Gabe Greschler

For years, moderate groups have channeled tens of millions of dollars into San Francisco&#8217;s political activities, offering what they view as a more sensible approach to governing.

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For years, moderate groups have channeled tens of millions of dollars into San Francisco's political activities, offering what they view as a more sensible approach to governing.

For years, moderate groups have channeled tens of millions of dollars into San Francisco&#8217;s political activities, offering what they view as a more sensible approach to governing.

Now, progressives are throwing their two cents into the November race—figuratively and literally.

Now, progressives are throwing their two cents into the November race—figuratively and literally.

A swell of progressive-leaning organizations, supported mainly by labor groups, are raising money and strategizing to act as a bulwark against well-funded moderate entities like TogetherSF and Neighbors for a Better San Francisco. They say moderates dominate the conversation, and&nbsp;want to get their message heard on issues such as rent control, zoning, affordable housing, public safety, and responsible governance.

A swell of progressive-leaning organizations, supported mainly by labor groups, are raising money and strategizing to act as a bulwark against well-funded moderate entities like TogetherSF and Neighbors for a Better San Francisco. They say moderates dominate the conversation, and&nbsp;want to get their message heard on issues such as rent control, zoning, affordable housing, public safety, and responsible governance.

“It’s about organizing a truth squad,” said political consultant Eric Jaye, who is propping up a progressive group called the San Francisco Working Families Voter Guide. “When a handful of billionaires say San Francisco is on the wrong track, we think there needs to be some civic education.”

“It’s about organizing a truth squad,” said political consultant Eric Jaye, who is propping up a progressive group called the San Francisco Working Families Voter Guide. “When a handful of billionaires say San Francisco is on the wrong track, we think there needs to be some civic education.”

Indeed, the group aims to ensure that City Hall is not merely the realm of the rich and powerful. Jaye says the organization will initially receive money from labor groups Unite Here and the National Union of Healthcare Workers; about $500,000 has been committed so far. Michael Lighty, a healthcare union advocate, is also behind the effort.&nbsp;

Indeed, the group aims to ensure that City Hall is not merely the realm of the rich and powerful. Jaye says the organization will initially receive money from labor groups Unite Here and the National Union of Healthcare Workers; about $500,000 has been committed so far. Michael Lighty, a healthcare union advocate, is also behind the effort.&nbsp;

Lucas Lux, campaign manager for ÒYes on F,Ó left, and District 5 Supervisor Dean Preston at a ÒYes on KÓ event in the Panhandle on August 24, 2024. The ÒFriends of Great Highway ParkÓ 501c3 held a rally and neighborhood outreach event to pass out signs in support of Proposition K, which would turn a 2-mile stretch of Great Highway into a park.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1668" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/20240824_duelingrallies_-0350.jpg?w=2500" alt="Two men conversing in a park, one in a blue &quot;Vote YES for Ocean Beach Park&quot; shirt, the other in a red shirt, while another man in a similar blue shirt walks behind them." class="wp-image-304678"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Progressive political committees are being set up to support the ideals of candidates such as District 5 Supervisor Dean Preston, right.</figcaption></figure>

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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/20240824_duelingrallies_-0350.jpg?w=2500" alt="Two men conversing in a park, one in a blue &quot;Vote YES for Ocean Beach Park&quot; shirt, the other in a red shirt, while another man in a similar blue shirt walks behind them." class="wp-image-304678"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Progressive political committees are being set up to support the ideals of candidates such as District 5 Supervisor Dean Preston, right.</figcaption></figure>

“It is not our intent to get into a tit-for-tat with the world’s richest people,” said Jaye. “What we would propose to do is be a trusted source of information for labor families and other working families to learn about the races in San Francisco.”

“It is not our intent to get into a tit-for-tat with the world’s richest people,” said Jaye. “What we would propose to do is be a trusted source of information for labor families and other working families to learn about the races in San Francisco.”

Jaye is also involved in Neighbors and Communities United, a new nonprofit whose website lays out arguments for affordable housing, more shelters to combat the “underlying” issues behind homelessness, and “proven” public safety policies such as community policing and restorative justice. The organization also pushes against upzoning proposals as part of the city’s effort to <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/04/03/mayor-london-breed-housing-element-california/">comply</a> with the state’s housing element.

Breed&#8217;s compromise: Are 6-story buildings the cure for housing shortage?

Jaye is also involved in Neighbors and Communities United, a new nonprofit whose website lays out arguments for affordable housing, more shelters to combat the “underlying” issues behind homelessness, and “proven” public safety policies such as community policing and restorative justice. The organization also pushes against upzoning proposals as part of the city’s effort to <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/04/03/mayor-london-breed-housing-element-california/">comply</a> with the state’s housing element.

