Following a disappointing outcome in last November’s elections, the tech political action committee (PAC) TogetherSF has undergone a significant rebranding, now known as Blueprint for a Better San Francisco.
This change comes amid indications that they may no longer have the financial backing of billionaire Michael Moritz.
Last year’s campaign saw TogetherSF and associated group Neighbors for a Better San Francisco spend upwards of $10 million to support Mark Farrell’s mayoral bid and the City Hall commission reform measure Prop D, both of which were decisively defeated.
Despite this defeat, those associated with the groups sought to frame their failed efforts as a stepping stone toward future successes.
In January, the two organizations merged, with TogetherSF’s executive director Jay Cheng expressing optimism about their future role in San Francisco’s political landscape, stating, “It’s a new era in the city right now.”
However, a puzzling development surfaced when Politico reported that TogetherSF has rebranded itself as Blueprint for a Better San Francisco.
The new name, a clever nod to the group’s intention to provide a model for influencing governance in predominantly Democratic cities, coincides with a shift in financial support.
The newly minted Blueprint is reportedly funded by a coalition of high-profile donors, including Republican megadonor Bill Oberndorf, venture capitalist Steven Merrill, hotel heir John Pritzker, and former First Republic Bank president Katherine August-deWilde.
Observers noted the conspicuous absence of Moritz, who had previously pledged a staggering $17 million to the former TogetherSF.
Reports indicate that Moritz has since distanced himself from the new organization, and he was notably absent from their recent launch event.
Without Moritz’s backing, Blueprint for a Better SF operates on a significantly reduced budget of $2 million annually, a far cry from their former financial muscle.
Furthermore, tensions appear to have developed between Cheng and Mayor Daniel Lurie’s administration.
Cheng’s support of Farrell’s campaign has seemingly led to a complete lack of collaboration with Lurie and his associates, as noted by the SF Standard, which reported that the administration has “will not work with Cheng or any group with which he collaborates.”
This strained relationship may explain the rationale behind the rebranding efforts as the new group attempts to align itself with the current mayor’s administration.
Blueprint for a Better SF has recently elevated Scotty Jacobs, an unsuccessful candidate for District 5 supervisor, as its director and primary spokesperson.
Jacobs articulated a commitment to supporting Mayor Lurie, stating, “The best thing that we can do right now is to stand behind Mayor Lurie and make sure that he knows that he has the mandate from the people.”
Interestingly, Blueprint for a Better SF appears to be distancing itself from Supervisor Joel Engardio, who is facing a recall election.
While the new organization has expressed general support for Engardio, they have made clear they will not engage in the recall process, indicating a possible disinterest in his political future.
Their lack of involvement raises questions about their commitment to maintaining moderate leadership in the district, as the group stated, “we want to see a moderate in the seat no matter the outcome.”
This line hints at the possibility that they may view Engardio as a lost cause, potentially paving the way for a whisper campaign among Lurie’s circle regarding his replacement.
The launch party for Blueprint for a Better SF saw attendance from key political figures, including members of the Board of Supervisors.
However, Engardio’s absence from this gathering, despite being a fellow moderate, was notable.
With their budget considerably less than before, expectations for ambitious marketing initiatives like the past “That’s Fentlife” advertisements may be overly optimistic.
Nonetheless, this shift affords continued opportunities for political consultants catering to centrist inclinations in San Francisco’s dynamic political landscape.
image source from：sfist
