Lurie has raised $8.6M to rewrite how SF works. Nobody is really fighting him

<p>San Francisco has the largest municipal charter in the country: a 548-page behemoth.  For the first time in 30 years, Mayor Daniel Lurie is attempting to do a sweeping cleanup of what he views as an overly complicated, onerous document that hampers governance and contributes to the kind of bureaucratic dysfunction behind projects like Noe Valley’s  $1.7 million toilet .  It may sound boring as all hell, but a lot is at stake.  Three separate ballot measures in November could remake how City Hall operates — including how much power the mayor holds and how easy it is for San Franciscans to get their own measures onto the ballot. The outcome will serve as a major test of Lurie’s promise during his 2024 campaign to make San Francisco’s government work better.  What’s on the ballot? Lurie is putting forth three measures: “Fix Our Broken Ballot Process,” “Strengthening Executive Branch Accountability,” and “Modernizing City Contracting.”  The first will have the most direct impact on the voting process if it passes. Lurie and his allies have argued that it’s too easy for measures to end up on the ballot, creating unnecessary political fights. (In November 2024, voters had to contend with 15 ballot measures, while Oakland had three and San Jose had one.)  The proposal would increase the number of supervisor votes required to place a measure on the ballot from four to a majority of the board — six votes. It would also nix the mayor’s ability to unilaterally put a measure on the ballot, and increase the number of signatures required to get a measure on the ballot to 8% of registered voters. Lurie’s other two measures are a bit more wonky. The executive branch measure would allow him to hire and fire most agency heads, loosen the rules on removing commissioners, reorganize the city’s dozens of departments, and establish deputy mayors. The third measure would give more power to the city administrator to oversee procurement of services, from purchasing toilet paper to construction projects, among other tweaks.  There’s also a fourth reform effort underway from Supervisor Rafael Mandelman, a big proponent of charter reform and an ally to the mayor. His ballot measure would remove some of the city’s commissions, including the Sanitation and Streets Commission and the Public Works Commission, among other changes. Mandelman’s measure stems from the Commission Streamlining Task Force, a body created by voters through a 2024 measure. What’s the argument for these changes? On the ballot issue, Lurie and others point to the fact that the city has the lowest signature threshold in California — 2% — for getting a measure before voters. San Francisco is also the only city in the state that allows its mayor to put a measure on the ballot without having to go through a legislative process or gather signatures. (Critics have argued that this allows  mayors to use the ballot measure as an advertising vehicle  during a campaign year to get their faces on mailers distributed across the city.) They also argue that the charter sets up a dynamic that’s unworkable for the mayor. Lurie oversees roughly 50 department heads and can’t set up deputies to oversee them  because of a 1991 law . In cases involving alleged ethical breaches, like that of former Human Rights Commission Executive Director  Sheryl Davis  in 2024, the mayor has limited ability to swiftly remove agency chiefs.  Who’s paying for all this? Lurie’s allies have  poured big bucks  into the “Clean Up City Hall, Mayor Lurie’s Ballot Measure Committee.” As of Wednesday, the  committee  had raised $8.6 million, including $2 million from former Sequoia Capital head Michael Moritz, chairman of The Standard; $1 million each from the couple Chris Larsen and Lyna Lam; and $1 million from businessman John Pritzker. Smaller donors include $500,000 each from philanthropist Dagmar Dolby, Laurene Powell Jobs’ Emerson Collective, investor John Doerr, and Twilio cofounder John Wolthuis.  The committee is by far the most expensive in this November’s election, with much of the money — $4.3 million — going toward the labor-intensive effort of collecting signatures. Does anyone not like this charter reform idea? No group has organized opposition to Lurie and Mandelman’s proposals so far. It’s possible some labor groups may try. Kim Tavaglione, executive director of the San Francisco Labor Council, has expressed skepticism about the effort, arguing that it  could box out groups  that lack the monetary resources to gather enough signatures to place an item on the ballot. “They’re going to be up against millions and millions of dollars,” she said. “It’s going to be a really high wall to climb.” The Labor Council hasn’t taken an official stance on the issue, though Tavaglione said she expects a committee to be formed to fight at least some parts of the charter reform proposals.  Didn’t San Francisco try this in 2024 — and kill it? Moderate political group TogetherSF Action sought to place a cap on commissions and expand the mayor’s powers via 2024’s Prop. D. The measure — the most expensive of that election cycle —  failed, with 56.7% voting no . The proposition was championed by Mark Farrell, an unsuccessful mayoral candidate who faced a slew of last-minute ethics fines days before the election.  It’s hard to say how voters will react to a charter reform measure this time around. Lurie has some advantages: He’s popular with voters and showed  a propensity for backing  successful political efforts in the June primary. His backing of this year’s reforms could prove to be what pushes the three measures over the top. On the other hand, voters have many other concerns about the city. A January  poll  commissioned by the Chamber of Commerce identified vacant storefronts and affordability as top issues, while government efficiency was less of a priority.</p>

