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Ethics commission approves limited waiver allowing former city employee Chris Block to participate on housing project
Summary
The commission unanimously approved a limited, project‑specific waiver for former Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing employee Chris Block to permit communications with his former department during a six‑month project run by the Mayor's Office of Housing and Community Development.
The San Francisco Ethics Commission voted unanimously on Nov. 14 to approve a limited waiver requested by former city employee Chris Block that narrows the one‑year post‑employment communication ban under the city code.
Staff (Ryan Abusa) told commissioners that Block left city service earlier in the year to join the San Francisco Housing Accelerator Fund and that the project at issue is led by the Mayor’s Office of Housing and Community Development. Because the former department had been invited to participate as a stakeholder, Block requested a waiver of the code provision that bars former employees from representing their new employer in communications intended to influence a government decision for one year following separation (Campaign & Governmental Conduct Code §3.234).
Staff recommended a limited, project‑specific waiver — constrained to specific meetings and communications taking place during the six‑month duration of the project — because of minimal overlap between Block’s previous and current duties and because the participation in question originated from the city. Block confirmed he had requested a limited waiver and thanked staff for responsive engagement during the review process.
Motion and vote: A commissioner moved to approve the limited waiver and another seconded; Commissioners Yeh, Sy and Acting Chair Salahi voted aye and the motion passed 3–0.
What happens next: The waiver is limited to the scope described in the staff memo. Staff and the director will be available to answer follow‑up questions if supervisors or other stakeholders seek more information.
