Joe Fitzgerald Rodriguez

The scene: a mayoral forum. Town hall, debate, pancake breakfast — it doesn’t matter which.

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The scene: a mayoral forum. Town hall, debate, pancake breakfast — it doesn’t matter which.

First to speak is the incumbent, confident and brash as she brushes aside her critics and proclaims a bright future. Next up, her alpha-gorilla challenger, who in even louder tones lays a litany of lawlessness at the feet of the incumbent.

First to speak is the incumbent, confident and brash as she brushes aside her critics and proclaims a bright future. Next up, her alpha-gorilla challenger, who in even louder tones lays a litany of lawlessness at the feet of the incumbent.

Then a third candidate takes the mic.

He speaks to the crowd conversationally, his manner professorial. His attacks mostly avoid targeting any single candidate, instead casting them collectively as “City Hall insiders” who have led San Francisco astray.

He speaks to the crowd conversationally, his manner professorial. His attacks mostly avoid targeting any single candidate, instead casting them collectively as “City Hall insiders” who have led San Francisco astray.

The style of this candidate, Daniel Lurie, rankles no one. Maybe voters in the ranked-choice election will consider putting the nonprofit CEO and Levi Strauss heir at No. 2, behind one of the more polemical speakers. Maybe No. 3.

The style of this candidate, Daniel Lurie, rankles no one. Maybe voters in the ranked-choice election will consider putting the nonprofit CEO and Levi Strauss heir at No. 2, behind one of the more polemical speakers. Maybe No. 3.

Is Lurie too nuanced to boil down to a soundbite? Maybe. Does his style feel a little blah? Sure. Call it what you want, but his strategy of being unobjectionable may just work in a ranked-choice election where being everyone’s second- or third-favorite candidate could count for a lot.

Is Lurie too nuanced to boil down to a soundbite? Maybe. Does his style feel a little blah? Sure. Call it what you want, but his strategy of being unobjectionable may just work in a ranked-choice election where being everyone’s second- or third-favorite candidate could count for a lot.

Lurie has demonstrated a chameleon-like ability to appeal to those who may vote for Mayor London Breed, former mayor Mark Farrell, or even Supervisor Aaron Peskin as their first choice, said San Francisco State University politics professor Jason McDaniel.

Lurie has demonstrated a chameleon-like ability to appeal to those who may vote for Mayor London Breed, former mayor Mark Farrell, or even Supervisor Aaron Peskin as their first choice, said San Francisco State University politics professor Jason McDaniel.

“Lurie is trying to be inoffensive making vague appeals that don’t necessarily code ideologically moderate or progressive,” McDaniel said.

“Lurie is trying to be inoffensive making vague appeals that don’t necessarily code ideologically moderate or progressive,” McDaniel said.

Bernal Heights activist Buck Bagot has been in and out of San Francisco politics since Dianne Feinstein was mayor. He has endorsed Peskin, who he said “radiates energy.” Bagot casts Lurie’s style another way.

Bernal Heights activist Buck Bagot has been in and out of San Francisco politics since Dianne Feinstein was mayor. He has endorsed Peskin, who he said “radiates energy.” Bagot casts Lurie’s style another way.

“Boring,” he said. “Lurie is a ghost.”

“Boring,” he said. “Lurie is a ghost.”

A new poll shows just how helpful that trait may be. Conducted by FM3 Research and paid for by an independent expenditure committee supporting Lurie, <a href="https://link.sfstandard.com/click/36629770.801/aHR0cHM6Ly9jb250ZW50LnNmc3RhbmRhcmQuY29tL3dwLWNvbnRlbnQvdXBsb2Fkcy8yMDI0LzA5L3Nhbi1mcmFuY3NpY28tbWF5b3JhbC1zdXJ2ZXktZmluZGluZ3MucGRmP3V0bV9jYW1wYWlnbj1TRitTdGFuZGFyZCtQb3dlcitQbGF5JnV0bV9jb250ZW50PXAtdGV4dCZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9U0YrU3RhbmRhcmQ/64c990adfdb9f77eaca92aa7B61d61b0d">the poll of more than 700 voters</a> shows him behind in first-place votes under the ranked-choice system. But when you tally second-, third-, and fourth-place votes, Lurie is within striking distance of Breed in the final round.

A new poll shows just how helpful that trait may be. Conducted by FM3 Research and paid for by an independent expenditure committee supporting Lurie, <a href="https://link.sfstandard.com/click/36629770.801/aHR0cHM6Ly9jb250ZW50LnNmc3RhbmRhcmQuY29tL3dwLWNvbnRlbnQvdXBsb2Fkcy8yMDI0LzA5L3Nhbi1mcmFuY3NpY28tbWF5b3JhbC1zdXJ2ZXktZmluZGluZ3MucGRmP3V0bV9jYW1wYWlnbj1TRitTdGFuZGFyZCtQb3dlcitQbGF5JnV0bV9jb250ZW50PXAtdGV4dCZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9U0YrU3RhbmRhcmQ/64c990adfdb9f77eaca92aa7B61d61b0d">the poll of more than 700 voters</a> shows him behind in first-place votes under the ranked-choice system. But when you tally second-, third-, and fourth-place votes, Lurie is within striking distance of Breed in the final round.