The Sanitation and Streets Commission oversees street cleanliness and waste management in San Francisco. It sets policies, reviews department performance, and approves contracts related to sanitation services. The commission holds hearings and makes decisions to ensure effective street maintenance and litter removal.

Sanitation and Streets Commission

Thomas Harrison

Sanitation and Streets Commission Commissioner 1

Sanitation and Streets Commission Commissioner 2

Sanitation and Streets Commission Commissioner 3

Sanitation and Streets Commission Commissioner 5

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judicial assignments; court administration (CRC 10.603); CEO direction

The Abatement Appeals Board provides a final review process for City permitting decisions. It ensures fair and efficient adjudication of permit-related disputes before an impartial panel. The board holds authority to make binding decisions on appeals concerning notices of abatement.

Abatement Appeals Board

Abatement Appeals Board Commissioner 1

Abatement Appeals Board Commissioner 2

Abatement Appeals Board Commissioner 3

Abatement Appeals Board Commissioner 4

Abatement Appeals Board Commissioner 5

Abatement Appeals Board Commissioner 6

Abatement Appeals Board Commissioner 7

The Access Appeals Commission provides final reviews for a wide range of City permitting decisions. It ensures an efficient, fair, and expeditious permit issuance process through an impartial panel. The commission holds authority to make binding decisions on appeals related to City permits.

Access Appeals Commission

Access Appeals Commission Commissioner 1

Access Appeals Commission Commissioner 2

Access Appeals Commission Commissioner 3

Access Appeals Commission Commissioner 4

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The Adult Day Health Care Planning Council advises on the development and improvement of adult day health care services. It provides expertise in healthcare planning, policy recommendations, and program evaluation. Key responsibilities include assessing community needs and advising on service delivery enhancements.

Adult Day Health Care Planning Council

Adult Probation Department supervises individuals on probation and facilitates their reintegration into the community. It provides reentry and rehabilitative services, including victim restitution and financial assistance for crime victims. The department values public safety, offender rehabilitation, and community partnerships.

Cristel Tullock

The Advisory Committee of Street Artists and Crafts Examiners evaluates arts and crafts applicants and monitors program compliance. It conducts studio visits and public screenings to ensure adherence to established criteria. Members also revise program criteria and undertake additional tasks as needed.

Advisory Committee of Street Artists and Crafts Examiners

The Advisory Council on Human Rights advises on anti-discrimination laws and racial equity initiatives. It provides expertise on reparations and public policy impacts on Black communities. It guides efforts to establish partnerships with Historically Black Colleges and Universities in San Francisco.

Advisory Council on Human Rights

San Francisco Airport manages air traffic operations and ensures safe aircraft movement. It provides parking facilities and maintains airport infrastructure to accommodate travelers and staff. The department oversees ground transportation and coordinates with airlines for efficient passenger services.

Mike Nakornkhet

The Airport Commission oversees policy and strategic planning for San Francisco International Airport. It makes key decisions on airport development projects and financial management. It ensures compliance with regulations and collaborates on initiatives like terminal naming.

Airport Commission

Airport Commission Commissioner 1

Malcolm Yeung

Jose F. Almanza

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Susan Leal

Airport Director

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Animal Care and Control Department

Virginia Donohue

Animal Care and Control Department, Director

The San Francisco Arts Commission oversees the integration of arts into city life and ensures public access to cultural experiences. It makes decisions on public art programs and allocates grants to support local artists and performances. The commission actively shapes policies affecting the arts ecosystem in San Francisco.

