Gabe Greschler

Josh Koehn

After spending a whopping $3 million to put two charter reform measures on the November ballot, political group <a href="https://sfstandard.com/search/?query=togethersf">TogetherSF Action</a> announced that it is dropping an effort to strengthen the mayor’s powers due to uncertainty around who will be elected.

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After spending a whopping $3 million to put two charter reform measures on the November ballot, political group <a href="https://sfstandard.com/search/?query=togethersf">TogetherSF Action</a> announced that it is dropping an effort to strengthen the mayor’s powers due to uncertainty around who will be elected.

Kanishka Cheng, the head of TogetherSF Action, said the group was hitting the pause button to avoid wasting more resources because of a “lack of clarity in voters’ mind around who is going to be mayor.”&nbsp;

Kanishka Cheng, the head of TogetherSF Action, said the group was hitting the pause button to avoid wasting more resources because of a “lack of clarity in voters’ mind around who is going to be mayor.”&nbsp;

The group’s committee has already spent more money on potential ballot measures than any other efforts for the fall, with $1 million going out the door just between mid-March and mid-April. The <a href="https://www.sfexaminer.com/news/politics/togethersf-action-drops-ballot-effort-to-strengthen-sf-mayor/article_37109c26-0758-11ef-b9b6-4bbc2cade3d9.html">San Francisco Examiner</a> was first to report the abandoned ballot measure.

The group’s committee has already spent more money on potential ballot measures than any other efforts for the fall, with $1 million going out the door just between mid-March and mid-April. The <a href="https://www.sfexaminer.com/news/politics/togethersf-action-drops-ballot-effort-to-strengthen-sf-mayor/article_37109c26-0758-11ef-b9b6-4bbc2cade3d9.html">San Francisco Examiner</a> was first to report the abandoned ballot measure.

TogetherSF Action receives funding from Michael Moritz, who is also the chairman of The Standard.

TogetherSF Action receives funding from Michael Moritz, who is also the chairman of The Standard.

The organization has stumbled since first announcing it intended to go to voters to reform the charter, which requires a petition with more than 50,000 signatures from registered voters to qualify. In December, a proposal to slash the number of city commissions <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/12/18/plan-to-fix-broken-san-franicisco-blows-up/">had to be withdrawn</a> and resubmitted to the Department of Elections due to flawed language.

Plan to fix ‘broken’ San Francisco blows up in 2 weeks

The organization has stumbled since first announcing it intended to go to voters to reform the charter, which requires a petition with more than 50,000 signatures from registered voters to qualify. In December, a proposal to slash the number of city commissions <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/12/18/plan-to-fix-broken-san-franicisco-blows-up/">had to be withdrawn</a> and resubmitted to the Department of Elections due to flawed language.

Kanishka Cheng, founder and CEO of Together SF Action, left, and Jay Cheng, CEO of Neighbors for a Better San Francisco at an event in San Francisco on November 8, 2023.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/2207-tsa-23110811.jpg?w=1641" alt="Kanishka Cheng and Jay Cheng smile a table at a social event. She has long hair and he wears glasses." class="wp-image-270463"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Kanishka Cheng, founder and CEO of Together SF Action, left, and Jay Cheng, CEO of Neighbors for a Better San Francisco, attend a recent event together in San Francisco.</figcaption></figure>

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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/2207-tsa-23110811.jpg?w=1641" alt="Kanishka Cheng and Jay Cheng smile a table at a social event. She has long hair and he wears glasses." class="wp-image-270463"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Kanishka Cheng, founder and CEO of Together SF Action, left, and Jay Cheng, CEO of Neighbors for a Better San Francisco, attend a recent event together in San Francisco.</figcaption></figure>

While Cheng did not say what specifically influenced the decision to drop <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/08/22/does-san-franciscos-mayor-need-more-power-this-group-says-yes/">the strong mayor proposal</a>, which included the creation of deputy mayor positions while giving the mayor more control over commission appointments and department heads, political observers suggested the contest’s newest candidate, Supervisor Aaron Peskin, could have been a determining factor.

Does San Francisco’s mayor need more power? This group says yes

While Cheng did not say what specifically influenced the decision to drop <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/08/22/does-san-franciscos-mayor-need-more-power-this-group-says-yes/">the strong mayor proposal</a>, which included the creation of deputy mayor positions while giving the mayor more control over commission appointments and department heads, political observers suggested the contest’s newest candidate, Supervisor Aaron Peskin, could have been a determining factor.

Peskin, the president of the Board of Supervisors, has cast himself as the progressive choice and spoken out vociferously against the city’s moderate groups, which he has accused of being controlled by big-money interests.&nbsp;

Peskin, the president of the Board of Supervisors, has cast himself as the progressive choice and spoken out vociferously against the city’s moderate groups, which he has accused of being controlled by big-money interests.&nbsp;

“It’s either a legal issue, and we’re not privy to the details, or they saw something that Peskin has a real shot of winning, and they don’t want him to have that power,” said David Latterman, a longtime San Francisco political consultant.