Mayor London Breed and Daniel Lurie participates in the debate hosted by Manny Yekutiel and Heather Knight at Sydney Goldstein Theater in Hayes Valley in San Francisco, Calif. on Wednesday, June 12, 2024.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/20240613mayordebate20.jpg?w=2500" alt="Two people, a man in a suit and tie, and a woman in a blue outfit, are standing behind podiums on a stage, speaking, against a black background." class="wp-image-283139"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Lurie has demonstrated a chameleon-like ability to appeal to a wide swath of voters.</figcaption></figure>

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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/20240613mayordebate20.jpg?w=2500" alt="Two people, a man in a suit and tie, and a woman in a blue outfit, are standing behind podiums on a stage, speaking, against a black background." class="wp-image-283139"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Lurie has demonstrated a chameleon-like ability to appeal to a wide swath of voters.</figcaption></figure>

Another finding from the poll underscores Lurie’s noncontroversial appeal.

Another finding from the poll underscores Lurie’s noncontroversial appeal.

In what essentially amounts to a list of who annoys voters most, respondents were asked to name “candidates for mayor for whom you would never vote.” The result: Peskin topped the list, at 44%. He was followed by Breed, 27%; Farrell, 18%; Supervisor Ahsha Safaí, 15%; and Lurie, the winner, at 9%.

In what essentially amounts to a list of who annoys voters most, respondents were asked to name “candidates for mayor for whom you would never vote.” The result: Peskin topped the list, at 44%. He was followed by Breed, 27%; Farrell, 18%; Supervisor Ahsha Safaí, 15%; and Lurie, the winner, at 9%.

Lurie’s opponents are known quantities. That’s both an asset and a weakness.

Lurie’s opponents are known quantities. That’s both an asset and a weakness.

A Chinatown resident may resent Breed for a proposed (later scrapped) sober living facility in the neighborhood; a voter who prioritizes criminal justice reform may remember when Farrell, as mayor, clashed with the Police Officers Association <a href="https://sfpoa.org/node/1064">over rank-and-file raises</a>. Voters may begrudge Peskin for his notorious late-night phone calls skewering city staff for alleged failures.

A Chinatown resident may resent Breed for a proposed (later scrapped) sober living facility in the neighborhood; a voter who prioritizes criminal justice reform may remember when Farrell, as mayor, clashed with the Police Officers Association <a href="https://sfpoa.org/node/1064">over rank-and-file raises</a>. Voters may begrudge Peskin for his notorious late-night phone calls skewering city staff for alleged failures.

Lurie, on the other hand, has no government experience, no record in office to research, and few past public comments to analyze. More than any other candidate, his lack of public history allows him to craft his own narrative, McDaniel said.

Lurie, on the other hand, has no government experience, no record in office to research, and few past public comments to analyze. More than any other candidate, his lack of public history allows him to craft his own narrative, McDaniel said.

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Lurie’s policies sometimes reflect a balance between those of his more outspoken opponents. While some candidates have hammered on the need to arrest drug users, under <a href="https://daniellurie.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/lurie-press-15.pdf">Lurie’s plan</a>, people who are addicted and commit low-level offenses “would be given the option of treatment in lieu of arrest.” He also believes in increasing police hiring.

Lurie’s policies sometimes reflect a balance between those of his more outspoken opponents. While some candidates have hammered on the need to arrest drug users, under <a href="https://daniellurie.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/lurie-press-15.pdf">Lurie’s plan</a>, people who are addicted and commit low-level offenses “would be given the option of treatment in lieu of arrest.” He also believes in increasing police hiring.

McDaniel said candidates take a risk when they don’t paint strong contrasts to their opponents. Despite the role of second- and third-ranked votes, candidates who garner the most first-choice votes enjoy an advantage. Right now, that’s Breed.

McDaniel said candidates take a risk when they don’t paint strong contrasts to their opponents. Despite the role of second- and third-ranked votes, candidates who garner the most first-choice votes enjoy an advantage. Right now, that’s Breed.

“Can you win by being broadly liked, but not loved, for instance, by anyone?” McDaniel said. “I think it&#8217;s going to be hard to win this election for Daniel Lurie in that kind of campaign unless you can finish in the second position.”

“Can you win by being broadly liked, but not loved, for instance, by anyone?” McDaniel said. “I think it's going to be hard to win this election for Daniel Lurie in that kind of campaign unless you can finish in the second position.”

“Can you win by being broadly liked, but not loved, for instance, by anyone?” McDaniel said. “I think it&#8217;s going to be hard to win this election for Daniel Lurie in that kind of campaign unless you can finish in the second position.”

