San Francisco Ethics Commission denies Marissa Rodriguez's waiver request on post-employment contact

The San Francisco Ethics Commission convened on July 4, 2025, to discuss a significant waiver request from Marissa Rodriguez, the former director of the Office of Cannabis. The request sought permission to communicate with the city administrator's office, the entertainment commission, and the Department of Public Works (DPW) within a year of her departure from city service.

Rodriguez emphasized her commitment to ethical standards and the importance of her new role as executive director of the Union Square Alliance, which focuses on revitalizing the downtown area post-pandemic. She argued that her work would not influence governmental decisions, as it primarily involves day-to-day operations rather than policy-making. Rodriguez highlighted her lack of direct interaction with the departments in question during her tenure, asserting that her previous role did not overlap with the functions of the entertainment commission or DPW.

However, the commission's staff presented a strong case against granting the waiver. They cited the potential for undue influence due to Rodriguez's high-level position and her previous responsibilities overseeing cannabis regulation. The staff noted that the law prohibits former city employees from attempting to influence government decisions for one year after leaving their positions, regardless of whether they had direct involvement with the departments they wish to contact.

After deliberation, the commission unanimously voted to deny Rodriguez's waiver request for both the entertainment commission and DPW, citing concerns over the appearance of undue influence. The decision underscores the commission's commitment to maintaining ethical boundaries and preventing any potential conflicts of interest in city governance.

As the city navigates its recovery from the pandemic, the implications of this ruling highlight the delicate balance between facilitating economic revitalization and upholding ethical standards in public service.