“It’s either a legal issue, and we’re not privy to the details, or they saw something that Peskin has a real shot of winning, and they don’t want him to have that power,” said David Latterman, a longtime San Francisco political consultant.

In a phone interview Wednesday, Peskin slammed TogetherSF’s reform proposals as “no way to do public policy or run a government.”

In a phone interview Wednesday, Peskin slammed TogetherSF’s reform proposals as “no way to do public policy or run a government.”

He added, “What they have revealed is that this is an exercise for them to consolidate power for their intended candidate. It is actually quite frightening. The only thing I can take from this is that, apparently, I must be polling quite well.”&nbsp;

He added, “What they have revealed is that this is an exercise for them to consolidate power for their intended candidate. It is actually quite frightening. The only thing I can take from this is that, apparently, I must be polling quite well.”&nbsp;

Cheng said that TogetherSF is still “moving full steam ahead” on its other ballot initiative that would cut back on the number of city commissions, an effort that moderates claim will help fight back against unnecessary bureaucratic red tape. Cheng also said the group intends to bring back the mayoral powers ballot item in a future election cycle.

Cheng said that TogetherSF is still “moving full steam ahead” on its other ballot initiative that would cut back on the number of city commissions, an effort that moderates claim will help fight back against unnecessary bureaucratic red tape. Cheng also said the group intends to bring back the mayoral powers ballot item in a future election cycle.

The group’s abandoned ballot initiative also has implications for mayoral candidate and former Supervisor Mark Farrell, who formed a committee in support of TogetherSF’s initiatives as he challenges Mayor London Breed.

The group’s abandoned ballot initiative also has implications for mayoral candidate and former Supervisor Mark Farrell, who formed a committee in support of TogetherSF’s initiatives as he challenges Mayor London Breed.

In an interview Wednesday, Farrell brushed off any notion that TogetherSF Action’s decision would drastically change the goals of his committee.

In an interview Wednesday, Farrell brushed off any notion that TogetherSF Action’s decision would drastically change the goals of his committee.

“I am fully behind the bold reform of our commission structure inside of City Hall,” said Farrell, whose committee has raised about $140,000. “And I will continue to do everything in my power to help improve it.”

“I am fully behind the bold reform of our commission structure inside of City Hall,” said Farrell, whose committee has raised about $140,000. “And I will continue to do everything in my power to help improve it.”

Jim Ross, a political consultant in San Francisco who is not working on any local races, questioned the argument TogetherSF Action made when putting together the strong mayor charter reform proposal.

Jim Ross, a political consultant in San Francisco who is not working on any local races, questioned the argument TogetherSF Action made when putting together the strong mayor charter reform proposal.

TogetherSF’s effort to change the charter came in response to criticisms that San Francisco’s complex governance—the mayor cannot directly choose certain department heads, for example—makes it difficult to tackle the city’s issues effectively.&nbsp;

TogetherSF’s effort to change the charter came in response to criticisms that San Francisco’s complex governance—the mayor cannot directly choose certain department heads, for example—makes it difficult to tackle the city’s issues effectively.&nbsp;

“The only reason we don’t have a strong mayor system in San Francisco is because we don’t have a strong mayor,” Ross said. “San Francisco’s mayor has as much or more power as any mayor in the country as long as they are able to work the levers of power that they have.”

“The only reason we don’t have a strong mayor system in San Francisco is because we don’t have a strong mayor,” Ross said. “San Francisco’s mayor has as much or more power as any mayor in the country as long as they are able to work the levers of power that they have.”

The abandoned ballot measure is a costly lesson for TogetherSF Action. Ross said that petition gathering across California currently costs about $8 to $12 per signature, and any charter reform measure in San Francisco would need more than 50,000 valid signatures to qualify for November.

The abandoned ballot measure is a costly lesson for TogetherSF Action. Ross said that petition gathering across California currently costs about $8 to $12 per signature, and any charter reform measure in San Francisco would need more than 50,000 valid signatures to qualify for November.

TogetherSF Action’s decision comes as its moderate ally, the political action committee Neighbors for a Better San Francisco, faced scrutiny this week over a potentially inappropriate relationship with the Farrell campaign.&nbsp;

TogetherSF Action’s decision comes as its moderate ally, the political action committee Neighbors for a Better San Francisco, faced scrutiny this week over a potentially inappropriate relationship with the Farrell campaign.&nbsp;

<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/04/30/san-francisco-mayors-race-neighbors-pac-mark-farrell/">Text messages</a> show Jay Cheng, who leads Neighbors and is married to TogetherSF’s director, attempted to help the Farrell campaign with hiring—a move that has raised questions about how much independent committees and candidate campaigns can legally coordinate.

