sf.citi’s PICK OF GOVERNOR NEWSOM’S TOP TECH POLICY PROPOSALS
Less than two months into his governorship, newly elected California Governor Gavin Newsom has shaken up the state with a number of tech-centric policy proposals. There’s so many, in fact, that sf.citi curated a list of our top five tech initiatives introduced by Governor Newsom to date.
Our list includes proposals that could likely affect tech companies and their employees in San Francisco, such as changes to paid parental leave, consumer data, and housing development. We’ve also highlighted policies that attempt to use technology to improve government services, including state procurement and payment methods at the DMV.
One Tech Policy Proposal to Watch: Data Dividends
During his “State of the State” address, Governor Newsom floated the idea of “data dividends” to distribute wealth generated from consumer data. Though the exact nature of this suggested legislation remains unclear, Governor Newsom’s proposal would explore ways to compensate California residents for providing personal data to tech companies.
Learn more about what Governor Newsom has in mind for tech in the blog below.
Governor Newsom’s Tech Policy Proposals
HOW TECH CELEBRATED BLACK HISTORY MONTH
sf.citi was proud to see many of our member companies find creative ways to celebrate Black History Month. Before February comes to an end, we wanted to highlight a few of these initiatives led by sf.citi members.

Google dedicated its February 1st Google Doodle to abolitionist Sojourner Truth (pictured above) Photo by Battle Creek CVB via Flickr
We have noticed a growing number of tech companies using their platforms to draw awareness to significant civic and community developments. Back in November, for example, we showcased ways sf.citi member companies supported relief efforts for Camp Fire victims. Tech companies continued the trend of giving back to the community for Black History Month. Here’s a sampling of what sf.citi members did to celebrate:
- Airbnb released its inaugural Black Travel List, which highlights “Black travel leaders that are raising awareness for travelers in their community and beyond while breaking barriers.”
- Alaska Airlines pledged to increase the number of female African American pilots over the next six years across Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air.
- Both Lyft and Uber have been offering passengers discounted and/or free rides to visit Black history museums, memorials, cultural sites, and more in cities across the U.S. In San Francisco, Lyft and Uber passengers can use promo codes to visit the African American Arts and Culture Complex, the Martin Luther King Memorial, and the Museum of the African Diaspora.
- Twitter created a custom emoji to accompany the #BlackHistoryMonth hashtag.
GETTING TO KNOW SUPERVISOR MANDELMAN—IN THREE MINUTES OR LESS
sf.citi conducted an exclusive interview with District 8 Supervisor Rafael Mandelman to hear his thoughts on how tech can partner with the city, and vice versa.
We have had the pleasure of hosting Supervisor Mandelman at two sf.citi Lunch and Learn discussions, first when he was a candidate running for the District 8 seat and then as an elected official. During both of our conversations, Supervisor Mandelman told sf.citi members about his plans to tackle homelessness, improve the city’s transportation system, and build more affordable housing.
Following our most recent discussion with Supervisor Mandelman at Postmates, sf.citi talked further with the Supervisor to explore more avenues of collaboration between the city’s tech community and policymakers. Supervisor Mandelman said conversations like those facilitated by sf.citi are a great start, and even shared his ideas for the next big San Francisco app.
Full Interview with Supervisor Mandelman
DID YOU KNOW?
Last week, Executive Director of Larkin Street Youth Services and sf.citi One City Forum Co-Chair, Sherilyn Adams, received the James Irvine Foundation Leadership Award. She was one of five recipients recognized for spearheading “breakthrough solutions to critical challenges to improve people’s lives, create opportunity and contribute to a better California.” Learn more about Sherilyn and her incredible work with Larkin Street here.
BUZZ | #MEMBERNEWS
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