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Commission hears enforcement, budget and operations update; staff to roll out ACAO forms and outreach
Summary
The Commission received monthly updates on enforcement caseloads and staffing, a partial budget allocation for technology and hiring, and a plan to deploy new ACAO disclosure forms via DocuSign with posting to DataSF; enforcement reported investigator training and current caseload metrics.
Commissioners heard staff reports on enforcement activity, budget and operations and the plan to implement new ACAO forms and communications.
Enforcement staff said investigators recently attended a federal investigative training and described the use of investigative-audit techniques for campaign finance cases. Current division metrics showed 57 matters in preliminary review and 88 active investigations, with average preliminary-review durations of about 7.5 months and investigation timelines around 15 months. The fines-collection officer has issued warning letters, secured some payments and referred delinquent filers to the Bureau of Delinquent Revenue.
Deputy Director Gayatri and other executive staff reported budget discussions with the Mayor’s Office. Some requested resources were granted on a one-time basis (technology funding and a one-year position to support e-filing work); DHR consulting services were funded at a reduced level. Staff said the shortfall could slow hiring and that salary savings might be reallocated if the Mayor’s Office allows.
Staff outlined operational steps to implement ACAO reporting: ten new forms are required (eight completed at the time of the meeting), initial builds will use DocuSign and filings will be pushed to the City’s open-data portal (DataSF) to make disclosures searchable; full NetFile integration would require additional funding and vendor work. Engagement and compliance reported Form 700 filing compliance at roughly 96% and planned candidate/treasurer training ahead of upcoming election filings.
Commissioners asked staff to prepare a high-level caseload snapshot for the next meeting so the full Commission can set enforcement priorities and consider widening fixed-penalty items to streamline routine enforcement work. Commissioners thanked departing staff and emphasized that outreach and UX for new forms should be user-friendly and multilingual where appropriate.
