The Facts

Planning Commissioner Kathrin Moore was fined $12,000 for conflict-of-interest violations tied to votes on projects involving Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), which paid her about $15,000/year in retirement income, according to Gabe Greschler at The Standard.

An Ethics Commission agenda describes four counts for participating in governmental decisions while financially disqualified, involving projects at 1750 Van Ness, 98 Franklin, and 530 Sansome/447 Battery—nearly $900 million in total project costs.

The Context

San Francisco's ethics rules require public officials to recuse themselves from decisions where they have a financial interest, to prevent conflicts of interest and maintain public trust. A financial interest includes receiving $500+ in income in the prior 12 months.

The Planning Commission votes on all development projects, and in the past has rejected some even if they are fully compliant with all local laws.

The GrowSF Take

We're glad to see our ethics rules enforced, though a $12,000 fine on total payments of $400,000 (in the 27 years Moore has been receiving retirement income) is not exactly a strong deterrent.

A better approach would be to allow legally compliant projects to be approved by City staff, without discretionary votes by commissioners with outside interests. This would not only reduce corruption risk, but also speed up housing approvals.