Daniel Lurie supporters wave signs before the the second mayoral debate, held at UC Law in San Francisco on Monday, June 17th, 2024.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/20240614-secondmayoraldebate-ac-11.jpg?w=2500" alt="People seen from the waist up, outside in a city street, hold blue campaign signs reading &quot;LURIE.&quot;" class="wp-image-284211"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Supporters wave signs before a June mayoral debate.</figcaption></figure>

Breed campaign spokesperson Joe Arellano said the poll shows that Lurie is deliberately avoiding hot-button issues.

Breed campaign spokesperson Joe Arellano said the poll shows that Lurie is deliberately avoiding hot-button issues.

“His entire campaign is just a bunch of bland political catchphrases stitched together — and it’s by design,” Arrellano said in a statement. “He tells the voters absolutely nothing about what he would do as mayor, so he can appear safe and noncontroversial and be everyone’s second choice.”

“His entire campaign is just a bunch of bland political catchphrases stitched together — and it’s by design,” Arrellano said in a statement. “He tells the voters absolutely nothing about what he would do as mayor, so he can appear safe and noncontroversial and be everyone’s second choice.”

As for Farrell, his distinct style is an advantage, according to campaign manager Jade Tu.

As for Farrell, his distinct style is an advantage, according to campaign manager Jade Tu.

“Our campaign is right where we want to be as we enter the homestretch and has plenty of room to grow as more voters start to tune-in to the race,” Tu said in a statement. “It does not matter how many #2 or #3 votes you get if you are never able to crack into the top two.”

“Our campaign is right where we want to be as we enter the homestretch and has plenty of room to grow as more voters start to tune-in to the race,” Tu said in a statement. “It does not matter how many #2 or #3 votes you get if you are never able to crack into the top two.”

In a text statement, Lurie&#8217;s campaign consultant Tyler Law said the nonprofit CEO&#8217;s campaign may draw a more distinct picture with his opponents soon.

In a text statement, Lurie's campaign consultant Tyler Law said the nonprofit CEO's campaign may draw a more distinct picture with his opponents soon.

In a text statement, Lurie&#8217;s campaign consultant Tyler Law said the nonprofit CEO&#8217;s campaign may draw a more distinct picture with his opponents soon.

&#8220;His candidacy is tapping into San Franciscans’ deep frustration with the City Hall insiders who have grown and exploited a corrupt system for years,&#8221; Law said. &#8220;The contrast in this race is coming into sharp focus heading into the final stretch.&#8221;

"His candidacy is tapping into San Franciscans’ deep frustration with the City Hall insiders who have grown and exploited a corrupt system for years," Law said. "The contrast in this race is coming into sharp focus heading into the final stretch."

&#8220;His candidacy is tapping into San Franciscans’ deep frustration with the City Hall insiders who have grown and exploited a corrupt system for years,&#8221; Law said. &#8220;The contrast in this race is coming into sharp focus heading into the final stretch.&#8221;

There are early signs Lurie’s strategy may be starting to shift. This week, he launched a volley of attack ads against Farrell. The mailers claim: “Mark Farrell won’t change the system. He built and exploited it.”

There are early signs Lurie’s strategy may be starting to shift. This week, he launched a volley of attack ads against Farrell. The mailers claim: “Mark Farrell won’t change the system. He built and exploited it.”

Dan Newman, who runs the independent expenditure committee “Believe in SF, Lurie for Mayor 2024,” has hope that the candidate’s broad-based appeal will work. Ads run by the committee tout Lurie as a positive force for change and shy away from critiquing his opponents.

Dan Newman, who runs the independent expenditure committee “Believe in SF, Lurie for Mayor 2024,” has hope that the candidate’s broad-based appeal will work. Ads run by the committee tout Lurie as a positive force for change and shy away from critiquing his opponents.

Newman knows this strategy can work. More than a decade ago, he campaigned for another candidate known for a less confrontational style: Mayor Ed Lee.

Newman knows this strategy can work. More than a decade ago, he campaigned for another candidate known for a less confrontational style: Mayor Ed Lee.

Late San Francisco mayor Edwin Lee greets people as he walks through Chinatown on November 8, 2011 in San Francisco. | Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/FEATURED_EdLeeStreet020923-1-scaled.jpg?w=2500" alt="The late Mayor Ed Lee, a man with gray hair wearing sunglasses, is seen from the waist up shaking someone's hands. Supporters hold &quot;Ed Lee&quot; signs." class="wp-image-124155"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The late San Francisco Mayor Edwin Lee walks through Chinatown in 2011.</figcaption></figure>

“Look at how folks like Mayor Ed Lee won overwhelmingly,” Newman said of the 2011 race. “To win in ranked-choice voting, you cannot be polarizing. What you need is an advantage in favorability across the board, and [Lurie’s] dominating in that.”

“Look at how folks like Mayor Ed Lee won overwhelmingly,” Newman said of the 2011 race. “To win in ranked-choice voting, you cannot be polarizing. What you need is an advantage in favorability across the board, and [Lurie’s] dominating in that.”

