BBK Partner Christine Wood Sheds Light on the Future of Private-Public Partnerships

Best Best & Krieger LLP (BBK) Partner Christine Wood authored an article published in the February 20, 2025 issue of The Daily Journal offering perspective on San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie’s proposed plan that tests “trickle-down economics.” 

Lurie’s plan is focused on securing private donations in order to confront issues such as homelessness, drug overdoses, mental health services and public safety. However, Wood highlights a key issue with Lurie’s plan, the Behested Payment Ordinance, prohibiting City officials from soliciting donations from vendors or lobbyists as it calls into question whether or not private donations are ethical. 

While the Behested Payment Ordinance should be kept under consideration, Wood provides insight into an exception making these donations possible. Although the Board of Supervisors approved Lurie’s waiver, there are still several requirements in place for donations over $5,000, which must be reported. 

Wood emphasizes the importance of transparency around these donations to assuage any concerns of bribery. In addition, Wood concludes by affirming that private-public partnerships can be valuable, but must always be carried out with utmost transparency to avoid corruption or quid pro quo arrangements.

Daily Journal subscribers can read the full article here.