Hello, Neighbors: Mark Farrell’s mayoral campaign gets cozy with rich political group

<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/04/30/san-francisco-mayors-race-neighbors-pac-mark-farrell/">Text messages</a> show Jay Cheng, who leads Neighbors and is married to TogetherSF’s director, attempted to help the Farrell campaign with hiring—a move that has raised questions about how much independent committees and candidate campaigns can legally coordinate.

After spending millions, San Francisco political group abandons push to empower mayor

Joe Fitzgerald Rodriguez

Supervisor Aaron Peskin may have lost his bid for mayor, but he isn’t going anywhere.

Supervisor Aaron Peskin may have lost his bid for mayor, but he isn’t going anywhere.

Though he’ll soon be termed out from his longtime perch on the Board of Supervisors, the Napoleon of North Beach is priming to rally progressive troops against the monied interests who spent millions of dollars in the election.

Though he’ll soon be termed out from his longtime perch on the Board of Supervisors, the Napoleon of North Beach is priming to rally progressive troops against the monied interests who spent millions of dollars in the election.

“I don&#8217;t think San Francisco needs new organizations. They just need better coordination and leadership,” he said. “And this is a ripe opportunity to bring them all together.”

“I don't think San Francisco needs new organizations. They just need better coordination and leadership,” he said. “And this is a ripe opportunity to bring them all together.”

“I don&#8217;t think San Francisco needs new organizations. They just need better coordination and leadership,” he said. “And this is a ripe opportunity to bring them all together.”

In an interview with The Standard, Peskin said that despite speculation, he isn’t interested in serving as, for instance, chief of staff for mayor-elect Daniel Lurie or the city’s first inspector general. (Regardless, Peskin would be barred from such roles by a rule that prohibits employment at City Hall for a year after leaving.) But Peskin did call Lurie to offer any help he could, he said.

In an interview with The Standard, Peskin said that despite speculation, he isn’t interested in serving as, for instance, chief of staff for mayor-elect Daniel Lurie or the city’s first inspector general. (Regardless, Peskin would be barred from such roles by a rule that prohibits employment at City Hall for a year after leaving.) But Peskin did call Lurie to offer any help he could, he said.

Instead of a staff role, Peskin plans to unite a loose collection of progressive Democrat groups — neighborhood groups, Democratic clubs, civic organizations, and labor — to push back against the influence of wealthy power players in local politics.

Instead of a staff role, Peskin plans to unite a loose collection of progressive Democrat groups — neighborhood groups, Democratic clubs, civic organizations, and labor — to push back against the influence of wealthy power players in local politics.

A cadre of folks whose net worth borders on the bonkers — including billionaire Bill Oberndorf, who backs Republicans nationally, and The Standard chairman Michael Moritz — have channeled millions of dollars into political groups <a href="https://missionlocal.org/2024/10/michael-moritz-san-francisco-togethersf-sf-elections-crankstart/">like TogetherSF</a>, Neighbors for a Better San Francisco, and GrowSF.

A cadre of folks whose net worth borders on the bonkers — including billionaire Bill Oberndorf, who backs Republicans nationally, and The Standard chairman Michael Moritz — have channeled millions of dollars into political groups <a href="https://missionlocal.org/2024/10/michael-moritz-san-francisco-togethersf-sf-elections-crankstart/">like TogetherSF</a>, Neighbors for a Better San Francisco, and GrowSF.

In this election, such well-heeled donors dropped coins aplenty: Moritz spent $3.1 million; Oberndorf spent $1.1 million; former New York mayor Michael Bloomberg, $1.4 million; Ripple CEO Chris Larsen, roughly $1 million; and tech angel investor Ron Conway, $438,000. That&#8217;s to say nothing of the city’s new mayor, Levi Strauss heir Daniel Lurie, who self-funded his campaign to the tune of $8 million.

In this election, such well-heeled donors dropped coins aplenty: Moritz spent $3.1 million; Oberndorf spent $1.1 million; former New York mayor Michael Bloomberg, $1.4 million; Ripple CEO Chris Larsen, roughly $1 million; and tech angel investor Ron Conway, $438,000. That's to say nothing of the city’s new mayor, Levi Strauss heir Daniel Lurie, who self-funded his campaign to the tune of $8 million.

In this election, such well-heeled donors dropped coins aplenty: Moritz spent $3.1 million; Oberndorf spent $1.1 million; former New York mayor Michael Bloomberg, $1.4 million; Ripple CEO Chris Larsen, roughly $1 million; and tech angel investor Ron Conway, $438,000. That&#8217;s to say nothing of the city’s new mayor, Levi Strauss heir Daniel Lurie, who self-funded his campaign to the tune of $8 million.

The outcome of all that spending was mixed.

The outcome of all that spending was mixed.

Proposition D, the brainchild of TogetherSF and backed heavily by Neighbors, aimed to hack San Francisco’s 100-plus commissions down to 65 and give the mayor more authority — but it crashed and burned. TogetherSF argued that the city has too many unelected bodies that slow down decision-making.