History offers another lesson: Lee was underestimated too. Critics rolled their eyes at his dad jokes, fumed at his affability, and lampooned his Pollyanna speeches. He rarely boomed or thundered.

History offers another lesson: Lee was underestimated too. Critics rolled their eyes at his dad jokes, fumed at his affability, and lampooned his Pollyanna speeches. He rarely boomed or thundered.

In the end, mild-mannered Lee was christened with a nickname that flipped his weakness into a strength: the consensus mayor, because his professorial style brought warring factions together.

In the end, mild-mannered Lee was christened with a nickname that flipped his weakness into a strength: the consensus mayor, because his professorial style brought warring factions together.

Perhaps Lurie will too. If he wins.

Can Daniel Lurie finish first by coming in second? A new mayoral poll shows the way

Josh Koehn

Gabe Greschler

All five of the major candidates for mayor can agree: Something is rotten in the state of San Francisco.&nbsp;

All five of the major candidates for mayor can agree: Something is rotten in the state of San Francisco.&nbsp;

But identifying what ails the city and how to go about fixing wasteful spending, corruption and anemic progress on building pretty much anything are among the stances that make each candidate distinct.

But identifying what ails the city and how to go about fixing wasteful spending, corruption and anemic progress on building pretty much anything are among the stances that make each candidate distinct.

On Wednesday, nonprofit founder and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/04/04/san-francisco-mayor-election-daniel-lurie-wealth/">Levi Strauss heir Daniel Lurie</a> released a plan to increase accountability at City Hall, from how the city drafts and monitors nonprofit contracts to speeding up the process to permit new housing and ensure construction projects are completed on schedule.&nbsp;

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On Wednesday, nonprofit founder and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/04/04/san-francisco-mayor-election-daniel-lurie-wealth/">Levi Strauss heir Daniel Lurie</a> released a plan to increase accountability at City Hall, from how the city drafts and monitors nonprofit contracts to speeding up the process to permit new housing and ensure construction projects are completed on schedule.&nbsp;

The Standard interviewed Lurie about his plan and reached out to other candidates to see how they would address similar issues if elected mayor.&nbsp;

The Standard interviewed Lurie about his plan and reached out to other candidates to see how they would address similar issues if elected mayor.&nbsp;

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-daniel-lurie">Daniel Lurie</h2>

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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-daniel-lurie">Daniel Lurie</h2>

Lurie’s eight-page “<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/24538432-daniel-lurie-city-hall-acountability-plan">City Hall Accountability Plan</a>” offers a sweeping list of proposals that cover contract management and efforts to speed up permitting, inspection and construction. (It also features pictures of Lurie seemingly telling his plan to people, including one of him walking a construction site with three people while carrying his hard hat riskily in hand.)

Lurie’s eight-page “<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/24538432-daniel-lurie-city-hall-acountability-plan">City Hall Accountability Plan</a>” offers a sweeping list of proposals that cover contract management and efforts to speed up permitting, inspection and construction. (It also features pictures of Lurie seemingly telling his plan to people, including one of him walking a construction site with three people while carrying his hard hat riskily in hand.)

Daniel Lurie, far right, walks with a hard hat in hand for a photo that was released with his new accountability plan.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/screenshot-2024-04-09-at-7-16-51-pm.png" alt="Daniel Lurie and three other people in safety vests and helmets walk at a construction site, with machinery in the background." class="wp-image-266280"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Daniel Lurie, far right, walks with a hard hat in hand for a photo that was released with his new accountability plan.</figcaption></figure>

The proposal includes the creation of a new unit of experts to streamline contracts across departments and “shrink the overall size of the bureaucracy.” That may seem counterintuitive, but Lurie suggested in a phone interview that departments are siloed off in a way that creates redundancy and potential oversights.

The proposal includes the creation of a new unit of experts to streamline contracts across departments and “shrink the overall size of the bureaucracy.” That may seem counterintuitive, but Lurie suggested in a phone interview that departments are siloed off in a way that creates redundancy and potential oversights.

“We have to have these departments stop acting like their own fiefdoms, and we need collaboration,” Lurie said. “And that cuts across all three pillars of this plan.”

“We have to have these departments stop acting like their own fiefdoms, and we need collaboration,” Lurie said. “And that cuts across all three pillars of this plan.”

Lurie also proposed baking in clearer, outcome-based performance metrics into contracts, developing a contractor score card and hiring a chief financial officer to oversee nonprofits and the departments they work with. Nonprofits that do more than $1 million in business with the city would also be required to have their point people register as lobbyists.

Lurie also proposed baking in clearer, outcome-based performance metrics into contracts, developing a contractor score card and hiring a chief financial officer to oversee nonprofits and the departments they work with. Nonprofits that do more than $1 million in business with the city would also be required to have their point people register as lobbyists.