“Our iconic neighborhoods are threatened by a ruinous proposal to allow up to nine-story buildings on shopping streets like 24th Street in Noe Valley, Castro Street, Polk Street, Clement Street, Haight Street, Taraval Street, Irving Street, and in dozens of other neighborhood shopping districts,” the group says in its marketing materials.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“Our iconic neighborhoods are threatened by a ruinous proposal to allow up to nine-story buildings on shopping streets like 24th Street in Noe Valley, Castro Street, Polk Street, Clement Street, Haight Street, Taraval Street, Irving Street, and in dozens of other neighborhood shopping districts,” the group says in its marketing materials.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Neighbors and Communities United is a 501(c)(4) organization, which means it can conceal its donors. Jaye declined to share who besides Unite Here and the National Union of Healthcare Workers is supporting the group.

Neighbors and Communities United is a 501(c)(4) organization, which means it can conceal its donors. Jaye declined to share who besides Unite Here and the National Union of Healthcare Workers is supporting the group.

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<figure class="wp-block-pullquote"><blockquote>“Progressives have to understand that you have to keep fighting and winning to keep San Francisco as a progressive city.”<cite>Columbia University Professor Lincoln A. Mitchell</cite></blockquote></figure>

Other progressives have jumped into the fray. They include Fix Our City SF, another labor-backed group that secured almost $1 million from SEIU Local 1021 and IFPTE Local 21. It recently set up Connie for our Neighborhoods, a website supporting District 1 Supervisor Connie Chan, who is facing a competitive race against moderate Marjan Philhour. Fix Our City has also set up an opposition website on Philhour, while her supporters, which include Grow SF, launched a site called Clear Out Connie.

Other progressives have jumped into the fray. They include Fix Our City SF, another labor-backed group that secured almost $1 million from SEIU Local 1021 and IFPTE Local 21. It recently set up Connie for our Neighborhoods, a website supporting District 1 Supervisor Connie Chan, who is facing a competitive race against moderate Marjan Philhour. Fix Our City has also set up an opposition website on Philhour, while her supporters, which include Grow SF, launched a site called Clear Out Connie.

There’s also Real Reform, a group formed by Board of Supervisors President and mayoral candidate Aaron Peskin to support his charter amendment measure and oppose the one from moderate political entity TogetherSF. Additionally, Real Reform will try to boost Peskin’s anti-corruption measures. It has raised about $20,000 from small-business owners such as Christin Evans of Booksmith and Alembic, as well as members of the powerful Swig family.

There’s also Real Reform, a group formed by Board of Supervisors President and mayoral candidate Aaron Peskin to support his charter amendment measure and oppose the one from moderate political entity TogetherSF. Additionally, Real Reform will try to boost Peskin’s anti-corruption measures. It has raised about $20,000 from small-business owners such as Christin Evans of Booksmith and Alembic, as well as members of the powerful Swig family.

Supervisor Connie Chan, center, speaks outside the San Francisco Public Library on Larkin Street during a rally to support Library workers demanding the city provide security guards at all branches on Tuesday, April 9, 2024. Most of the city's 28 library locations lack dedicated security officers, and librarians and other workers say they've been forced to intervene in dangerous situations that sometimes turn physical, according to a Monday press release from Service Employees International Union Local 1021, which represents library workers at the city's public branches.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1668" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/20240309-sflibraryworkerssaftey-_eg_030.jpg?w=2500" alt="A woman in a white sweater speaks into microphones during a protest. People holding &quot;Fix Our Libraries&quot; signs are visible in the background." class="wp-image-266439"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">District 1 Supervisor Connie Chan is facing a moderate challenger, Marjan Philhour, who is criticizing the incumbent on public safety.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/20240309-sflibraryworkerssaftey-_eg_030.jpg?w=2500" alt="A woman in a white sweater speaks into microphones during a protest. People holding &quot;Fix Our Libraries&quot; signs are visible in the background." class="wp-image-266439"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">District 1 Supervisor Connie Chan is facing a moderate challenger, Marjan Philhour, who is criticizing the incumbent on public safety.</figcaption></figure>

The rise of such groups comes as <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/09/02/san-francisco-politics-november-election-three-takeaways/">observers have questioned whether progressives can still win upcoming elections</a>, as frustrated voters have embraced tougher positions on public safety, drugs, and other issues.

San Francisco politics are about to get crazy. Here&#8217;s what to look out for

The rise of such groups comes as <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/09/02/san-francisco-politics-november-election-three-takeaways/">observers have questioned whether progressives can still win upcoming elections</a>, as frustrated voters have embraced tougher positions on public safety, drugs, and other issues.

If the March elections are any measure, moderate Democrats — or, what their progressive rivals would label as “conservatives” within the context of city politics — are ascendant in local government, having won a majority on the local Democratic Party <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/05/san-francisco-election-2024-democratic-county-central-committee-dccc/">governing board</a>.