Proposition D, the brainchild of TogetherSF and backed heavily by Neighbors, aimed to hack San Francisco’s 100-plus commissions down to 65 and give the mayor more authority — but it crashed and burned. TogetherSF argued that the city has too many unelected bodies that slow down decision-making.

The mayoral candidate backed by some of those moderate groups, Mark Farrell, came in fourth, despite leading in early polls. Bloomberg and Larsen backed Mayor London Breed. And as for the Board of Supervisors, moderate and progressive candidates <a href="https://beyondchron.org/a-political-shift-in-san-francisco/">came to essentially a draw</a>.

The mayoral candidate backed by some of those moderate groups, Mark Farrell, came in fourth, despite leading in early polls. Bloomberg and Larsen backed Mayor London Breed. And as for the Board of Supervisors, moderate and progressive candidates <a href="https://beyondchron.org/a-political-shift-in-san-francisco/">came to essentially a draw</a>.

For all those failures, the talk of the insider class is the fate of Kanishka and Jay Cheng, the power couple who lead, respectively, TogetherSF and Neighbors. Will Oberndorf and Moritz kick them to the curb, especially as Peskin is threatening to make their political lives hell?

For all those failures, the talk of the insider class is the fate of Kanishka and Jay Cheng, the power couple who lead, respectively, TogetherSF and Neighbors. Will Oberndorf and Moritz kick them to the curb, especially as Peskin is threatening to make their political lives hell?

Peskin described the election as a “sound repudiation of the billionaires and their vitriolic organizations,&#8221; vowing to &#8220;stay focused on keeping them at bay.”

Peskin described the election as a “sound repudiation of the billionaires and their vitriolic organizations," vowing to "stay focused on keeping them at bay.”

Peskin described the election as a “sound repudiation of the billionaires and their vitriolic organizations,&#8221; vowing to &#8220;stay focused on keeping them at bay.”

For his part, Moritz argued that the allied moderate groups “moved the city’s political pendulum to the center.”

For his part, Moritz argued that the allied moderate groups “moved the city’s political pendulum to the center.”

In the election, “the vast majority of San Franciscans voiced their anger with the way in which they have been ignored and belittled for many years by a coterie of extreme progressives whose policies have crippled the city,” Moritz said in a statement. And while Prop. D failed, Moritz said he was glad charter reform will be a “central issue” for City Hall moving forward.

In the election, “the vast majority of San Franciscans voiced their anger with the way in which they have been ignored and belittled for many years by a coterie of extreme progressives whose policies have crippled the city,” Moritz said in a statement. And while Prop. D failed, Moritz said he was glad charter reform will be a “central issue” for City Hall moving forward.

“If Aaron Peskin wants to do to progressives what Biden did to Democrats — ignore the message and overstay his welcome — that&#8217;s his decision,” Moritz said.

“If Aaron Peskin wants to do to progressives what Biden did to Democrats — ignore the message and overstay his welcome — that's his decision,” Moritz said.

“If Aaron Peskin wants to do to progressives what Biden did to Democrats — ignore the message and overstay his welcome — that&#8217;s his decision,” Moritz said.

Despite TogetherSF and Neighbors’ losses, Peskin and other progressives worry that San Francisco’s political future has a “for sale” sign staked in its front yard. Notably, Lurie’s electoral success may send a signal about how much money it takes to lock in the mayor’s office.

Despite TogetherSF and Neighbors’ losses, Peskin and other progressives worry that San Francisco’s political future has a “for sale” sign staked in its front yard. Notably, Lurie’s electoral success may send a signal about how much money it takes to lock in the mayor’s office.

Peskin wants to make sure that future doesn&#8217;t come to pass.

Peskin wants to make sure that future doesn't come to pass.

Peskin wants to make sure that future doesn&#8217;t come to pass.

Voters may back him up. Despite Peskin’s own challenges as a citywide candidate, ballot measures championed by progressives — and those authored by Peskin in particular — performed swimmingly in the latest returns.

Voters may back him up. Despite Peskin’s own challenges as a citywide candidate, ballot measures championed by progressives — and those authored by Peskin in particular — performed swimmingly in the latest returns.

The winning ticket includes Proposition C, Peskin’s proposal to create an inspector general to investigate city corruption; Proposition E, Peskin’s alternative pitch to assess San Francisco’s commission system; and Proposition G, an affordable housing subsidy that launched with a who’s who of progressive support.

The winning ticket includes Proposition C, Peskin’s proposal to create an inspector general to investigate city corruption; Proposition E, Peskin’s alternative pitch to assess San Francisco’s commission system; and Proposition G, an affordable housing subsidy that launched with a who’s who of progressive support.

California Democratic Party Vice Chair David Campos said Peskin could be uniquely equipped to unify San Francisco progressives.

California Democratic Party Vice Chair David Campos said Peskin could be uniquely equipped to unify San Francisco progressives.

