On July 4, 2025, the San Francisco County government convened to discuss significant legislative measures aimed at enhancing transparency in campaign financing and improving social media management for public services. The meeting highlighted two key ordinances that reflect the county's commitment to accountability and effective communication.
The first item on the agenda was an ordinance to amend the campaign and government conduct code, specifically addressing disclaimer requirements for campaign advertisements. Sponsored by Supervisor Chan, this legislation seeks to align with a court order stemming from a lawsuit that challenged the disclosure requirements established by Proposition F, which was passed by voters in November 2019. Proposition F aimed to increase transparency regarding "dark money" in political campaigns by mandating that independent expenditure committees disclose their major contributors.
Despite a legal challenge, the ordinance received unanimous support from the Ethics Commission and aims to codify the existing requirements into law, thereby preventing future legal disputes. Supervisor Chan emphasized the importance of this legislation in ensuring voters can make informed decisions about campaign financing, especially with the upcoming 2024 elections.
The second item discussed was the approval of a surveillance technology policy for the Human Services Agency (HSA) regarding the use of social media management software. This policy is designed to enhance the agency's communication with the public, particularly during emergencies when timely information is crucial. The HSA plans to transition from its current software, Hootsuite, to a new tool called Sprout Social, which has been vetted for cybersecurity compliance. This move is part of a broader strategy to improve public engagement and accessibility to essential services.
Both ordinances were positively recommended to the full board, reflecting a proactive approach by San Francisco County to address transparency in political financing and enhance public service communication. As the county prepares for a busy election year, these measures are expected to play a crucial role in fostering trust and integrity within the electoral process and public administration.