San Francisco moderates take control of Democratic Party leadership

If the March elections are any measure, moderate Democrats — or, what their progressive rivals would label as “conservatives” within the context of city politics — are ascendant in local government, having won a majority on the local Democratic Party <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/05/san-francisco-election-2024-democratic-county-central-committee-dccc/">governing board</a>.

Lincoln A. Mitchell, who teaches at the School of International and Public Affairs at Columbia University, said for progressives to be successful in the November election, they need to drive home a cohesive message about affordability and inclusivity.

Lincoln A. Mitchell, who teaches at the School of International and Public Affairs at Columbia University, said for progressives to be successful in the November election, they need to drive home a cohesive message about affordability and inclusivity.

San Francisco, there’s an election coming up. Tell us what’s on your minds

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That, he argues, will be a powerful counter to what he sees as powerful tech interests pushing for a city that caters to the upper classes.

That, he argues, will be a powerful counter to what he sees as powerful tech interests pushing for a city that caters to the upper classes.

“It’s hard to go up against so much money with groups who play so hard and quick with the truth,” said Mitchell, author of a forthcoming book about 1970s Mayor George Moscone. “Progressives have to understand that you have to keep fighting and winning to keep San Francisco as a progressive city.”

“It’s hard to go up against so much money with groups who play so hard and quick with the truth,” said Mitchell, author of a forthcoming book about 1970s Mayor George Moscone. “Progressives have to understand that you have to keep fighting and winning to keep San Francisco as a progressive city.”

As moderate cash floods SF politics, progressives plot a counterattack

It is no surprise to a casual observer of City Hall: San Francisco has amassed an eye-popping number of commissions over the years.&nbsp;

It is no surprise to a casual observer of City Hall: San Francisco has amassed an eye-popping number of commissions over the years.&nbsp;

In fact, officials <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/07/06/only-1-person-at-sf-city-hall-knows-the-answer-to-this-simple-question/">can’t even tell you</a> how many exist.

Only 1 person at SF City Hall knows the answer to this simple question

In fact, officials <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/07/06/only-1-person-at-sf-city-hall-knows-the-answer-to-this-simple-question/">can’t even tell you</a> how many exist.

In an aptly named report titled “Commission Impossible,” released Thursday, the city’s Civil Grand Jury found City Hall has accumulated 115 such groups since San Francisco’s charter was established in 1898—a number that is far beyond its peer cities and counties like Los Angeles and Santa Clara.

In an aptly named report titled “Commission Impossible,” released Thursday, the city’s Civil Grand Jury found City Hall has accumulated 115 such groups since San Francisco’s charter was established in 1898—a number that is far beyond its peer cities and counties like Los Angeles and Santa Clara.

During the course of its investigation, the Civil Grand Jury found that nobody at City Hall could provide a complete list of commissions, nor was anyone tracking their performance.

During the course of its investigation, the Civil Grand Jury found that nobody at City Hall could provide a complete list of commissions, nor was anyone tracking their performance.

Attendees listen during the public comment of a hearing before the Police Commission in San Francisco on Wednesday, July 19, 2023. Community members attended the hearing at City Hall to gather details and about the Dolores Hill Bomb and raise qualms about the subsequent arrests.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/FEATURED_0920PublicComment.jpg?w=2453" alt="A group of people stands in a room with wooden paneling, attentively listening to a man speaking from a podium." class="wp-image-205757"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Attendees line up to speak at the Police Commission, one of well over 100 commissions in San Francisco.</figcaption></figure>

“They are really important,” said John Monson, one of the lead writers of the report, about the commissions themselves. “And they need to run effectively for citizens to have confidence in the government of San Francisco.”

“They are really important,” said John Monson, one of the lead writers of the report, about the commissions themselves. “And they need to run effectively for citizens to have confidence in the government of San Francisco.”

The timing of the grand jury report comes as questions over City Hall’s effectiveness in tackling critical issues like homelessness, housing affordability and corruption have become a top issue in the November election.&nbsp;

The timing of the grand jury report comes as questions over City Hall’s effectiveness in tackling critical issues like homelessness, housing affordability and corruption have become a top issue in the November election.&nbsp;

There’s also a simultaneous <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/05/01/san-francisco-together-sf-ballot-measure-mayor-abandoned/">effort</a> to nix some of the city’s commissions led by the moderate-leaning political group TogetherSF. The group, which receives funding from The Standard chairman Michael Moritz, is collecting signatures for what may ultimately become a ballot measure for voters in November.

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

There’s also a simultaneous <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/05/01/san-francisco-together-sf-ballot-measure-mayor-abandoned/">effort</a> to nix some of the city’s commissions led by the moderate-leaning political group TogetherSF. The group, which receives funding from The Standard chairman Michael Moritz, is collecting signatures for what may ultimately become a ballot measure for voters in November.

Kanishka Cheng, who leads TogetherSF, said Thursday&#8217;s report &#8220;confirms the importance&#8221; of her group&#8217;s ballot measure.

