Budget committee forwards waiver to solicit donations for APEC hosting amid vocal public opposition

The Budget and Finance Committee on May 24 voted to forward a resolution that would let the Mayor's Office, Economic and Workforce Development and the city's chief of protocol solicit donations to support San Francisco's role as host of the Asia‑Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit this November. Chair Supervisor Connie Chan moved to send the item to the full Board of Supervisors with a positive recommendation.

Mayor's office representative Sean Ellsburn told the committee the city must raise about $20 million to pay for receptions, catering, signage, transportation and related costs tied to hosting about 21 heads of state and thousands of credentialed press and delegations. Ellsburn said donations will be publicly disclosed and that the mayor will propose a contingency line in her upcoming budget. "This is a truly historical opportunity," he said, calling the summit an "inflection point" for San Francisco's global profile.

The item drew lengthy public comment in opposition. Students, immigrant‑rights and human‑rights advocates questioned waiving the Behested Payments ordinance, which governs donations sought on behalf of public officials. Megan Murphy, chairperson of the League of Filipino Students at San Francisco State University, said inviting Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ‘‘sends the message that San Francisco is supporting the extrajudicial killings and economic plunder of the Filipino people.'" Rachel Lucero of Malaya Movement San Francisco urged supervisors to support the Philippine Human Rights Act that would limit certain U.S. military aid until abuses are addressed. Multiple speakers also urged the city to invest funds into local services such as housing rather than fundraising for a global summit.

Supervisor Asha Safai joined as a cosponsor and asked what expenses donations would cover; Ellsburn listed receptions, catering for Moscone Center events, signage, transportation and potential overtime costs for police and fire. Ellsburn said some funds may be used for DPW street closures and cleaning. After public comment and discussion, the committee voted to forward the resolution to the full board with a positive recommendation (aye votes recorded from Vice Chair Rafael Mendelmann, Supervisor Asha Safai and Chair Connie Chan).

Next steps:The resolution will go to the full Board of Supervisors for final consideration; the mayor's office and chief of protocol are expected to return with specifics on proposed solicitations and public‑disclosure measures.