San Francisco Board directs audits on public works contracts and conflict of interest management

San Francisco County is taking a bold step to enhance transparency and accountability within its government by approving two new performance audits aimed at minimizing corruption risks. During a recent government meeting, officials discussed a motion directing the Budget and Legislative Analyst's Office (BLA) to conduct these audits for the fiscal year 2022-2023.

The first audit will focus on the delegated authority for public works contracts, as outlined in Chapter 6 of the administrative code. This chapter allows department heads to approve construction contracts under $1 million without oversight from the Board of Supervisors, raising concerns about potential misuse of power. Dan Goncher from the BLA highlighted that this area has never been audited before, despite previous investigations into the Department of Public Works. The audit aims to assess the risks associated with this delegated authority and may result in multiple reports due to the involvement of several departments.

The second audit will evaluate the city's strategy for managing conflicts of interest. Currently, the ethics commission primarily relies on complaint-driven investigations and self-reported statements of economic interests from city officials. This passive approach raises concerns about the effectiveness of conflict management and the potential for corruption.

Chair Preston emphasized that these audits are proactive measures, not reactions to specific scandals, aiming to address areas of concern before issues arise. The decision to expand the BLA's capacity for audits marks the first significant increase in over a decade, reflecting a commitment to improving oversight and public trust in San Francisco's government. As these audits move forward, they are expected to provide critical insights into the city's operations and help safeguard against corruption.