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Ethics Commission unveils revamped website and seeks more staff, technology funding in budget framework
Summary
Staff launched a redesigned ethics commission website with improved disclosure access, mobile support and language translations, and the Executive Director outlined a budget framework requesting additional positions and technology to reduce backlogs and modernize enforcement and disclosure systems.
San Francisco Ethics Commission staff launched a redesigned commission website and presented a proposed budget framework that would add staff and technology to support enforcement and disclosure work.
Steven Massey, the commission’s electronic disclosure and data analysis manager, said the site — launched Dec. 21 — simplifies the homepage, uses targeted banners for filing seasons, improves mobile usability and makes disclosure data and advice letters searchable. The new complaint section includes a plain‑language guide developed with UC Hastings students; initial translated content is available in Spanish, Chinese (traditional/simplified not specified) and Filipino. Staff is planning user testing through the city’s Public Voice Program with partners including Lighthouse for the Blind and Microsoft to improve accessibility.
In a separate budget presentation, the Executive Director told commissioners the office needs two senior administrative analyst positions for education/outreach and audits, case management software (one‑time estimate ~$20,000), translation funding (~$5,000/year) and other investments. Staff estimated a ballpark request of roughly $513,000 for FY2018 and $338,000 for FY2019 to implement the commission’s blueprint for accountability, including hiring more investigators and better tracking tools. Commissioners discussed hiring timelines, salary‑savings rules and tactics for working with the mayor’s budget analyst and the Board of Supervisors to protect requested funds.
The commission voted unanimously to endorse the staff’s budget framework, directing staff to include the detailed request in the February budget submission, and praised the new site and outreach plans. Staff said it will continue to refine website features based on community feedback and to coordinate translations and accessibility work with city language‑access and disability offices.
