About the Public Financing Program
In adopting Prop. O on the November 2000 ballot, San Francisco voters created a voluntary system of limited public financing for candidates to the Board of Supervisors. The program was extended in 2006 to include Mayoral candidates. The program is designed to strengthen the accountability of City candidates to the voters who elect them. Candidates who meet established criteria can qualify to receive limited amounts of public funds for their campaigns and can spend less time fundraising and more time discussing issues important to their constituents. By increasing the importance of relatively small, individual contributions in election campaigns, public financing systems help encourage new and diverse voices among candidates as well as those whom they are elected to represent.
Under the program, candidates certified as eligible to receive public financing may receive up to the following amounts in public funds: $1,200,000 (Non-Incumbent Mayoral Candidates), $1,185,500 (Incumbent Mayoral Candidates), $255,000 (Non-Incumbent Supervisorial Candidates) or $252,000 (Incumbent Supervisorial Candidates).
Public Financing Disbursements
- November 8, 2022 Election
- November 3, 2020 Election
- November 5, 2019 Election
- November 6, 2018 Election
- June 5, 2018 Election
- November 8, 2016 Election
- November 3, 2015 Election
- November 4, 2014 Election
- November 5, 2013 Election
- November 6, 2012 Election
- November 8, 2011 Election
- November 2, 2010 Election
- November 4, 2008 Election
Public Financing Reports
San Francisco Campaign and Governmental Conduct Code Section 1.156 requires the Ethics Commission to produce a report following the election.
- Report on San Francisco’s Public Campaign Financing Program November 8, 2022 Election
- Report on San Francisco’s Public Campaign Financing Program November 3, 2020 Election
- Report on San Francisco’s Public Campaign Financing Program November 5, 2019 Election
- Report on San Francisco’s Public Campaign Financing Program June 5, 2018 and November 6, 2018 Elections
- Report on Limited Public Financing Program for the November 2016 Election
- Report on the 2015 Limited Public Financing Program
- Report on the 2014 Limited Public Financing Program
- Report on the 2012 Limited Public Financing Program
- Report on the 2011 Limited Public Financing Program
- Report on the 2010 Limited Public Financing Program
- Report on the 2008 Limited Public Financing Program and A Feasibility and Costs Study of a Full Public Financing Program
- Report on the 2007 Mayoral Public Financing Program and A Feasibility and Costs Study of a Full Public Financing Program
- Report on the 2006 Limited Public Financing Program
- Report on the 2004 Limited Public Financing Program
- Report on the 2002 Limited Public Financing Program