investigators have learned.
A spokeswoman for the city provided a statement with regard to the company, Philo Ventures, and the former councilman of Ward II, Dan Shaw, who lost his re-election bid to a newcomer last year. Shaw served on the city council for seven years prior to being unseated by Monica Larson, who was sworn into office in January.
“The City is reviewing a contract with Philo Ventures for financial efficiency consulting services,” the statement said. “Mr. Shaw is a partner consultant at Philo Ventures. He is not serving the City as a volunteer and will not work directly on these consulting services.”
The city, however, would not provide the 8 News Now Investigators with any specifics – or a copy – of the consulting agreement. Further, the city did not answer questions about associating with Shaw for the purposes of financial matters. In 2022, Shaw defended the first of four federal lawsuits alleging predatory lending practices at his payday loan company, Green Arrow Solutions.
Through a spokesperson, Dan Shaw declined the 8 News Now Investigators’ request for comment on this topic.
At the state legislature’s 2025 session, Henderson Mayor Michelle Romero and her staff testified about certain budget challenges including public safety expenditures, pension costs, and less revenue than expected heading into the next fiscal year.
Prior to his tenure on the city council, Shaw spent 11 years on the Henderson Planning Commission. He joined the Henderson Parks and Recreation Board in 1987.
Philo Ventures, headquartered in Salt Lake City according to public record and in the Utah suburb Lehi according to the firm’s website, lists Shaw as one of its capital advisers. A website for Philo Development, an entity advertised and linked to on the Philo Ventures webpage, lists Shaw as an advisory partner.