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A rash of scandals involving nonprofits has come to light in recent years, adding to the ongoing skepticism over how effectively the city has managed its homelessness and housing crises. <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/10/25/supes-roundup-baker-places-scandal-puts-nonprofits-under-the-microscope/">They include a city employee taking an outside six-figure salary</a> with the drug rehab nonprofit Baker Places, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/02/27/nonprofit-accused-of-swindling-city-in-100k-scheme-involving-cigars-and-liquor/">low-income and youth service provider J&amp;J Community Resource Center allegedly swindling</a> the city out of at least $100,000 to pay for booze, cigars and motorcycles, and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/04/02/san-francisco-homeless-nonprofit-homerise-report/">housing provider HomeRise being accused just last week of misusing millions of dollars</a>.&nbsp;

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A rash of scandals involving nonprofits has come to light in recent years, adding to the ongoing skepticism over how effectively the city has managed its homelessness and housing crises. <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/10/25/supes-roundup-baker-places-scandal-puts-nonprofits-under-the-microscope/">They include a city employee taking an outside six-figure salary</a> with the drug rehab nonprofit Baker Places, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/02/27/nonprofit-accused-of-swindling-city-in-100k-scheme-involving-cigars-and-liquor/">low-income and youth service provider J&amp;J Community Resource Center allegedly swindling</a> the city out of at least $100,000 to pay for booze, cigars and motorcycles, and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/04/02/san-francisco-homeless-nonprofit-homerise-report/">housing provider HomeRise being accused just last week of misusing millions of dollars</a>.&nbsp;

One of the more buzzy proposals in Lurie’s plan would target the scandal-plagued Department of Building Inspection while creating a “shot clock” for permit reviews. The city agency has been accused of <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/08/department-of-building-inspection-investigation-birmingham-family/">multiple</a> instances of corrupt practices, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/02/san-francisco-van-zeng-building-inspector-charged-conflict-of-interest/">like an inspector who signed off on his own home</a>. He was later fired.&nbsp;

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One of the more buzzy proposals in Lurie’s plan would target the scandal-plagued Department of Building Inspection while creating a “shot clock” for permit reviews. The city agency has been accused of <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/08/department-of-building-inspection-investigation-birmingham-family/">multiple</a> instances of corrupt practices, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/02/san-francisco-van-zeng-building-inspector-charged-conflict-of-interest/">like an inspector who signed off on his own home</a>. He was later fired.&nbsp;

“Experts say that the shot clock part will reduce the time to get approvals for housing and small business development by four to five months,” Lurie said.&nbsp;

“Experts say that the shot clock part will reduce the time to get approvals for housing and small business development by four to five months,” Lurie said.&nbsp;

The city has enacted more than 4,500 changes to the municipal code since 2016, according to Lurie’s campaign. As a result, many developers have turned to paying permit expediters to help projects navigate the labyrinth of red tape, which has led to instances of corruption.

The city has enacted more than 4,500 changes to the municipal code since 2016, according to Lurie’s campaign. As a result, many developers have turned to paying permit expediters to help projects navigate the labyrinth of red tape, which has led to instances of corruption.

Mohammed Nuru, director of Public Works, speaks  on the steps of City Hall during a rally supporting Better Market Street on Tuesday, October 15, 2019 in San Francisco, Calif. | Lea Suzuki/The San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/20240220propdprewrite-03.jpeg?w=2500" alt="A man holds his hand up in the air" class="wp-image-255267"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Mohammed Nuru, San Francisco&#8217;s former director of Public Works, was sentenced to prison after pleading guilty to fraud.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/20240220propdprewrite-03.jpeg?w=2500" alt="A man holds his hand up in the air" class="wp-image-255267"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Mohammed Nuru, San Francisco's former director of Public Works, was sentenced to prison after pleading guilty to fraud.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/20240220propdprewrite-03.jpeg?w=2500" alt="A man holds his hand up in the air" class="wp-image-255267"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Mohammed Nuru, San Francisco&#8217;s former director of Public Works, was sentenced to prison after pleading guilty to fraud.</figcaption></figure>

The most high-profile scandal to hit San Francisco in recent years <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/08/04/players-in-san-francisco-corruption-scandal-mohammed-nuru/">involved Mohammed Nuru</a>, the former Department of Public Works boss who was arrested by the FBI in 2020 after he participated in a sprawling web of corruption going back years.&nbsp;That web included permit expediters <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/06/30/san-francisco-corruption-walter-wong-testifies-harlan-kelly-trial/">Walter Wong</a> and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/11/28/san-francisco-corruption-bernie-curran-rodrigo-santos-restitution/">Rodrigo Santos.</a>

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The most high-profile scandal to hit San Francisco in recent years <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/08/04/players-in-san-francisco-corruption-scandal-mohammed-nuru/">involved Mohammed Nuru</a>, the former Department of Public Works boss who was arrested by the FBI in 2020 after he participated in a sprawling web of corruption going back years.&nbsp;That web included permit expediters <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/06/30/san-francisco-corruption-walter-wong-testifies-harlan-kelly-trial/">Walter Wong</a> and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/11/28/san-francisco-corruption-bernie-curran-rodrigo-santos-restitution/">Rodrigo Santos.</a>

“The idea that you have to have decades of experience to get through this code, it just creates conditions that are ripe for bribery and how you end up with guys like Rodrigo Santos who get hired to grease the wheels,” Lurie said.

