From The San Francisco Standard · · 1m 40s
Lurie fires innovation staff after $7M Bloomberg grant
Mayor Lurie's innovation office cuts most staff despite $7M Bloomberg grant meant to grow team.
In brief
Mayor Lurie's innovation office cuts most staff despite $7M Bloomberg grant meant to grow team. Mayor Daniel Lurie's office fired six of ten innovation staff after receiving a $7 million Bloomberg grant intended to expand the team. Originally reported by The San Francisco Standard.
Bloomberg grant for innovation team
San Francisco received a $7 million grant from Bloomberg Philanthropies to expand its innovation team.
Lurie fires most staff
Mayor Daniel Lurie's office fired six of ten innovation staff members this week.
No severance or details
Fired employees received no severance, and the office didn't answer questions about notices or health coverage.
Grant conditions unmet
The grant requires the city to raise $2.33 million in matching funds and meet other conditions.
Payment schedule delayed
A second payment of up to $2.38 million was scheduled for November 1 but may not have been received.
Office shifted priorities
The innovation office changed its focus from technology projects to neighborhood policies and safety.
Staffing changes
The office lost its director and overseeing chief, with most staff eliminated in less than a year.
PermitSF unaffected
The mayor's office said the firings have 'nothing to do with PermitSF' and 'no impact on that project'.
Lurie's response
Lurie's spokesperson said the office should use 'cutting-edge technology' to improve city services.
Original team size
The grant was meant to expand a six-person team to ten staff members.
Funding gap
The city reported no fundraising had occurred by January, despite expecting $1.5 million to $2 million.
Shift in leadership
The innovation office changed hands twice this year, with leadership shifting between staff members.
What matters most
Mayor Daniel Lurie's office fired six of ten innovation staff after receiving a $7 million Bloomberg grant intended to expand the team.
