San Francisco Seeks to Boost Transparency in Contracts With Nonprofits

Hoping to restore faith in city contracting after several nonprofits were found noncompliant this year, the San Francisco Board of Supervisors will consider new legislation known as “Comprehensive Contract Reform” during its weekly meeting on Sept. 10. If approved by the board, the proposal would prevent city contractors from using grant money for political activities—with rules mandating they keep separate accounts; create strict boundaries for staff time, resources, and facilities; and disclose activities shared with political organizations. The use of city funds for lobbying, advertising, and media relations spending would also be prohibited. Businesses and nonprofits would be barred from receiving city contracts or grants if they fail to comply with competitive solicitation rules....