“The idea that you have to have decades of experience to get through this code, it just creates conditions that are ripe for bribery and how you end up with guys like Rodrigo Santos who get hired to grease the wheels,” Lurie said.

The last part of Lurie’s plan would focus on changing the way construction contracts are monitored and awarded, shifting acceptance to the “best value” bid instead of the lowest acceptable offer.&nbsp;

The last part of Lurie’s plan would focus on changing the way construction contracts are monitored and awarded, shifting acceptance to the “best value” bid instead of the lowest acceptable offer.&nbsp;

Lurie said that he would create a small business liaison group and set aside more relief funds to help prevent and mitigate issues like those found in the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/02/08/san-francisco-taraval-street-nightmare/">nightmare on Taraval Street</a>, a $90 million project that has disrupted businesses along the road and the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/02/27/san-francisco-most-controversial-bathroom-lgbtq-rights/">infamous $1.7 million toilet</a> in Noe Valley.

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Lurie said that he would create a small business liaison group and set aside more relief funds to help prevent and mitigate issues like those found in the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/02/08/san-francisco-taraval-street-nightmare/">nightmare on Taraval Street</a>, a $90 million project that has disrupted businesses along the road and the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/02/27/san-francisco-most-controversial-bathroom-lgbtq-rights/">infamous $1.7 million toilet</a> in Noe Valley.

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mayor-london-breed">Mayor London Breed</h2>

Mayor London Breed unveiled her Housing for All plan at <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/02/09/sf-mayor-london-breed-state-of-the-city-speech-2023/">last year’s State of the City</a> address, and she released <a href="https://londonbreed.medium.com/housing-for-all-1-year-update-4033dcfc9a1f">a progress report</a> earlier this month on her blog. Steps she has taken to jump-start the production of housing include signing legislation to unlock funding and reduce inclusionary housing requirements and other impact fees.

Mayor Breed blasts housing critics, media in State of the City speech

Mayor London Breed unveiled her Housing for All plan at <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/02/09/sf-mayor-london-breed-state-of-the-city-speech-2023/">last year’s State of the City</a> address, and she released <a href="https://londonbreed.medium.com/housing-for-all-1-year-update-4033dcfc9a1f">a progress report</a> earlier this month on her blog. Steps she has taken to jump-start the production of housing include signing legislation to unlock funding and reduce inclusionary housing requirements and other impact fees.

Jeff Cretan, a spokesperson for the mayor, also noted the passage of Proposition H in 2020, which streamlined the approval process for small businesses to receive permits. The mayor’s <a href="https://www.sf.gov/information/one-city-housing-all-action-plan">One City</a> plan, which falls under the Housing for All plan, also intends to cut the permitting time for housing in half.

Jeff Cretan, a spokesperson for the mayor, also noted the passage of Proposition H in 2020, which streamlined the approval process for small businesses to receive permits. The mayor’s <a href="https://www.sf.gov/information/one-city-housing-all-action-plan">One City</a> plan, which falls under the Housing for All plan, also intends to cut the permitting time for housing in half.

Mayor London Breed speaks at Pier 27 for her State of the City Address in San Francisco on Thursday, March 7, 2024. Breed’s speech came two days after an Election Day victory, when two of her ballot measures passed and the third leading.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/20240307-stateofthecity_jy_04.jpg?w=2500" alt="Mayor London Breed in a blue blazer speaks at a podium with a mic, behind her is a window and U.S. flags." class="wp-image-257002"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Mayor London Breed has blamed the Board of Supervisors for obstructing her agenda after unveiling her Housing for All plan last year.</figcaption></figure>

Breed has repeatedly suggested the biggest impediment to seeing her agenda through is the Board of Supervisors. Approving new development projects has proven difficult, and she just saw <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/26/san-franciso-mayor-breed-peskin-housing-density/">supervisors overturn her veto</a> of a bill that pushes forward density limits.

San Francisco mayor’s veto of controversial housing bill is overturned

Breed has repeatedly suggested the biggest impediment to seeing her agenda through is the Board of Supervisors. Approving new development projects has proven difficult, and she just saw <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/26/san-franciso-mayor-breed-peskin-housing-density/">supervisors overturn her veto</a> of a bill that pushes forward density limits.

On the issue of contract management for nonprofits, Cretan cited the mayor’s work with the City Controller’s Office to identify bad actors, such as <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/04/13/sf-blocks-contracts-homeless-nonprofit-fbi-united-council-human-services/">United Council of Human Services (UCHS)</a> and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/04/02/san-francisco-homeless-nonprofit-homerise-report/">HomeRise</a>. Once identified, the city must decide whether to cut an organization loose or bring it into compliance. Control of UCHS was given to the organization’s fiscal sponsor, Felton Institute, while the management of HomeRise was restructured last year.

