Ethics commission continues decision on Philip Wong's waiver after broad testimony; requests more detail

The San Francisco Ethics Commission continued consideration of a post-employment waiver requested by Philip Wong, who seeks relief from a permanent representation prohibition and a one-year communications restriction so he can become director of the Potrero HOPE SF project for Bridge Housing. The commission agreed to take the matter up again on January 13 to allow Wong and staff to provide additional documentation.

Staff reminded commissioners that the rules aim to prevent "side switching" and undue influence. Michael Kenning summarized the staff position and said the waiver should be granted only if the commission finds no potential for undue influence or unfair advantage. "This similarity in the role points to exactly the sort of side switching that the rule is trying to address," Kenning said, noting staff recommended caution given the resemblance between Wong's city role and the prospective Bridge position.

Wong, who said he has worked on HOPE SF projects for six years and has an offer contingent on a waiver, framed his move as continuing work aligned with the city's interests. "I have received an offer," he told the commission and said Bridge was aware the hire would be contingent on the commission's decision. Wong described the HOPE SF implementation process as collaborative and stressed guardrails in the development agreement and regulatory oversight.

Commissioners probed the legal standard—whether the commission must find there is no "potential for undue influence or unfair advantage"—and whether a delay would jeopardize the offer. Deputy city attorneys confirmed the legal standard is the potential for undue influence and that the commission may continue the matter; staff also noted the commission was required to hear requests filed within two weeks of the meeting but not required to decide immediately.

Judson True, the mayor's Director of Housing Delivery, and numerous nonprofit housing partners and project colleagues testified in strong support of Wong, emphasizing his character, knowledge of the project, and the unique collaborative nature of HOPE SF that focuses on implementation rather than competition. Supporters suggested a narrow accommodation or conditions to limit any communication ban to non-HOPE SF Bridge projects as a compromise.

Several commissioners echoed concerns about precedent and public trust. Chair Carrie Lee asked Wong to submit the Bridge job description, details of potential communications with city agencies, and any position prohibitions before the January meeting.

The commission set the item for continuation to Jan. 13 to allow written responses and additional staff or mayor's office follow-up. No final waiver decision was made at this session.