“He has the experience, acumen, and skills needed to herd the progressive cats,” Campos said.

“He has the experience, acumen, and skills needed to herd the progressive cats,” Campos said.

Why Aaron Peskin’s progressive cred may not be enough to win

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Former campaign consultant David Latterman has seen that firsthand in his decades in city politics, often opposing progressives. He lampooned them for putting forth “ridiculous firebrand” candidates that mainstream voters have at times rejected.

Former campaign consultant David Latterman has seen that firsthand in his decades in city politics, often opposing progressives. He lampooned them for putting forth “ridiculous firebrand” candidates that mainstream voters have at times rejected.

But, he admitted, it’s the push and pull between Democrats of all stripes that sparks the ideas that make San Francisco a national trailblazer.

But, he admitted, it’s the push and pull between Democrats of all stripes that sparks the ideas that make San Francisco a national trailblazer.

“I do believe the progressive movement, in the big picture, is the beating heart of the city,” he said.

“I do believe the progressive movement, in the big picture, is the beating heart of the city,” he said.

And Peskin aims to ensure it stays that way.

And Peskin aims to ensure it stays that way.

He lost the mayor’s race, but Aaron Peskin isn’t going anywhere

Han Li

Even for San Francisco political insiders, the city’s vast network of commissions and advisory boards — estimated at <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/06/20/san-francisco-city-hall-commissions-grand-jury/">over 130</a> — can be bewildering.

SF has way too many commissions, and these 15 must die, grand jury says

Even for San Francisco political insiders, the city’s vast network of commissions and advisory boards — estimated at <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/06/20/san-francisco-city-hall-commissions-grand-jury/">over 130</a> — can be bewildering.

On Nov. 5, San Franciscans voted on two competing ballot measures over how to cut or consolidate those boards, committees, councils, and task forces to reduce the city’s layers of bureaucracy and boost government efficiency. It was the most expensive ballot measure fight in this year&#8217;s election.

On Nov. 5, San Franciscans voted on two competing ballot measures over how to cut or consolidate those boards, committees, councils, and task forces to reduce the city’s layers of bureaucracy and boost government efficiency. It was the most expensive ballot measure fight in this year's election.

On Nov. 5, San Franciscans voted on two competing ballot measures over how to cut or consolidate those boards, committees, councils, and task forces to reduce the city’s layers of bureaucracy and boost government efficiency. It was the most expensive ballot measure fight in this year&#8217;s election.

Measure D: Reduce city commissions, increase mayoral authority

sf-standard/datawrapper-chart

The measure failed to pass, with less than half of voters supporting the measure.

The measure failed to pass, with less than half of voters supporting the measure.

Backed by TogetherSF Action, Prop. D aimed to dramatically reduce the number of city commissions to a hard cap of 65, while expanding mayoral powers. The measure <a href="https://sfethics.org/ethics/2023/12/campaign-finance-dashboards-november-5-2024.html">attracted significant financial support</a>, with its campaign committee raising approximately $6.5 million, plus an additional $2.5 million from a ballot committee tied to mayoral candidate Mark Farrell. The Standard’s chairman Michael Mortiz is a major financial supporter of TogetherSF Action and donated to Farrell’s committee supporting Prop. D.

Backed by TogetherSF Action, Prop. D aimed to dramatically reduce the number of city commissions to a hard cap of 65, while expanding mayoral powers. The measure <a href="https://sfethics.org/ethics/2023/12/campaign-finance-dashboards-november-5-2024.html">attracted significant financial support</a>, with its campaign committee raising approximately $6.5 million, plus an additional $2.5 million from a ballot committee tied to mayoral candidate Mark Farrell. The Standard’s chairman Michael Mortiz is a major financial supporter of TogetherSF Action and donated to Farrell’s committee supporting Prop. D.

Prop. E, a similar but competing proposal introduced by Supervisor Aaron Peskin, was put on the ballot as a “poison pill” to thwart Prop. D, according to its opponents. If both measures pass, the one with more votes will become law.

Prop. E, a similar but competing proposal introduced by Supervisor Aaron Peskin, was put on the ballot as a “poison pill” to thwart Prop. D, according to its opponents. If both measures pass, the one with more votes will become law.

Prop. E was narrowly leading as of the latest returns.

Prop. E was narrowly leading as of the latest returns.

Measure E: Create a task force to consider reducing city commissions

Prop. E proposes a more gradual approach to commission reform: Rather than mandating immediate cuts, it would establish a task force to study the issue and make recommendations by early 2026.

Prop. E proposes a more gradual approach to commission reform: Rather than mandating immediate cuts, it would establish a task force to study the issue and make recommendations by early 2026.

Ed Harrington, a former city controller who’s leading the Prop. E campaign, said that Prop. D was the “wrong way” to reform because the public deserves an open process to discuss commission reform. He emphasized the importance of maintaining transparency and openness in city government by allowing citizen oversight.