Kanishka Cheng, who leads TogetherSF, said Thursday's report "confirms the importance" of her group's ballot measure.

Kanishka Cheng, who leads TogetherSF, said Thursday&#8217;s report &#8220;confirms the importance&#8221; of her group&#8217;s ballot measure.

&#8220;Commissions and systems of governance don’t always get the attention they deserve for the roles that they play in inhibiting progress, and we are glad to see the Grand Jury provide a necessary spotlight and overlapping solutions with our measure,&#8221; she wrote in a statement.

"Commissions and systems of governance don’t always get the attention they deserve for the roles that they play in inhibiting progress, and we are glad to see the Grand Jury provide a necessary spotlight and overlapping solutions with our measure," she wrote in a statement.

&#8220;Commissions and systems of governance don’t always get the attention they deserve for the roles that they play in inhibiting progress, and we are glad to see the Grand Jury provide a necessary spotlight and overlapping solutions with our measure,&#8221; she wrote in a statement.

Board President Aaron Peskin, who is running for mayor this November, also has a commission reform <a href="https://sfgov.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=F&amp;ID=12981826&amp;GUID=B89E3E95-5D5E-4976-941B-93ABC7AAACED">effort</a> underway that could consolidate some of the groups.

Board President Aaron Peskin, who is running for mayor this November, also has a commission reform <a href="https://sfgov.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=F&amp;ID=12981826&amp;GUID=B89E3E95-5D5E-4976-941B-93ABC7AAACED">effort</a> underway that could consolidate some of the groups.

Jury members recommended that the city nix 15 commissions, including ones meant to oversee food security, sanitation and housing, claiming that other boards can take up their work. Whether a commission can be abolished depends on how it was set up, according to the report. Some require voter approval or a charter amendment, while others can more easily be eliminated.

Jury members recommended that the city nix 15 commissions, including ones meant to oversee food security, sanitation and housing, claiming that other boards can take up their work. Whether a commission can be abolished depends on how it was set up, according to the report. Some require voter approval or a charter amendment, while others can more easily be eliminated.

Which commissions should San Francisco get rid of?

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There also appears to be a large number of commission seats sitting empty. Jurors found 15% of commission positions are currently unfilled. Many of the meetings are also canceled: Thursday’s report found a fifth of all commission gatherings in 2023 were canceled. That has led to some delays in decisions in finalizing contracts.

There also appears to be a large number of commission seats sitting empty. Jurors found 15% of commission positions are currently unfilled. Many of the meetings are also canceled: Thursday’s report found a fifth of all commission gatherings in 2023 were canceled. That has led to some delays in decisions in finalizing contracts.

The <a href="https://www.sf.gov/sites/default/files/2024-06/Commissions%20Impossible%20Report%20-%20FINAL%20VERSION%202024-05-30.pdf">report</a> also pushes for a new body to track the commissions. The jurors admitted the “rich irony” of the recommendation, but claim it will do more good by helping clean up the “byzantine” system of oversight bodies.

The <a href="https://www.sf.gov/sites/default/files/2024-06/Commissions%20Impossible%20Report%20-%20FINAL%20VERSION%202024-05-30.pdf">report</a> also pushes for a new body to track the commissions. The jurors admitted the “rich irony” of the recommendation, but claim it will do more good by helping clean up the “byzantine” system of oversight bodies.

Even with the reduction of over a dozen such groups, City Hall would still have considerably more commissions than Los Angeles, San Diego and San Jose, cities that all have larger populations than San Francisco&#8217;s roughly 800,000 residents.

Even with the reduction of over a dozen such groups, City Hall would still have considerably more commissions than Los Angeles, San Diego and San Jose, cities that all have larger populations than San Francisco's roughly 800,000 residents.

Even with the reduction of over a dozen such groups, City Hall would still have considerably more commissions than Los Angeles, San Diego and San Jose, cities that all have larger populations than San Francisco&#8217;s roughly 800,000 residents.

With a population of over four million residents, Los Angeles has 48 commissions. San Diego has about 1.4 million residents with 49 commissions. San Jose, with around a million residents, has 27 such groups.

With a population of over four million residents, Los Angeles has 48 commissions. San Diego has about 1.4 million residents with 49 commissions. San Jose, with around a million residents, has 27 such groups.

The jury also found that the city described its commissions in 25 different ways, an “astounding array” of descriptors that include terms such as board, committee, task force, council, working group, and others.&nbsp;

The jury also found that the city described its commissions in 25 different ways, an “astounding array” of descriptors that include terms such as board, committee, task force, council, working group, and others.&nbsp;

Explainer: San Francisco has 100 boards and commissions. Why?

While the financial burden the commissions impose is small—its members receive a stipend and healthcare benefits that few apparently take advantage of—the resources it takes City Hall to prepare for the meetings or respond to commissioner requests can be as much as 10% of staffers’ time.

