The San Francisco County government meeting on July 17, 2025, focused on the ongoing challenges faced by the San Francisco Parks Alliance, particularly in light of past scandals and recent financial difficulties. Key discussions centered around the organization's response to previous allegations of financial mismanagement and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on its revenue.
During the meeting, a representative from the Parks Alliance addressed the fallout from the scandals involving former Department of Public Works employee Mohamed Nuru. The representative emphasized that the Parks Alliance was a victim in these incidents, having been exploited by a city employee who manipulated the system. In response to these challenges, the organization implemented a new electronic payment system and enhanced oversight of its financial operations to prevent future issues.
The representative acknowledged that the organization experienced a decline in revenue, particularly during the pandemic when programming in parks was halted, leading to layoffs and reduced sponsorship. However, they noted that the core revenue remained stable over time.
The discussion also touched on the hiring of the former Chief Financial Officer (CFO) in 2019. The representative explained that the CFO was selected due to his experience with fiscal sponsorship, which was crucial for the organization. However, concerns were raised about the CFO's behavior during the pandemic, with reports of increased distance and agitation in his interactions.
The meeting concluded with a recognition of the need for continued vigilance and improvement in financial management practices within the Parks Alliance, as the organization seeks to rebuild and restore public trust following past controversies.