Ed Harrington, a former city controller who’s leading the Prop. E campaign, said that Prop. D was the “wrong way” to reform because the public deserves an open process to discuss commission reform. He emphasized the importance of maintaining transparency and openness in city government by allowing citizen oversight.

“Prop. D takes a meat ax to our city government,” Harrington said, referring to the potential elimination of “essential and effective commissions” like the Arts, Library, Health, Youth, Small Business, and Environment Commissions. The campaign for Prop. E has raised approximately $62,000, much less than Prop. D&#8217;s nearly $9 million war chest.

“Prop. D takes a meat ax to our city government,” Harrington said, referring to the potential elimination of “essential and effective commissions” like the Arts, Library, Health, Youth, Small Business, and Environment Commissions. The campaign for Prop. E has raised approximately $62,000, much less than Prop. D's nearly $9 million war chest.

“Prop. D takes a meat ax to our city government,” Harrington said, referring to the potential elimination of “essential and effective commissions” like the Arts, Library, Health, Youth, Small Business, and Environment Commissions. The campaign for Prop. E has raised approximately $62,000, much less than Prop. D&#8217;s nearly $9 million war chest.

San Francisco laws are a tangled mess. Talk with our AI charter bot

Both measures emerged amid growing concerns about San Francisco’s bureaucratic complexity, with a seeming consensus that the city may need fewer oversight bodies, not more.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Both measures emerged amid growing concerns about San Francisco’s bureaucratic complexity, with a seeming consensus that the city may need fewer oversight bodies, not more.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Another major difference between the two measures is mayoral authority. Prop. D sought to grant the mayor the new power to appoint and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/09/25/mayor-breed-to-end-practice-of-making-appointees-sign-undated-resignation-letters-in-face-of-legislative-action/">remove commissioners</a> without Board of Supervisors approval, while also allowing direct firing of department heads. However, critics argued this concentration of power could undermine the purpose of having independent oversight commissions.

Mayor Breed to end practice of making appointees sign undated resignation letters

Another major difference between the two measures is mayoral authority. Prop. D sought to grant the mayor the new power to appoint and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/09/25/mayor-breed-to-end-practice-of-making-appointees-sign-undated-resignation-letters-in-face-of-legislative-action/">remove commissioners</a> without Board of Supervisors approval, while also allowing direct firing of department heads. However, critics argued this concentration of power could undermine the purpose of having independent oversight commissions.

The battle lines largely followed San Francisco’s traditional political divide, with moderates generally supporting Prop. D, and progressives backing Prop. E. Mayor London Breed, despite her moderate alignment,opposed Prop. D because of TogetherSF Action’s <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/04/30/san-francisco-mayors-race-neighbors-pac-mark-farrell/">cozy ties with Farrell&#8217;s campaign for mayor</a>, calling the measure &#8220;tainted&#8221; in an <a href="https://link.sfstandard.com/view/6436e9f49b2604493199640alqtsr.1d9/7e8e8abe">August statement</a>.

The battle lines largely followed San Francisco’s traditional political divide, with moderates generally supporting Prop. D, and progressives backing Prop. E. Mayor London Breed, despite her moderate alignment,opposed Prop. D because of TogetherSF Action’s <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/04/30/san-francisco-mayors-race-neighbors-pac-mark-farrell/">cozy ties with Farrell's campaign for mayor</a>, calling the measure "tainted" in an <a href="https://link.sfstandard.com/view/6436e9f49b2604493199640alqtsr.1d9/7e8e8abe">August statement</a>.

The battle lines largely followed San Francisco’s traditional political divide, with moderates generally supporting Prop. D, and progressives backing Prop. E. Mayor London Breed, despite her moderate alignment,opposed Prop. D because of TogetherSF Action’s <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/04/30/san-francisco-mayors-race-neighbors-pac-mark-farrell/">cozy ties with Farrell&#8217;s campaign for mayor</a>, calling the measure &#8220;tainted&#8221; in an <a href="https://link.sfstandard.com/view/6436e9f49b2604493199640alqtsr.1d9/7e8e8abe">August statement</a>.

Prop. D, SF’s most expensive ballot measure, fails to pass

Two polls released Monday show San Francisco Mayor London Breed&#8217;s opponents gaining momentum, leaving her in a challenging spot two weeks before Election Day.

Two polls released Monday show San Francisco Mayor London Breed's opponents gaining momentum, leaving her in a challenging spot two weeks before Election Day.

Two polls released Monday show San Francisco Mayor London Breed&#8217;s opponents gaining momentum, leaving her in a challenging spot two weeks before Election Day.

Together SF Action, a moderate-leaning group, and the San Francisco Chronicle presented different narratives, but both suggest that Breed faces a tough battle, especially against nonprofit executive Daniel Lurie.

Together SF Action, a moderate-leaning group, and the San Francisco Chronicle presented different narratives, but both suggest that Breed faces a tough battle, especially against nonprofit executive Daniel Lurie.