While the financial burden the commissions impose is small—its members receive a stipend and healthcare benefits that few apparently take advantage of—the resources it takes City Hall to prepare for the meetings or respond to commissioner requests can be as much as 10% of staffers’ time.

“It’s sort of an interlocking system that contributes to a lot of the red tape and bureaucracy in the city,” said Niall Murphy, another writer on the jury, which has 19 members.

“It’s sort of an interlocking system that contributes to a lot of the red tape and bureaucracy in the city,” said Niall Murphy, another writer on the jury, which has 19 members.

Civil grand juries are made up of San Francisco residents who are tasked with investigating and providing recommendations to officials about vexing city issues. A separate <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/06/11/san-francisco-flooding-climate-change-grand-jury-report/">report</a> about rising sea levels and the city&#8217;s lack of preparedness was also released this month.&nbsp;

Flooding threatens to inundate San Francisco neighborhoods, report says

Civil grand juries are made up of San Francisco residents who are tasked with investigating and providing recommendations to officials about vexing city issues. A separate <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/06/11/san-francisco-flooding-climate-change-grand-jury-report/">report</a> about rising sea levels and the city's lack of preparedness was also released this month.&nbsp;

Civil grand juries are made up of San Francisco residents who are tasked with investigating and providing recommendations to officials about vexing city issues. A separate <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/06/11/san-francisco-flooding-climate-change-grand-jury-report/">report</a> about rising sea levels and the city&#8217;s lack of preparedness was also released this month.&nbsp;

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

Josh Koehn

A new study released Tuesday by one of San Francisco’s most outspoken political groups suggests the city’s governmental structure and elections operate outside the norm of most major cities, and these differences not only exacerbate local crises but demand voter intervention.

A new study released Tuesday by one of San Francisco’s most outspoken political groups suggests the city’s governmental structure and elections operate outside the norm of most major cities, and these differences not only exacerbate local crises but demand voter intervention.

The report—commissioned by TogetherSF, a moderate-leaning nonprofit that turned heads with <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/05/16/snarky-fentanyl-ads-shame-mayor-city-hall-officials-together-sf/">an anti-fentanyl ad campaign designed to shame city officials</a>—is intended to lay the groundwork for ballot measures that would alter power dynamics at City Hall, potentially in dramatic fashion. The authors of the study say that San Francisco’s current form of government has failed to adequately address issues such as <a href="https://sfstandard.com/search/?query=housing">housing</a>, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/search/?query=homelessness">homelessness</a>, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/search/?query=crime">crime</a> and the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/search/?query=downtown">collapse of Downtown</a> in the wake of the pandemic.

Watch: San Franciscans react to snarky anti-fentanyl ads attempting to shame City Hall

The report—commissioned by TogetherSF, a moderate-leaning nonprofit that turned heads with <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/05/16/snarky-fentanyl-ads-shame-mayor-city-hall-officials-together-sf/">an anti-fentanyl ad campaign designed to shame city officials</a>—is intended to lay the groundwork for ballot measures that would alter power dynamics at City Hall, potentially in dramatic fashion. The authors of the study say that San Francisco’s current form of government has failed to adequately address issues such as <a href="https://sfstandard.com/search/?query=housing">housing</a>, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/search/?query=homelessness">homelessness</a>, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/search/?query=crime">crime</a> and the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/search/?query=downtown">collapse of Downtown</a> in the wake of the pandemic.

Suggested changes include creating a hybrid electoral system for the Board of Supervisors that partially reinstates citywide races, as well as strengthening the powers of the mayor and reducing the number of city commissions.

Suggested changes include creating a hybrid electoral system for the Board of Supervisors that partially reinstates citywide races, as well as strengthening the powers of the mayor and reducing the number of city commissions.

San Franciscans meander City Hall at 1 Dr Carlton B Goodlett Pl., on Wednesday, Oct. 26, 2022. | Camille Cohen/The Standard

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/INLINE6_VotingDemographics.jpg?w=2500" alt="" class="wp-image-93425"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">San Franciscans meander in front of City Hall on Oct. 26, 2022. | Camille Cohen/The Standard</figcaption></figure>

Kanishka Cheng, CEO of TogetherSF, told The Standard in a phone interview that the report, which was carried out in partnership with the Rose Institute of State and Local Government at Claremont McKenna College, is designed to spark a conversation at City Hall that nudges elected officials into putting reforms on the ballot next year.

Kanishka Cheng, CEO of TogetherSF, told The Standard in a phone interview that the report, which was carried out in partnership with the Rose Institute of State and Local Government at Claremont McKenna College, is designed to spark a conversation at City Hall that nudges elected officials into putting reforms on the ballot next year.

“We hope this report creates a public conversation around what’s happening in our city and that the system may be part of the problem,” Cheng said. “What’s really exciting about this is that it is also a blueprint.”

