Reports indicate that the San Francisco Parks Alliance, known for supporting city parks and community groups, is on course for dissolution, amid allegations of financial mismanagement and ensuing city investigations. A source privy to the developments within the nonprofit suggested that the organization is preparing to cease operations and lay off staff, as outlined by The San Francisco Standard. This impending shuttering puts numerous partner organizations in limbo and points to a significant shakeup in managing fiscal sponsorships for various community entities devoted to enhancing San Francisco's recreational spaces.
Falling into disfavor after the delayed reimbursement of funds to community partners and the admission of misused donations, the SF Parks Alliance siphoned at least $3.8 million intended for specific projects into its operational coffers. Louise Mozingo, board chair of the alliance, revealed the diversion of funds in an email and acknowledged that the "nonprofit may be left with no choice but to close down," according to the San Francisco Chronicle. Investigations have since been opened by the city and district attorneys, digging deeper into the financial discrepancies.
These events come on the heels of a past corruption scandal involving former Public Works head Mohammed Nuru, which spurred the creation of a monitoring program. During this period, the SF Parks Alliance's role in the potential facilitation of corrupt activities was scrutinized, despite the organization not being accused directly of any wrongdoing. Mayor Daniel Lurie has paused all city contracts with the nonprofit pending an extensive audit.