Both polls show Breed leading in first-choice support under the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/10/14/ranked-choice-voting-explainer/">city&#8217;s ranked-choice voting system</a>. However, Lurie appears to have a huge advantage in garnering second-choice votes from other candidates&#8217; supporters — which could prove decisive in the hotly contested race.

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Both polls show Breed leading in first-choice support under the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/10/14/ranked-choice-voting-explainer/">city's ranked-choice voting system</a>. However, Lurie appears to have a huge advantage in garnering second-choice votes from other candidates' supporters — which could prove decisive in the hotly contested race.

Both polls show Breed leading in first-choice support under the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/10/14/ranked-choice-voting-explainer/">city&#8217;s ranked-choice voting system</a>. However, Lurie appears to have a huge advantage in garnering second-choice votes from other candidates&#8217; supporters — which could prove decisive in the hotly contested race.

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Together SF Action, which <a href="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/62b13c61fe6e240759e3ca14/t/6715e7c03bd4956abe160ee1/1729488832825/LDI24-145+-+SF+Mayoral+Poll+Results+%28week+3%29.pdf">surveyed 950 likely voters</a> with a 3.2% margin of error, didn&#8217;t release final ranked-choice elimination results, stating that the race remains &#8220;too close to call,&#8221; with a &#8220;three-way tie&#8221; among the moderate front-runners.&nbsp;

Together SF Action, which <a href="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/62b13c61fe6e240759e3ca14/t/6715e7c03bd4956abe160ee1/1729488832825/LDI24-145+-+SF+Mayoral+Poll+Results+%28week+3%29.pdf">surveyed 950 likely voters</a> with a 3.2% margin of error, didn't release final ranked-choice elimination results, stating that the race remains "too close to call," with a "three-way tie" among the moderate front-runners.&nbsp;

Together SF Action, which <a href="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/62b13c61fe6e240759e3ca14/t/6715e7c03bd4956abe160ee1/1729488832825/LDI24-145+-+SF+Mayoral+Poll+Results+%28week+3%29.pdf">surveyed 950 likely voters</a> with a 3.2% margin of error, didn&#8217;t release final ranked-choice elimination results, stating that the race remains &#8220;too close to call,&#8221; with a &#8220;three-way tie&#8221; among the moderate front-runners.&nbsp;

Breed, Lurie, and former interim mayor Mark Farrell received first-choice support of 25%, 21%, and 21%, respectively. TogetherSF Action, which has received funding from The Standard chairman Michael Moritz, endorsed Farrell as its top choice. In recent weeks, despite telling supporters to rank Breed and Lurie on the ballot, TogetherSF Action has sharpened its attacks on the two moderate competitors.&nbsp;

Breed, Lurie, and former interim mayor Mark Farrell received first-choice support of 25%, 21%, and 21%, respectively. TogetherSF Action, which has received funding from The Standard chairman Michael Moritz, endorsed Farrell as its top choice. In recent weeks, despite telling supporters to rank Breed and Lurie on the ballot, TogetherSF Action has sharpened its attacks on the two moderate competitors.&nbsp;

&#8220;We have seen similar data for months, showing a dead heat between Mark Farrell, London Breed, and Daniel Lurie,&#8221; Together SF Action CEO Kanishka Cheng said in a statement. &#8220;[Every] vote will make a difference in this extremely close contest.&#8221;

"We have seen similar data for months, showing a dead heat between Mark Farrell, London Breed, and Daniel Lurie," Together SF Action CEO Kanishka Cheng said in a statement. "[Every] vote will make a difference in this extremely close contest."

&#8220;We have seen similar data for months, showing a dead heat between Mark Farrell, London Breed, and Daniel Lurie,&#8221; Together SF Action CEO Kanishka Cheng said in a statement. &#8220;[Every] vote will make a difference in this extremely close contest.&#8221;

The Chronicle&#8217;s poll, which <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/politics/article/sf-mayor-poll-result-19827236.php">surveyed 802 likely voters</a> with a 3.5% margin of error, projects Lurie beating Breed in the ranked-choice contest, in which candidates with fewer votes are eliminated and their votes are redistributed to others. Breed and Lurie both have strong first-choice votes, the poll found, but Lurie will come out on top after second- and third-choice votes are factored in.

The Chronicle's poll, which <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/politics/article/sf-mayor-poll-result-19827236.php">surveyed 802 likely voters</a> with a 3.5% margin of error, projects Lurie beating Breed in the ranked-choice contest, in which candidates with fewer votes are eliminated and their votes are redistributed to others. Breed and Lurie both have strong first-choice votes, the poll found, but Lurie will come out on top after second- and third-choice votes are factored in.

The Chronicle&#8217;s poll, which <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/politics/article/sf-mayor-poll-result-19827236.php">surveyed 802 likely voters</a> with a 3.5% margin of error, projects Lurie beating Breed in the ranked-choice contest, in which candidates with fewer votes are eliminated and their votes are redistributed to others. Breed and Lurie both have strong first-choice votes, the poll found, but Lurie will come out on top after second- and third-choice votes are factored in.