“We hope this report creates a public conversation around what’s happening in our city and that the system may be part of the problem,” Cheng said. “What’s really exciting about this is that it is also a blueprint.”

The most controversial issue explored in the study would be changing the makeup of the Board of Supervisors, which was the subject of <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/04/29/despite-political-drama-redistricting-may-yield-few-changes-in-november-election/">a vicious redistricting process</a> just last year. San Francisco has gone back and forth between district and at-large supervisor races over the course of its 173-year history.&nbsp;

Despite political drama, redistricting may yield few changes in November election

The most controversial issue explored in the study would be changing the makeup of the Board of Supervisors, which was the subject of <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/04/29/despite-political-drama-redistricting-may-yield-few-changes-in-november-election/">a vicious redistricting process</a> just last year. San Francisco has gone back and forth between district and at-large supervisor races over the course of its 173-year history.&nbsp;

San Francisco’s election system has gone back and forth between district and citywide races for supervisor. | Screenshot of report

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Screenshot-2023-08-21-at-3.41.28-PM.png?w=1420" alt="" class="wp-image-193608"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">San Francisco’s election system has gone back and forth between district and citywide races for supervisor. | Screenshot of report</figcaption></figure>

The report notes studies that have found district elections notably increase neighborhood representation by elevating candidates who more closely identify with the concerns of their communities. However, the report also suggests this came at the cost of elected officials who failed to keep the city’s larger concerns in mind, especially in terms of creating more multifamily housing.

The report notes studies that have found district elections notably increase neighborhood representation by elevating candidates who more closely identify with the concerns of their communities. However, the report also suggests this came at the cost of elected officials who failed to keep the city’s larger concerns in mind, especially in terms of creating more multifamily housing.

A review of studies found results were mixed as far as district races leading to more diversity in representation, as concentrated demographics vary between different cities.

A review of studies found results were mixed as far as district races leading to more diversity in representation, as concentrated demographics vary between different cities.

Moving back to at-large supervisor elections could put the city at risk of lawsuits for violating state and federal voting laws, so the report suggests a new hybrid model that would create at-large supervisor seats in addition to district seats. No firm determination is made on whether these seats should be added to the current number of 11 supervisors or maps should be redrawn to carve out space for three to four at-large seats.

Moving back to at-large supervisor elections could put the city at risk of lawsuits for violating state and federal voting laws, so the report suggests a new hybrid model that would create at-large supervisor seats in addition to district seats. No firm determination is made on whether these seats should be added to the current number of 11 supervisors or maps should be redrawn to carve out space for three to four at-large seats.

Rafael Mandelman (right) and other Supervisors attend the Board of Supervisors meeting at City Hall in San Francisco on Feb. 28, 2023. | Michaela Vatcheva for The Standard

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/1022723BOSRoundup-4.jpg?w=1879" alt="" class="wp-image-132396"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Rafael Mandelman, far right, and other supervisors attend the Board of Supervisors meeting at City Hall in San Francisco on Feb. 28. | Michaela Vatcheva for The Standard</figcaption></figure>

“Our goal with the report was to analyze and provide potential options for reform that prioritizes the needs of the city as a whole, while respecting the city’s long-standing diversity and values,”&nbsp;Ken Miller, director of the Rose Institute and co-author of the report, said in a statement.&nbsp;

“Our goal with the report was to analyze and provide potential options for reform that prioritizes the needs of the city as a whole, while respecting the city’s long-standing diversity and values,”&nbsp;Ken Miller, director of the Rose Institute and co-author of the report, said in a statement.&nbsp;

Other recommendations in <a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/23921679-tsfrosereport23report" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the 76-page report</a> include:

Other recommendations in <a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/23921679-tsfrosereport23report" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the 76-page report</a> include:

<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>reducing the number of city commissions</li>



<li>strengthening the powers of the mayor to have greater control over departments and staff hires</li>



<li>increasing the threshold for voter-initiated ballot measures</li>



<li>eliminating the mayor’s unilateral ability to put measures on the ballot</li>



<li>altering the city’s ranked-choice voting system to a proportional model used by New York and some other major cities</li>



<li>changing the appointment process for the Redistricting Task Force</li>
</ul>

core/list-item

<li>reducing the number of city commissions</li>

strengthening the powers of the mayor to have greater control over departments and staff hires

<li>strengthening the powers of the mayor to have greater control over departments and staff hires</li>

increasing the threshold for voter-initiated ballot measures

<li>increasing the threshold for voter-initiated ballot measures</li>

eliminating the mayor’s unilateral ability to put measures on the ballot

<li>eliminating the mayor’s unilateral ability to put measures on the ballot</li>

altering the city’s ranked-choice voting system to a proportional model used by New York and some other major cities