Arts Commission Commissioner 1

Arts Commission Commissioner 2

Arts Commission Commissioner 3

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Debra Walker

Suzanne Ferras

Jessica Rothschild

Seth Brenzel

JD Beltran

Marcus Shelby

J Riccardo Benavides

Nabiel Musleh

Charles (Chuck) Collins

Lydia So

Arts Commission Commissioner 15

San Francisco Arts Commission invests in a vibrant arts community and shapes cultural policy. It enlivens the urban environment through public art programs and supports diverse artistic expressions. The commission facilitates meetings and discussions to engage the community in cultural development.

Ralph Remington

Arts Commission, Director of Cultural Affairs

The Asian Art Commission determines policy and administers the Asian Art Museum of San Francisco. It oversees museum operations and collaborates with the Asian Art Museum Foundation on fundraising efforts. Commissioners ensure the museum's strategic direction and financial sustainability.

Asian Art Commission

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Asian Art Commission Commissioner 23

Asian Art Commission Commissioner 24

Asian Art Commission Commissioner 25

Asian Art Commission Commissioner 26

Asian Art Commission Commissioner 27

Asian Art Museum showcases Asian art and culture through exhibitions and educational programs. It offers diverse collections and hosts special events to engage the community. The museum fosters cultural appreciation and understanding by providing access to its extensive art collections.

Dr. Soyoung Lee

Asian Art Museum, Director

The Assessment Appeals Board #1 hears property tax assessment appeals in San Francisco. It evaluates evidence presented by taxpayers and the Assessor to determine property values. The Board has the authority to make final decisions on assessments regardless of property type or value.

Assessment Appeals Board #1

Assessment Appeals Board #1 Commissioner 1

Assessment Appeals Board #1 Commissioner 2

Richard Lee

Stephen Wasserman

Adena Gilbert

Paul Bellar

Quirina Mitchell

Hilary Winslow

The Assessment Appeals Board #2 adjudicates property tax assessment appeals for San Francisco taxpayers. It evaluates evidence presented by taxpayers and the Assessor to determine accurate property values. The Board exercises authority to render final decisions on residential properties and specific real estate assessments.

Assessment Appeals Board #2

Assessment Appeals Board #2 Commissioner 1

Assessment Appeals Board #2 Commissioner 2

Assessment Appeals Board #2 Commissioner 3

Claire Ervin Lee

Louisa Mendoza

Joyce Lewis

Nicholas Goldman

Michelle Domingo

The Assessment Appeals Board #3 provides a platform for San Francisco taxpayers to contest property tax assessments. It conducts hearings where evidence from both taxpayers and the Assessor is evaluated. The Board makes binding decisions on property assessments based on presented evidence.

Assessment Appeals Board #3

Assessment Appeals Board #3 Commissioner 1

Assessment Appeals Board #3 Commissioner 2

Assessment Appeals Board #3 Commissioner 3

Marc Dickow

Assessment Appeals Board #3 Commissioner 5

Assessment Appeals Board #3 Commissioner 6

Assessment Appeals Board #3 Commissioner 7

Assessment Appeals Board #3 Commissioner 8

Assesses property, applies exemptions, collects transfer taxes, and records official documents.

Assessor-Recorder

Joaquín Torres

The Ballot Simplification Committee ensures voter materials are clear and understandable. It reviews and revises ballot language to accurately reflect propositions and measures. The committee advises on simplifying complex legal and technical terms for voter comprehension.

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The Bayview Hunters Point Citizens Advisory Committee provides policy advice on planning and land use matters in Zone 2 of Bayview Hunter's Point. It offers expertise in land use policies, zoning issues, and urban development. The committee advises the Board of Supervisors, City Boards, and commissions on relevant projects and initiatives.

Bayview Hunters Point Citizens Advisory Council

The Behavioral Health Commission advises on mental health policy implementation and quality service delivery. It reviews and advocates for effective mental health services, ensuring policies meet community needs. It educates stakeholders to integrate mental health considerations into broader health strategies.

Behavioral Health Council

The Bicycle Advisory Committee advises on making bicycling safer and more accessible in San Francisco. It provides recommendations to city agencies to address traffic violence and climate change. The committee advocates for cyclists and addresses biking-related complaints.

Bicycle Advisory Committee

The Board of Appeals provides final review for a wide range of City permitting decisions. It ensures an efficient and fair permit issuance process through an impartial panel. The Board exercises authority to make binding decisions on appeals.

Board of Appeals Commissioner 1

Board of Appeals Commissioner 2