Lurie, who founded the grant-making organization Tipping Point Community, has <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/09/27/daniel-lurie-san-francisco-mayor-donors/">leveraged his family wealth</a> from Levi-Strauss to blitz voters with ads positioning himself as a City Hall outsider. Lurie has contributed some $8 million to his own campaign, according to the Ethics Commission, and his mother, Mimi Haas, is a main funder of an independent expenditure committee backing his bid.

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Lurie, who founded the grant-making organization Tipping Point Community, has <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/09/27/daniel-lurie-san-francisco-mayor-donors/">leveraged his family wealth</a> from Levi-Strauss to blitz voters with ads positioning himself as a City Hall outsider. Lurie has contributed some $8 million to his own campaign, according to the Ethics Commission, and his mother, Mimi Haas, is a main funder of an independent expenditure committee backing his bid.

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“Mayor Breed is holding strong in first place, despite Daniel Lurie and his mother spending $15 million to try and buy the election,” said Joe Arellano, Breed&#8217;s campaign spokesperson. “Lurie would be at 1% if he wasn’t spending an unprecedented amount of money to cover up the fact that he has no experience to be mayor.”

“Mayor Breed is holding strong in first place, despite Daniel Lurie and his mother spending $15 million to try and buy the election,” said Joe Arellano, Breed's campaign spokesperson. “Lurie would be at 1% if he wasn’t spending an unprecedented amount of money to cover up the fact that he has no experience to be mayor.”

“Mayor Breed is holding strong in first place, despite Daniel Lurie and his mother spending $15 million to try and buy the election,” said Joe Arellano, Breed&#8217;s campaign spokesperson. “Lurie would be at 1% if he wasn’t spending an unprecedented amount of money to cover up the fact that he has no experience to be mayor.”

Unlike TogetherSF Action’s poll, the Chronicle’s survey did not suggest a three-way tie among Breed, Lurie, and Farrell. Rather, Supervisor Aaron Peskin, the progressive pick, placed third, and Farrell finished fourth after the ranked-choice elimination.&nbsp;

Unlike TogetherSF Action’s poll, the Chronicle’s survey did not suggest a three-way tie among Breed, Lurie, and Farrell. Rather, Supervisor Aaron Peskin, the progressive pick, placed third, and Farrell finished fourth after the ranked-choice elimination.&nbsp;

Peskin has gained support in recent weeks, according to <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xM53RhJ02YhaZWcnChe56IOMxFPRmFl-/view">two polls</a> released by Lurie’s campaign. Peskin&#8217;s team <a href="https://missionlocal.org/2024/10/see-how-they-run-the-polls-say-peskin-just-might-win-or-maybe-breed-or-lurie-or-farrell/">told Mission Local</a> the candidate was performing well in internal polling, while blasting other polls as inaccurate because they did not incorporate phone surveys and relied heavily on text methodology.

Peskin has gained support in recent weeks, according to <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xM53RhJ02YhaZWcnChe56IOMxFPRmFl-/view">two polls</a> released by Lurie’s campaign. Peskin's team <a href="https://missionlocal.org/2024/10/see-how-they-run-the-polls-say-peskin-just-might-win-or-maybe-breed-or-lurie-or-farrell/">told Mission Local</a> the candidate was performing well in internal polling, while blasting other polls as inaccurate because they did not incorporate phone surveys and relied heavily on text methodology.

Peskin has gained support in recent weeks, according to <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xM53RhJ02YhaZWcnChe56IOMxFPRmFl-/view">two polls</a> released by Lurie’s campaign. Peskin&#8217;s team <a href="https://missionlocal.org/2024/10/see-how-they-run-the-polls-say-peskin-just-might-win-or-maybe-breed-or-lurie-or-farrell/">told Mission Local</a> the candidate was performing well in internal polling, while blasting other polls as inaccurate because they did not incorporate phone surveys and relied heavily on text methodology.

Lurie’s campaign <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1tYdsxb1eVcaZlQ_GZnogmfbJSnAAIb4_/view?emci=572d16bb-d78f-ef11-8474-000d3a98fa6b&amp;emdi=a3787d82-d88f-ef11-8474-000d3a98fa6b&amp;ceid=10629433">issued a release</a> saying he has the “widest path to victory.” Peskin couldn’t be reached for comment before publication time.

Lurie’s campaign <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1tYdsxb1eVcaZlQ_GZnogmfbJSnAAIb4_/view?emci=572d16bb-d78f-ef11-8474-000d3a98fa6b&amp;emdi=a3787d82-d88f-ef11-8474-000d3a98fa6b&amp;ceid=10629433">issued a release</a> saying he has the “widest path to victory.” Peskin couldn’t be reached for comment before publication time.

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