<li>altering the city’s ranked-choice voting system to a proportional model used by New York and some other major cities</li>

changing the appointment process for the Redistricting Task Force

<li>changing the appointment process for the Redistricting Task Force</li>

core/list

<ul><li>reducing the number of city commissions</li><li>strengthening the powers of the mayor to have greater control over departments and staff hires</li><li>increasing the threshold for voter-initiated ballot measures</li><li>eliminating the mayor’s unilateral ability to put measures on the ballot</li><li>altering the city’s ranked-choice voting system to a proportional model used by New York and some other major cities</li><li>changing the appointment process for the Redistricting Task Force</li></ul>

The Standard has previously reported on the almost comical number of advisory bodies and commissions in San Francisco, with <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/07/06/only-1-person-at-sf-city-hall-knows-the-answer-to-this-simple-question/">only one city employee willing to go on record</a> on the total number. San Francisco has 130 commissions, while other large California cities average 33 and other U.S. cities with populations similar to San Francisco have about 69, according to the study.

The Standard has previously reported on the almost comical number of advisory bodies and commissions in San Francisco, with <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/07/06/only-1-person-at-sf-city-hall-knows-the-answer-to-this-simple-question/">only one city employee willing to go on record</a> on the total number. San Francisco has 130 commissions, while other large California cities average 33 and other U.S. cities with populations similar to San Francisco have about 69, according to the study.

“I think [the commissions] were all created with good intentions, to create a very robust public process,” Cheng said. “But I think we know, at the end of the day, the average San Franciscan—the average voter—isn&#8217;t engaged in that public process. And they have no idea who these people are that are making these decisions on the various bodies. So, it&#8217;s hard to even hold them accountable or consider it truly transparent.”

“I think [the commissions] were all created with good intentions, to create a very robust public process,” Cheng said. “But I think we know, at the end of the day, the average San Franciscan—the average voter—isn't engaged in that public process. And they have no idea who these people are that are making these decisions on the various bodies. So, it's hard to even hold them accountable or consider it truly transparent.”

“I think [the commissions] were all created with good intentions, to create a very robust public process,” Cheng said. “But I think we know, at the end of the day, the average San Franciscan—the average voter—isn&#8217;t engaged in that public process. And they have no idea who these people are that are making these decisions on the various bodies. So, it&#8217;s hard to even hold them accountable or consider it truly transparent.”

The study’s look at commissions intersects with an inspection of San Francisco’s “strong mayor” system, which is considered among the most powerful in the nation. But that system also has been scaled back over the course of two decades of reforms.&nbsp;

The study’s look at commissions intersects with an inspection of San Francisco’s “strong mayor” system, which is considered among the most powerful in the nation. But that system also has been scaled back over the course of two decades of reforms.&nbsp;

San Francisco Mayor London Breed speaks at a press conference concerning the city’s thousands of unapproved housing projects on June 29, 2023. | Jeremy Chen/The Standard

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/1BreedPressConf062923_12.jpg?w=1019" alt="" class="wp-image-177967"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">San Francisco Mayor London Breed speaks at a press conference concerning the city’s thousands of unapproved housing projects on June 29. | Jeremy Chen/The Standard</figcaption></figure>

TogetherSF’s study, which says it relied on interviews with roughly 30 current and former city officials but not anyone currently working for the Mayor’s Office or supervisors, calls on the city to “review current limitations on the mayor’s ability to appoint and remove commissioners and department heads.” It also suggests mayoral staff should be paid more so they can appropriately direct department heads.

TogetherSF’s study, which says it relied on interviews with roughly 30 current and former city officials but not anyone currently working for the Mayor’s Office or supervisors, calls on the city to “review current limitations on the mayor’s ability to appoint and remove commissioners and department heads.” It also suggests mayoral staff should be paid more so they can appropriately direct department heads.

The report touches on numerous other issues and makes many more suggestions on how the city should seek to implement reforms. Most of these recommendations would need to be put to voters by the mayor or supervisors. If that fails to materialize, TogetherSF might consider collecting signatures and directly putting these reforms to voters next November.

The report touches on numerous other issues and makes many more suggestions on how the city should seek to implement reforms. Most of these recommendations would need to be put to voters by the mayor or supervisors. If that fails to materialize, TogetherSF might consider collecting signatures and directly putting these reforms to voters next November.

“That’s always a possibility,” Cheng said. “It’s certainly not our desired outcome.”

“That’s always a possibility,” Cheng said. “It’s certainly not our desired outcome.”

Editor’s note: Michael Moritz, a general partner at Sequoia Capital who finances The Standard, has provided funding to the 501c3 nonprofit TogetherSF and its political arm, TogetherSF Action. He is not involved in editorial decisions at The Standard.

Editor’s note: Michael Moritz, a general partner at Sequoia Capital who finances The Standard, has provided funding to the 501c3 nonprofit TogetherSF and its political arm, TogetherSF Action. He is not involved in editorial decisions at The Standard.