SF blocks contracts to homeless nonprofit referred for FBI probe

On the issue of contract management for nonprofits, Cretan cited the mayor’s work with the City Controller’s Office to identify bad actors, such as <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/04/13/sf-blocks-contracts-homeless-nonprofit-fbi-united-council-human-services/">United Council of Human Services (UCHS)</a> and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/04/02/san-francisco-homeless-nonprofit-homerise-report/">HomeRise</a>. Once identified, the city must decide whether to cut an organization loose or bring it into compliance. Control of UCHS was given to the organization’s fiscal sponsor, Felton Institute, while the management of HomeRise was restructured last year.

While the resulting headlines may put the city in a bad light, Cretan said, the incidents show that reform efforts implemented during the mayor’s first full term are having a positive effect.

While the resulting headlines may put the city in a bad light, Cretan said, the incidents show that reform efforts implemented during the mayor’s first full term are having a positive effect.

“What we’re trying to do with our nonprofits is hold them accountable, but also have partners that can deliver the services efficiently and effectively,” Cretan said.

“What we’re trying to do with our nonprofits is hold them accountable, but also have partners that can deliver the services efficiently and effectively,” Cretan said.

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-aaron-peskin">Aaron Peskin</h2>

As part of <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/04/06/aaron-peskin-mayoral-campaign-launch/">his campaign announcement</a> Saturday, Aaron Peskin proposed an additional inspector general position inside the Controller’s Office, which currently acts as the chief financial auditor for the city’s $14 billion budget.

Aaron Peskin vows to lead San Francisco&#8217;s &#8216;recovery&#8217; in mayoral campaign kickoff

As part of <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/04/06/aaron-peskin-mayoral-campaign-launch/">his campaign announcement</a> Saturday, Aaron Peskin proposed an additional inspector general position inside the Controller’s Office, which currently acts as the chief financial auditor for the city’s $14 billion budget.

Peskin said Tuesday that the IG’s role would serve to coordinate the city’s investigative agencies, which include the City Controller’s Office, the Ethics Commission, the Civil Grand Jury and the District Attorney’s Office. This person would have “a clear anti-corruption mandate,” Peskin said, similar to a position set up in <a href="https://atloig.org/about/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Atlanta</a>, where a slew of federal investigations pushed local elected officials in 2020 to form a task force looking into fraud, corruption and abuse.

Peskin said Tuesday that the IG’s role would serve to coordinate the city’s investigative agencies, which include the City Controller’s Office, the Ethics Commission, the Civil Grand Jury and the District Attorney’s Office. This person would have “a clear anti-corruption mandate,” Peskin said, similar to a position set up in <a href="https://atloig.org/about/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Atlanta</a>, where a slew of federal investigations pushed local elected officials in 2020 to form a task force looking into fraud, corruption and abuse.

Aaron Peskin, the President of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors representing District 3, is seen during a rally announcing his run for mayor of San Francisco on Saturday, April 6, 2024.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/peskin-15.jpg?w=2500" alt="Supervisor Aaron Peskin wearing glasses and a suit is in focus at a daytime outdoor event, with blurry supporters and signs in the background." class="wp-image-265548"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Supervisor Aaron Peskin joined the mayor’s race Saturday and announced he wants to create a new inspector general role.</figcaption></figure>

Peskin added that the IG would have additional powers, compared with the controller, by having the ability to investigate wrongdoing that is committed not just by city employees and entities, but also those doing business with the local government, like nonprofits. He is proposing that the position be appointed by the mayor and confirmed by a two-thirds vote by the Board of Supervisors.&nbsp;

Peskin added that the IG would have additional powers, compared with the controller, by having the ability to investigate wrongdoing that is committed not just by city employees and entities, but also those doing business with the local government, like nonprofits. He is proposing that the position be appointed by the mayor and confirmed by a two-thirds vote by the Board of Supervisors.&nbsp;

Other attempts have previously been made at creating additional oversight bodies in San Francisco’s government. <a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/sanfrancisco/news/sf-supes-dont-approve-public-advocate-office-for-whistleblower-complaints/">In 2020, elected officials struck down</a> a proposal by then-Supervisor Gordon Mar for a Public Advocate Office, a role aimed at investigating corruption and whistleblower complaints.

Other attempts have previously been made at creating additional oversight bodies in San Francisco’s government. <a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/sanfrancisco/news/sf-supes-dont-approve-public-advocate-office-for-whistleblower-complaints/">In 2020, elected officials struck down</a> a proposal by then-Supervisor Gordon Mar for a Public Advocate Office, a role aimed at investigating corruption and whistleblower complaints.

“Crimes of public corruption are crimes against the public trust,” Peskin said. “And they lead to an erosion of trust in our public government. … Having everyone know that this is a top priority, and the tone from the top is that this is unacceptable and it will be rooted out and there is zero tolerance, will restore faith in San Francisco.”

