Board directs clerk to start procurement for special investigator into potential local-government corruption

The San Francisco Board of Supervisors on March 10 authorized the clerk to initiate a procurement process to retain prequalified vendors for special investigative services to examine potential corruption within city government.

Supervisor Joel Engard? (Note: transcript uses Supervisor Haney as a lead speaker) Supervisor Haney, speaking in support, said the measure complements the work of the city attorney, the controller and federal investigators and is needed to rebuild public trust. "What is also clear is that that work alone will not be enough," Haney said, urging board support for procurement to identify wrongdoing and recommend legislative fixes.

The motion lists a procurement to secure independent investigative capability to assist the board's oversight role; the clerk and city attorney will coordinate the solicitation language, according to remarks during the meeting. The board passed the motion after discussion; the clerk took the item on the same call and recorded the motion as passed.

Why it matters: Board members said independent outside investigators will allow the legislative branch to pursue inquiries and recommendations without substituting for criminal investigations by the U.S. Attorney or administrative work by the city attorney and controller.

What happens next: The clerk's office will begin a procurement process with prequalified vendors for special investigation services; the board indicated it would provide additional direction on scope as investigators are retained.