Ethics commission delays decision on ordinance to let supervisors request behested‑payment waivers

The San Francisco Ethics Commission on Oct. 10, 2025, discussed an ordinance introduced by President Mandelman that would allow members of the Board of Supervisors to request behested‑payment waivers previously available to departments, the mayor and other elected officials. Policy and Legislative Affairs Manager Michael Panning presented the item and Melanie Mathewson, representing President Mandelman’s office, outlined examples and the sponsor’s rationale. After questions from commissioners, the commission voted 3‑0 to continue the item to its next meeting for further discussion.

The proposed change would alter language in the city’s campaign and governmental conduct code governing so‑called behested payments, a mechanism by which city officials may solicit donations for a public purpose only after a waiver is approved by the board or other authorized decisionmaker. Under current rules adopted after Proposition E (2022), the waiver process requires a public resolution that summarizes the solicitation’s purpose, identifies interested parties when known, finds the waiver would not create an appearance of impropriety and is in the public interest, and is posted to DataSF within 30 days. Panning told commissioners that waivers apply only prospectively and may last up to six months.

Mathew…