Overview of the Partnership for San Francisco

A new initiative called the Partnership for San Francisco has been launched, featuring a robust lineup of prominent figures from various industries. The group includes top executives from renowned companies like Williams-Sonoma, Gap, Dodge & Cox, Deloitte, Visa, Sephora, McKinsey, and DocuSign. While these entities typically do not rely on municipal contracts for revenue, the formation of this partnership provides an opportunity to focus on the city’s growth and improvement.

Leadership Dynamics

The initiative is significantly marked by a leadership team composed largely of women. This includes former First Republic President Katherine August-deWilde, who now leads as the president and CEO. Co-chairs Powell Jobs and Porat also add to the distinctive perspective on leadership within the group. Expert Kathy Wylde expressed optimism about this approach, emphasizing that women leaders tend to prioritize results over ego:

“You can’t afford the testosterone effect dominating these efforts. Women just want to get things done. They don’t think they are the smartest man in the room.”

Insights from New York’s Civic Leadership

Wylde, who has headed the New York partnership and is well-acquainted with civic dynamics, has received numerous inquiries from San Francisco leaders over the years. Her experience includes interactions with notable figures such as venture capitalist Conway and JPMorgan’s vice chairman Noah Wintroub, who are both involved in the new San Francisco partnership. These connections underscore the collaborative potential and knowledge transfer between the two cities.

Interestingly, there is a noteworthy coincidence in the names of the leading executives involved in both initiatives: Kathy Wylde from New York and Katherine August-deWilde from San Francisco.

Local Involvement and Future Plans

Recently, San Francisco Supervisors Myrna Melgar and Matt Dorsey, along with Tilly Chang from the San Francisco County Transportation Authority, visited New York to engage in discussions concerning transit issues, rather than business. Their attendance at an event supporting congestion pricing underlines the ongoing transport challenges facing the city.

These supervisors indicated a lack of communication with Lurie’s team regarding the yet-to-be-announced San Francisco Downtown Development Corporation, which is still under wraps. Reports suggest this new organization will focus on fundraising from affluent individuals, corporations, and potentially labor unions, thereby circumventing traditional funding avenues tied to state and city regulations.