“Crimes of public corruption are crimes against the public trust,” Peskin said. “And they lead to an erosion of trust in our public government. … Having everyone know that this is a top priority, and the tone from the top is that this is unacceptable and it will be rooted out and there is zero tolerance, will restore faith in San Francisco.”

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ahsha-safai">Ahsha Safaí</h2>

Supervisor Ahsha Safaí spent much of his time last year at City Hall focusing on the mismanagement of taxpayer money by nonprofits. Some of this work included <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/06/27/san-francisco-to-tighten-rules-for-city-funded-nonprofits/">tightening rules on nonprofits that are out of compliance</a> so they can’t receive millions of dollars, a practice that was revealed in <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/01/12/san-francisco-nonprofits-revoked-suspended-delinquent-millions/">an investigation</a> by The Standard.

San Francisco tightens rules for nonprofit spending after scandals

SF paid $25 million to revoked, suspended, delinquent nonprofits

Supervisor Ahsha Safaí spent much of his time last year at City Hall focusing on the mismanagement of taxpayer money by nonprofits. Some of this work included <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/06/27/san-francisco-to-tighten-rules-for-city-funded-nonprofits/">tightening rules on nonprofits that are out of compliance</a> so they can’t receive millions of dollars, a practice that was revealed in <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/01/12/san-francisco-nonprofits-revoked-suspended-delinquent-millions/">an investigation</a> by The Standard.

Part of these efforts also stemmed from <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/11/08/wanting-more-from-tax-dollars-voters-poised-to-add-oversight-to-homelessness-department/">Proposition C</a>, a ballot measure Safaí authored in 2022 to create a new oversight body for the Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing and require audits of homelessness services. Safaí seemed to take aim at his opponents, specifically Lurie and Mark Farrell, by suggesting that bold plans to review hundreds of contracts can’t simply happen with a snap of the fingers.

Wanting more from tax dollars, voters poised to add oversight to homelessness department

Part of these efforts also stemmed from <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/11/08/wanting-more-from-tax-dollars-voters-poised-to-add-oversight-to-homelessness-department/">Proposition C</a>, a ballot measure Safaí authored in 2022 to create a new oversight body for the Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing and require audits of homelessness services. Safaí seemed to take aim at his opponents, specifically Lurie and Mark Farrell, by suggesting that bold plans to review hundreds of contracts can’t simply happen with a snap of the fingers.

Supervisor Ahsha Safaí speaks at a hearing on the status of Wellness Hubs, also known as Safe Consumption Sites, at the San Francisco City Hall Chambers on Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2023. Various city officials and representatives from New York City spoke to the Supervisors about their experience at Safe Consumption Sites in New York City.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/inlined04_20240109guesswhoscomingtomayorsrace_6c316b.jpg?w=1799" alt="A man with a beard speaks into a microphone in a formal setting with people around." class="wp-image-243839"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Supervisor Ahsha Safaí authored Proposition C in 2022 to create more oversight of the Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing.</figcaption></figure>

“It’s easy for someone sitting on the sidelines to say, ‘I&#8217;m gonna do this!’” Safaí said. “But has this person even been watching? We’re already doing this.”

“It’s easy for someone sitting on the sidelines to say, ‘I'm gonna do this!’” Safaí said. “But has this person even been watching? We’re already doing this.”

“It’s easy for someone sitting on the sidelines to say, ‘I&#8217;m gonna do this!’” Safaí said. “But has this person even been watching? We’re already doing this.”

Last year, Safaí authored legislation that streamlines <a href="https://therealdeal.com/sanfrancisco/2023/03/15/safai-breed-launch-separate-bills-to-speed-up-sf-project-approvals/">building site permits</a>, which he believes will cut down discretionary reviews and speed up the process anywhere from six to 18 months.

Last year, Safaí authored legislation that streamlines <a href="https://therealdeal.com/sanfrancisco/2023/03/15/safai-breed-launch-separate-bills-to-speed-up-sf-project-approvals/">building site permits</a>, which he believes will cut down discretionary reviews and speed up the process anywhere from six to 18 months.

As mayor, Safaí said he would ask the Controller’s Office to assign one of its top deputies to lead an internal review of the internal processes with the Department of Building Inspection.

As mayor, Safaí said he would ask the Controller’s Office to assign one of its top deputies to lead an internal review of the internal processes with the Department of Building Inspection.

“I am the only candidate in the race who has actually built something in San Francisco,” said Safaí, noting that he has a master’s degree in city planning from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. “And I can tell you with that level of intimate understanding, we will streamline and effectuate change in the building process in San Francisco.”

“I am the only candidate in the race who has actually built something in San Francisco,” said Safaí, noting that he has a master’s degree in city planning from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. “And I can tell you with that level of intimate understanding, we will streamline and effectuate change in the building process in San Francisco.”

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Can Daniel Lurie finish first by coming in second? A new mayoral poll shows the way

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