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

Joe Fitzgerald Rodriguez

You would be forgiven for thinking billionaires Bill Oberndorf, the national Republican benefactor, and Michael Moritz, the venture capitalist and chairman of The Standard, are always at odds with Mayor London Breed.

You would be forgiven for thinking billionaires Bill Oberndorf, the national Republican benefactor, and Michael Moritz, the venture capitalist and chairman of The Standard, are always at odds with Mayor London Breed.

After all, Oberndorf and Moritz were among the four biggest individual spenders in the November election, and that money went squarely against Breed’s candidacy. As recently as last year, however, the trio were allied, considering policy they thought would move the city forward.

After all, Oberndorf and Moritz were among the four biggest individual spenders in the November election, and that money went squarely against Breed’s candidacy. As recently as last year, however, the trio were allied, considering policy they thought would move the city forward.

It was during an early 2023 meeting at Oberndorf’s office on Front Street, overlooking grassy, dog-friendly Sydney G. Walton Square, that Breed began to lose them.

It was during an early 2023 meeting at Oberndorf’s office on Front Street, overlooking grassy, dog-friendly Sydney G. Walton Square, that Breed began to lose them.

The men were hot to reform San Francisco’s charter to give the mayor’s office more executive authority, particularly over commissions that were “<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/09/23/whats-really-behind-the-mayors-spat-with-her-appointee-influence-over-sfpds-future-leadership/">driving her nuts</a>,” one attendee recalled. They would spend big to back such a measure at the ballot.

What’s really behind the mayor’s spat with her appointee? Influence over SFPD’s future leadership

The men were hot to reform San Francisco’s charter to give the mayor’s office more executive authority, particularly over commissions that were “<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/09/23/whats-really-behind-the-mayors-spat-with-her-appointee-influence-over-sfpds-future-leadership/">driving her nuts</a>,” one attendee recalled. They would spend big to back such a measure at the ballot.

Breed wasn’t so sure. She suggested a smaller change, asking Oberndorf and Moritz to fund a tweak to city rules that would allow her to more easily declare a state of emergency. This would enable her to bypass byzantine rules to quickly address matters such as the fentanyl crisis.

Breed wasn’t so sure. She suggested a smaller change, asking Oberndorf and Moritz to fund a tweak to city rules that would allow her to more easily declare a state of emergency. This would enable her to bypass byzantine rules to quickly address matters such as the fentanyl crisis.

The billionaires didn’t think this would be enough to effect significant change in the mayor’s authority, one insider recalled. Breed said she’d stew on alternatives. It took weeks of cajoling to get her to follow up. It became a turning point.

The billionaires didn’t think this would be enough to effect significant change in the mayor’s authority, one insider recalled. Breed said she’d stew on alternatives. It took weeks of cajoling to get her to follow up. It became a turning point.

“I do like her. I don’t bear her animosity,” Moritz told The Standard. But, he said, “we expected her to come with more concrete ideas.”

“I do like her. I don’t bear her animosity,” Moritz told The Standard. But, he said, “we expected her to come with more concrete ideas.”

Oberndorf and Moritz began to drift from her, an insider said. His own shift was “gradual,” Moritz recalled — but Breed’s lack of follow-through from the meeting played a role.

Oberndorf and Moritz began to drift from her, an insider said. His own shift was “gradual,” Moritz recalled — but Breed’s lack of follow-through from the meeting played a role.

Breed concedes mayor’s race as frustrated voters seek change

Photos: London Breed’s rise and fall in San Francisco politics

To explain Breed’s reelection loss last week to Levi Strauss heir Daniel Lurie, a man with no governmental experience, observers are pointing to one of the mayor’s foundational mistakes: She mismanaged political relationships, to her detriment.

To explain Breed’s reelection loss last week to Levi Strauss heir Daniel Lurie, a man with no governmental experience, observers are pointing to one of the mayor’s foundational mistakes: She mismanaged political relationships, to her detriment.

Political relationships are ineffable, unmeasurable things that can have effable, measurable consequences. Breed’s failure to cultivate Oberndorf and Moritz led them to spend a collective $4.3 million to back candidate Mark Farrell and Proposition D, a government reform initiative that had roots in last year’s discussions between the three.

Political relationships are ineffable, unmeasurable things that can have effable, measurable consequences. Breed’s failure to cultivate Oberndorf and Moritz led them to spend a collective $4.3 million to back candidate Mark Farrell and Proposition D, a government reform initiative that had roots in last year’s discussions between the three.

As moderate cash floods SF politics, progressives plot a counterattack

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

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

Breed lost after burning bridges, leaving Daniel Lurie to put out flames

Y Combinator CEO Garry Tan is organizing San Francisco’s moderate political agenda

Search Results for: togethersf

As moderate cash floods SF politics, progressives plot a counterattack

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

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

Breed lost after burning bridges, leaving Daniel Lurie to put out flames

Y Combinator CEO Garry Tan is organizing San Francisco’s moderate political agenda